Spray foam insulation consumer guide from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors doesn’t say how to remove it despite scourge of cowboy firms

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Guidance on spray foam insulation has been published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) but does not contain information about removing it.

About 250,000 homeowners have insulated lofts with polyurethane foam to help slash energy bills. 

But the industry has been plagued by cowboy firms which have put properties at risk of fire, condensation and rot after installation.

Quick fix: Around 250,000 homeowners have insulated lofts with spray polyurethane foam to help slash energy bills

The sector is unregulated, leaving homeowners without clear guidance. Rics reveals how to effectively install the insulation, but offers no tips on removal. 

However, if you have the right paperwork and risk assessment, your foam is unlikely to need removing.

A mortgage lender or Rics surveyor can inspect your home to make sure the foam was installed correctly. Find a Rics surveyor on ricsfirms.com.

How to find a good insulation tradesperson

• Many tradespeople will be able to do professional insulation work, but if you want more peace of mind then look for installers who are members of the NIA

• Workers who sign up to the NIA agree to stick to membership requirements and industry standards

• You can search for a qualified insulation installer here

• For cavity wall insulation, you can also find professional tradespeople at the CIGA and the British Board of Agrément

Check that the tradesperson you use has agreed to a code of practice. CIGA tradespeople give a 25-year guarantee for the work they do

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