Spray foam insulation

ThisIsWeird

TFP_SA said:

My mother [aged 70s] is a homeowner, probably looking to sell up/downsize within the next, say, decade or so.
She recently got a cold call about the removal of spray foam insulation, someone suggesting that she pay them a load of money to get rid of insulation which she'd previously had put in because of the problems it can cause etc. She revealed to me that she in fact had got this done a few years ago, something which I didn't know [I'd barely heard of the stuff, to be honest, though I have now].
I would guess that the company who rang up did so purely on spec, her number may well have found its way onto a list of 'possibly gullible older people's numbers who are worth cold calling', but I am now wondering about this insulation... specifically how she could find out whether it is problematic or not, either from her perspective as an occupant or a future seller.
I don't suppose anyone on here has any great tips on how she should proceed? I shouldn't think that a basic survey would pick something like this up, would it? But... Thanks in advance

Yes, a survey as basic as a surveyor sticking their head up the loft hatch for 5 seconds should spot this. In any case, I think it's now a seller's responsibility to disclose anything that they are aware of that could significantly affect the value of a property - structural issues, for example? Whether this would apply here, I don't know.

Have you seen this 'insulation' yourself? Do you know what's actually been done? Where, exactly? Any chance of some pics?

And, can you see what info your mum has about the company that did it - including quotes, invoices, certs, any comms, whatevs. Are they still operating?

When, exactly, was the work done? And does she have Legal Protection included in her house insurance?

FreeBear

fluffymuffy said:

ComicGeek said:

For me at the moment this is the biggest disgrace in the industry, followed closely by electric boilers and Bear Grylls' water filter nonsense. 

Also Damp Surveyors treatment salesmen

Fixed that for you.. If you take a look at the PCA training, none of their courses require prior qualifications. Most of the courses are three days and are not overseen by any accredited educational standards authority. Have had a run in with one of their "trained" assessors/salesmen...

Claimed that fibreglass loft insulation is a source of mould in the home, and only has a life expectancy of 5-8 years. Could put his hand down inside the cavity in my loft - Solid brick walls up there, so clearly a con artist. Rodriguez is the muppet's name.. And before the PCA lawyers jump in, the idiot was kind enough provide a written "report" repeating his claims.

ComicGeek said:   The Government needs to close them down and prosecute every company that uses spray foam insulation - it should be illegal to buy or use it, that's how harmful it is.

Spray foam does have its place IF done right and the building was designed from the outset to incorporate the stuff. As a retrofit in a loft, totally wrong and demonstrates a very poor understanding of roof design by these [redacted] merchants.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

eddddy said:

I last looked at this about a year ago. At that time, no mortgage lender would lend on a property with spray foam insulation. I doubt the situation has changed.

We had this stuff on the inside of our roof when we purchase, the mortgage company had a list of nit picky things to remedy (although not in order to get the mortgage) such as damp in a flagstone floor, never mentioned the roof (spray foam, top third of the timbers completely rotten, leaks everywhere), I can only assume their surveyor never went in the loft... 

lincroft1710

Every 4 to 6 weeks I get a call from "Brian/Delia/Imogen/James/Hubert" etc, claiming to be the "Local Energy Advisor for my area" and saying that according to the last survey of my loft, its insulation is inadequate (I've never had a "loft survey" in the 26 years I've lived here).


I used to say "Appointed by whom?" which resulted in them instantly ending the call, but now say "If you're trying to sell me that rubbish spray foam insulation, don't bother" and I end the call

Sapindus

lincroft1710 said:

Every 4 to 6 weeks I get a call from "Brian/Delia/Imogen/James/Hubert" etc, claiming to be the "Local Energy Advisor for my area" and saying that according to the last survey of my loft, its insulation is inadequate (I've never had a "loft survey" in the 26 years I've lived here).

They can easily check the EPC register for properties that HAVEN'T been surveyed for a long while - I'm guessing that once loft insulation is installed by a professional, it gets an EPC cert.  So by ringing people who haven't had a professional or sold the house for a long while, or the EPC says insulation "assumed" or "inadequate" they have a good chance of finding people who are susceptible to having it suggested that they should update to the latest sort.  As soon as they get any hint that they're not talking to a vulnerable potential victim, they dial off and move to the next.

theartfullodger

lincroft1710 said:

Every 4 to 6 weeks I get a call from "Brian/Delia/Imogen/James/Hubert" etc, claiming to be the "Local Energy Advisor for my area" and saying that according to the last survey of my loft, its insulation is inadequate (I've never had a "loft survey" in the 26 years I've lived here).


.....

Say in a croaky slow voice you are so grateful for them 'phoning as you've not spoken to anyone for over a week apart from one unhelpful shop assistant. And could they help with your medical problems....

YoungBlueEyes

I always say "ooh that does sound very interesting, you must give me every detail. But first let me tell you about my deep and abiding love for Satan".

Every now and again you get a live one, and you do have to produce a bit spiel about Satan though!

ComicGeek

Sapindus said:

lincroft1710 said:

Every 4 to 6 weeks I get a call from "Brian/Delia/Imogen/James/Hubert" etc, claiming to be the "Local Energy Advisor for my area" and saying that according to the last survey of my loft, its insulation is inadequate (I've never had a "loft survey" in the 26 years I've lived here).

They can easily check the EPC register for properties that HAVEN'T been surveyed for a long while - I'm guessing that once loft insulation is installed by a professional, it gets an EPC cert.  So by ringing people who haven't had a professional or sold the house for a long while, or the EPC says insulation "assumed" or "inadequate" they have a good chance of finding people who are susceptible to having it suggested that they should update to the latest sort.  As soon as they get any hint that they're not talking to a vulnerable potential victim, they dial off and move to the next.

You're over thinking it. The EPC register won't have any phone numbers and don't have the building owner's name listed.

The scammers just have a long list of phone numbers, and chances are that some of them called have lofts, and some of those are worried about energy bills. Some of those called could even have had loft insulation installed recently, and have not thought to check it. 

It's just an odds game for the scammers.

TFP_SA

Belatedly, thanks very much for these comments. I've only yesterday met up with my mother face to face, have reviewed the 'receipts' they gave her & so on, looks like a classic scam. I blame myself for not being more involved. Looks like it was paid for on a credit card  but two & a half years ago. I suppose the best she can do is get advice from a reputable firm.

youth_leader

Ah so very sorry.  I'm widowed and in a bungalow and have many trades knocking with various 'offers'.  Don't blame yourself, I wouldn't expect my young adult daughter to feel responsible for my actions.