The Mis-selling of Spray Foam Insulation in Cornwall

The mis-selling of Spray Foam Insulation in Cornwall: What You Need to Know and How to Claim Compensation

In Cornwall, many homeowners have been led to believe that spray foam insulation is a quick and cost-effective solution to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. However, the mis-selling of spray foam insulation has become a growing concern. Incorrect installation and failure to follow the required industry standards can lead to serious issues such as damp, mould, wood rot, and long-term damage to the building fabric.

If you have had spray foam installed and are now facing problems, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Understanding the relevant standards and guidelines for proper spray foam installation is key to recognising whether your installation was done correctly or if it was mis-sold.

Understanding the Standards: PAS 2030, PAS 2035, and BS 5250

Three important standards govern the proper installation of energy efficiency measures like spray foam insulation: PAS 2030, PAS 2035, and BS 5250. Below is a breakdown of these standards and how they relate to spray foam installation.

PAS 2030:2019 – Installation of Energy Efficiency Measures

PAS 2030:2019 focuses on the installation of energy efficiency measures in existing buildings, ensuring that installations are done competently and in a way that enhances the building’s overall performance without introducing new risks.

Key Points Relevant to Spray Foam Insulation:

Moisture Management: PAS 2030 requires installers to assess moisture risk before applying spray foam insulation. Improper application can create moisture build-up, leading to damp, rot, and other structural issues.
Installation Compliance: Installers must follow all guidelines to ensure proper installation, including the correct placement of ventilation systems, to prevent trapping moisture in the roof or walls.
Building Compatibility: PAS 2030 stresses that spray foam should be compatible with the existing building materials and structure. This is especially critical for heritage buildings, where traditional materials require more careful handling.

spray foam compensation miss selling cornwall

The above image shows a gable-end of a semi-detached home in Newquay; the ventilation brick has been covered by the foam, increasing the potential for condensation within the loft space due to a lack of air flow.

PAS 2035:2019 – Retrofitting Dwellings for Improved Energy Efficiency

PAS 2035:2019 provides a holistic approach to retrofitting homes for energy efficiency. It requires a comprehensive evaluation of the entire building’s performance and ensures that any energy measures, including spray foam insulation, do not cause unintended issues like moisture damage.

Key Points Relevant to Spray Foam Insulation:

Whole-House Approach: PAS 2035 requires that the entire building be considered when installing energy measures like spray foam. This includes ensuring that insulation doesn’t interfere with moisture control systems or natural ventilation.
Ventilation and Moisture Risk: Proper ventilation is a must. PAS 2035 outlines the need to prevent condensation, which can be exacerbated by improperly applied spray foam.
Heritage Buildings: Special consideration must be given to historic properties. Spray foam may not be suitable for these structures due to the risk of trapping moisture and causing long-term damage to timber and other materials.

Spray foam in eaves no ventilation Cornwall

The above image is typical of a spray foam install in a Cornish home, with the foam applied into the eaves – stopping eaves ventilation which interferes with natural evaporation and traps moisture within the loft space.

BS 5250:2011 – Code of Practice for the Control of Condensation in Buildings

BS 5250 provides specific guidelines for controlling moisture and condensation in buildings. This standard is particularly important for roofing and insulation, where condensation can lead to structural damage and damp-related issues.

Key Points Relevant to Spray Foam Insulation:

Ventilation Requirements: BS 5250 provides prescriptive guidance for warm-pitched roofs. Spray foam insulation should not be applied directly to the underlay without adequate ventilation between the foam and the roof. The recommended ventilation void must be at least 40mm deep (25mm for the void plus 15mm for the drape of the underlay) to allow airflow. Ventilation is also required at high (ridge) and low (eaves) levels to ensure proper air circulation throughout the roof space. This is critical for preventing moisture build-up, which can lead to timber rot and structural damage.
Moisture Risk Management: BS 5250 highlights the importance of proper moisture management in buildings. Applying spray foam without adequate ventilation can trap moisture, leading to condensation and decay in the roof structure. This can cause serious long-term damage, including timber rot, mould growth, and general deterioration of the building’s structural integrity.
Compatibility with Building Structure: BS 5250 advises ensuring that the insulation is compatible with the building’s materials. In older buildings, particularly those built with breathable materials, non-breathable spray foam can create serious problems by preventing the escape of moisture. For historic or heritage properties, it is important to ensure that the insulation will not trap moisture in the roof or walls, causing damp-related issues and damage to the building fabric.

The above image represents a typical spray foam installation in a Cornish home, with the foam applied directly to the underside of a high resistance (non breathable) membrane – the lack of ventilation gap below the membrane as well as no additional low (eaves) and high (ridge) level ventilation goes against BS 5250.

Common Installer Errors and Their Consequences

Despite the clear guidelines outlined in PAS 2030, PAS 2035, and BS 5250, many installers, including companies have made common errors when installing spray foam insulation, leading to serious consequences for homeowners.

Common Installer Errors:

1: Failure to Provide Proper Ventilation
Many installers apply spray foam directly onto the underlay, without creating the required ventilated voids between the foam and the roof structure. This prevents airflow, leading to trapped moisture and condensation, which can cause timber rot, mould growth, and structural damage. The absence of ventilation at both the ridge (high) and eaves (low) levels exacerbates this problem.

2: Non-compliance with Moisture Risk Guidelines
Installers often fail to conduct proper moisture risk assessments before installing spray foam, leading to issues with condensation and moisture build-up within the building fabric.

3: Incompatible Installation in Heritage Properties
Spray foam can be unsuitable for traditional and heritage properties. Many installers have ignored the unique needs of these buildings, leading to damp and decay in the roof structure as a result of non-breathable insulation that traps moisture inside.

Health and Safety Risks – Guidance From The HSE

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has outlined the risks associated with spray foam installation, particularly with regards to a lack of ventilation.

You can find this document here – Spray foam insulation applied to timber sloped roofs in dwellings

How to Claim Compensation for Mis-sold Spray Foam Insulation

If you believe that your spray foam insulation was mis-sold or incorrectly installed, leading to damage in your home, you may be entitled to compensation. Here’s what you can do:

1: Document the Issues
Take photos and record any damage caused by the spray foam insulation, including damp spots, mould growth, or rot. Keep track of any communications with the installer.

2: Get a Professional Survey
Hire an independent surveyor or building expert (such as Kernow Insulation) to assess the installation and confirm if the spray foam was applied correctly and in compliance with PAS 2030, PAS 2035, and BS 5250.

3: Contact the Installer
If the company is still in business, contact them directly to request remediation. If they are unresponsive, refer to any warranties or guarantees provided during the installation.

4: File a Complaint with Trading Standards
If you believe the company mis-sold the product or violated installation standards, file a complaint with Trading Standards. They will investigate the issue and, if necessary, take legal action against the company.

5: Legal Action for Compensation
If the installer refuses to cooperate, or the company has gone out of business, you can seek legal advice to pursue compensation. Legal action can help recover the costs of repairs, removal, and other associated damages caused by poor installation.

The mis-selling of spray foam insulation is a serious issue that can lead to costly damage to your home and its structure. By understanding the guidelines set out in PAS 2030, PAS 2035, and BS 5250, you can determine if your installation was done incorrectly. If you’re facing problems from spray foam insulation, it’s important to act quickly—document the issues, seek professional advice, and explore your options for compensation.

If you need assistance with spray foam removal or need to know your rights, don’t hesitate to contact a professional spray foam removal service in Cornwall and pursue the proper legal action for compensation.

Why Choose Kernow Insulation?

At Kernow Insulation, we are committed to safeguarding your property. Our services include:

Professional Spray Foam Removal in Cornwall: Using specialist tools and techniques to safely remove insulation without damaging your roof.
Sustainable Insulation Solutions: Replacing spray foam with breathable, high-performance materials tailored to your building’s needs.
Roofing Expertise: We understand the unique requirements of older properties, including the importance of proper ventilation, and work to ensure their long-term preservation.

Contact Us Today

If you’re experiencing issues with spray foam insulation or need advice on better insulating your property, get in touch with Kernow Insulation. Let us help you create a warmer, healthier, and more energy-efficient home without compromising your building’s integrity.