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 Consumer groups have advised homeowners not to install spray foam insulation because of the risks associated with incorrect installation and has written to government outlining their concerns.  

Five of the top 20 lenders, TSB Bank, Skipton Building Society, Co-operative Bank, Principality and equity release lender Aviva, will not lend on properties where spray foam insulation is installed. Metro Bank and Yorkshire Building Society said they would ‘not usually’ lend where there is a ‘significant amount of spray foam.’

 Understanding the risks of spray foam insulation, dealing with mortgage rejections, or navigating legal disputes can be overwhelming. Our expert advice helps homeowners make informed decisions while safeguarding property value and structural integrity. 

 The UK government confirmed in 2022 that it would not intervene in cases where spray foam insulation led to mortgage refusals or property devaluation—leaving homeowners to deal with the consequences alone. 

In December 2020, a couple who claimed they were exposed to toxic chemicals after spray foam insulation was installed in their home have been awarded some €2 million damages by a High Court judge.

Mr Justice Kevin Cross said he had come to the conclusion, beyond any doubt whatsoever, that Patrick and Anita Duffy sustained “life-altering serious injuries as a result of exposure to chemicals.”

The probable cause was the foam that had been injected into the roof, he found.

He found the injuries were caused beyond a reasonable doubt by exposure to the product as sprayed by the insulation installers.

On the balance of probabilities, he found, due to the nature and extent of the Duffy's injuries, it was due to exposure to Isocyanate.

Question raised by Tom Gordon MP, (Harrogate and Knaresborough) Liberal Democrat.

The green homes grant voucher scheme was introduced in July 2020 under the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The scheme was part of the Department’s green recovery from the pandemic and promised to contribute to the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Some £1.5 billion of funding was made available by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to offer homeowners the opportunity to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. Individual homeowners could apply for up to £5,000 of funding to cover two thirds of the cost of eligible energy efficiency measures.

Chris Clements a BBC Scotland reports

 July 2025

Homeowners need stronger protections against rogue traders and scammers capitalising on green energy schemes, according to Scotland's consumer body.

Consumer Scotland warned that more people were likely to be targeted with scams such as unsuitable insulation as the country transitions to low or zero-emissions heating over the next two decades.

It has called on both Scottish and UK governments to ensure stronger regulation of the industry including accreditation for traders and a streamlined complaints process.