Trading Standards is warning consumers to be wary of cold callers pressuring them to pay to have spray foam insultation removed – insulation that in many cases was only installed in the last couple of years.

The warning follows a recent increase in the number of complaints about the way these products and services are sold.  

Last year Heart of the South West Trading Standards warned householders that some businesses were aggressively selling spray foam insulation, irrespective of whether it was suitable for the property or not. 

Customers were being cold called, and often pressured into unnecessary work costing thousands of pounds.  

Now Trading Standards says that it has noticed a steep rise in complaints about cold callers offering to remove the insulation.

These companies often call consumers out of the blue, claiming that the insulation that was put in was incorrect and will cause problems with insurance, damp and future house sales. 

Often the original company that installed the insulation will have ‘disappeared’ or stopped trading and the ‘new’ company will offer to come to the rescue and remove it - for a price. 

In reality these two companies are sometimes either one and the same or have close links and have passed on details of who to target. 

While spray foam does lead to problems if applied incorrectly or on a property that isn’t appropriate, it is important that consumers are aware that these new companies are not always legitimate. 

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities for Torbay Council, said: “We are concerned to hear that there has been an increase in cold calls and unsolicited phone calls towards residents putting them under pressure to have work done on their homes that may not be necessary. It is vital that residents remain vigilant towards cold callers and listen to the advice from Trading Standards on this.

“Don’t forget as well that you can also get advice from our partners Exeter Community Energy (ECOE) on home insulation and a range of other energy saving measures. You can find out more on their website or call them on 0800 772 3617 or email healthyhomes@ecoe.org.uk

Rosie Rowe from Heart of the South West Trading Standards, said: “Always be cautious if you are cold called or receive an unsolicited phone call about your insulation. Ask yourself how the caller can have known that you had this product in your loft. 

“Do your own research before agreeing to any further work and seek an independent expert opinion on whether it needs to be removed. 

“The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors has produced a consumer guide for spray foam, and their website allows you to search for a qualified, professional surveyor in your area.” 

The guide can be found on the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors website.

“Don’t be pressured into agreeing anything over the phone or on the doorstep,” says Rosie.  “If you do decide that the insulation needs to be removed, check for membership of reputable trade associations or trader accreditation schemes like Trading Standards “Buy with Confidence” scheme.”

Visit the Heart of the South West Trading Standards website for more information.