Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
Hundreds of UK homeowners have been left unable to sell their properties due to problems with spray foam insulation installed under a government grant scheme. The Green Homes Grant scheme ran in England and saw insulation completely subsidised for those on certain benefits. However, around 250,000 homes in the UK now have the type of insulation that is raising red flags with mortgage lenders due to concerns over poor fittings. Some homeowners are now resorting to having the insulation removed. Liberal Democrat MP Tom Gordon has written to the energy secretary calling for “decisive action”, while the Department for Housing has said it is consulting with lenders.
After BBC research found that a quarter of the UK’s biggest lenders are refusing homes where spray foam insulation is found in the roof space, more than 160 people got in touch calling the situation a “betrayal”. Estimates suggest much of this foam was installed under the previous government’s official scheme. If spray foam insulation is fitted poorly, it can restrict air ventilation and put roof timbers at risk of decay. It can also trap moisture. However, industry experts have suggested that spray foam insulation is an effective insulator if properly installed, but they called for urgent action to stop homeowners from needlessly paying to have it removed.
Robbie Anderson was one of the homeowners who felt “taken advantage of” after his house sale fell through despite having the insulation fitted under the Green Homes Grant scheme. The couple are planning to remove the insulation themselves after being quoted £4,000 due to an insurance-backed installation warranty with a minimum of 10 years being required by the buyers’ mortgage provider.
The problems associated with spray foam insulation has led to nationwide caution and for houses with the foam to be refused by mortgage lenders. Rico Wojtulewicz, head of policy at the National Federation of Builders, has called for the government to work with installation companies and homeowners, solve the issue and avoid leaving them with unexpected costs. Meanwhile, the Department for Housing has said any measures fitted under government schemes must be done by a Trustmark-registered installer and to the highest standards, with any issues fixed promptly
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.