Spray foam insulation guide doesn’t say how to remove it

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.

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. a.cooke@dailymail.co.uk