Trade body launches new branch of membership to help tackle sprayed foam insulation issues

National trade body The Property Care Association (PCA) has established a new membership category, representing specialists with the skills to help householders encountering problems where sprayed foam insulation is installed in pitched roofs.

Homeowners have experienced a number of issues where sprayed foam has been applied in the roof space, including situations where properties have been hard to sell, or were unacceptable for equity release lending, due to potential issues with the installation.

Now, with the new PCA membership category in place, householders will be able to access practical guidance, centred around identification, evaluation and the recommendation of appropriate actions.

James Berry, Deputy Chief Executive of the PCA, comments: “Sprayed foam is a method of insulating within roofs, walls and floors to reduce heat loss through the building envelope.

“It has been used for many years, but its use in pitched roofs has received a lot of negative publicity as many surveying professionals and financial organisations have raised concerns regarding the potential effects of poorly applied or inappropriately specified foam.

“As a result, the presence of spray foam may significantly affect a surveyor’s valuation of a house, with many mortgage companies refusing to lend on such properties.

“For surveyors and property professionals, sprayed foam could potentially pose an issue when evaluating and reporting on the condition of structural roof timbers, ventilation and moisture management.”

The launch of the new membership category comes after the PCA contributed to new guidance in 2022 as part of a cross-industry group, which offered a defined course of action for the inspection of properties with spray roof insulation.

James Berry added “The new membership is a progression from our work two years ago and marks the next step in helping to address householders concerns across the UK.

“Those affected by poor installations had no route to seek advice on how to deal with the issue, but the new PCA membership, which has stringent requirements for entry, means there are now trained and recognised professionals who will be able to provide assistance.”

More information can be found at https://www.property-care.org/homeowners/advice/sprayed-foam

The PCA also offers a sprayed foam course for built environment professionals. More details athttps://www.property-care.org/training-qualifications/courses/timber/evaluating-spray-foam-roof/17618