How to Spot & Avoid Spray Foam Removal Scams: A Homeowner's Checklist
Protect yourself from cowboy contractors targeting desperate homeowners
Why Scammers Target Spray Foam Homeowners
Spray foam creates a perfect storm for scammers: desperate homeowners (facing mortgage rejections or failed sales) + expensive, specialist work (£5,000-£20,000) + knowledge gaps (most people don't understand proper removal methods).
Result: Unqualified contractors charging premium prices for substandard work that won't satisfy lenders.
The Most Common Spray Foam Scams
The "Quick Fix" Chemical Spray Scam
What they claim:
"We can dissolve the foam with a special chemical spray—much faster and cheaper than manual removal. Done in a day!"
The reality:
- ✗ No chemical exists that safely removes cured spray foam without damaging timber
- ✗ Lenders and surveyors explicitly reject chemical removal methods
- ✗ You'll pay for worthless work and still need proper manual removal
- ✗ Chemicals may leave toxic residues or weaken roof structure
Red flag: Any mention of "chemical dissolution," "foam spray remover," or "solvent-based removal."
The "Fake Certification" Scam
What they claim:
"We provide our own certification that your lender will accept. We're approved surveyors."
The reality:
- ✗ Removal contractors CANNOT certify their own work
- ✗ Lenders require independent RICS or PCA surveyor certification
- ✗ Fake certificates are rejected, and you'll need to pay for proper certification anyway
- ✗ Some print official-looking documents that have no legal standing
Red flag: "We certify our own work," "No need for external surveyors," or certificates without RICS/PCA accreditation.
The "Mechanical Scraping" Scam
What they claim:
"We use power tools to scrape the foam off quickly—saves you money on labour."
The reality:
- ✗ Power scraping damages timber, gouges rafters, and removes surface wood
- ✗ Creates false evidence of timber damage that wasn't there originally
- ✗ Lenders reject mechanically removed properties (not compliant with PCA guidance)
- ✗ You'll need to pay for timber repairs caused by the removal method itself
Red flag: Mentioning "power scrapers," "mechanical removal," "grinders," or "faster methods."
The "Unnecessary Roof Replacement" Scam
What they claim:
"Your roof is definitely ruined under that foam. You'll need a complete replacement—we can do both removal and re-roofing for £35,000."
The reality:
- ✗ 70-80% of roofs under spray foam are structurally sound
- ✗ No one can accurately assess damage until foam is removed
- ✗ Massive conflict of interest if the same company does removal AND roofing
- ✗ You're being upsold £20,000-£40,000 of unnecessary work
Red flag: Quoting roof replacement BEFORE removal, "package deals" for removal + new roof, or "we've never seen a roof that didn't need replacing."
The "Deposit Runner" Scam
What they claim:
"We need 75% upfront to order specialist equipment and book our team. This is normal for spray foam work."
The reality:
- ✗ Legitimate contractors never request more than 25-30% upfront
- ✗ They disappear after receiving the deposit
- ✗ Operate under fake company names or dissolve the business immediately
- ✗ Recovering your money is nearly impossible
Red flag: Requesting 50%+ upfront, cash-only payments, pressure to "secure the booking," or no payment plan tied to work milestones.
The "No Insurance" Scam
What they claim:
"We're renewing our insurance next week—we can start now and send the certificate later."
The reality:
- ✗ They have no insurance and never will
- ✗ If they damage your property or injure themselves, YOU are liable
- ✗ Costs can run to tens of thousands in legal liability
- ✗ Your home insurance may not cover uninsured contractors
Red flag: Can't provide insurance certificates immediately, excuses about "renewal periods," or "we're covered under our parent company."
Your Scam-Protection Checklist
Before hiring ANY contractor, verify ALL of these:
If you can't check ALL boxes, DO NOT PROCEED.
How to Verify a Contractor's Credentials
Step 1: Check Companies House
Visit: find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk
- • Verify the company exists and is active (not dissolved)
- • Check director names match who you're dealing with
- • Look for multiple dissolutions/restarts (red flag)
- • Verify registered office address isn't just an accommodation address
Step 2: Verify Insurance
- • Request insurance certificates via email (get written record)
- • Call the insurer directly to confirm policy is active and covers spray foam removal
- • Check expiry dates (must cover your project period)
- • Verify coverage limits (£5M public liability minimum)
Step 3: Contact References
Don't just accept names—actually phone them. Ask:
- • "Was the work completed as quoted, on time and on budget?"
- • "Did lenders/surveyors accept the certification?"
- • "Would you hire them again?"
- • "Any issues or concerns we should know about?"
Warning: Scammers use fake references (friends/family). Ask for project addresses and verify via Land Registry that the reference actually owns/owned the property.
Step 4: Check Online Presence
- • Google the company name + "complaints" or "scam"
- • Check Trustpilot, Checkatrade, Google Reviews (watch for fake reviews)
- • Verify their website has been active for 1+ years (use archive.org)
- • Look for professional memberships (PCA, RICS, Federation of Master Builders)
Warning Signs During the Quote Process
Walk away immediately if you encounter:
Pressure tactics: "This price is only valid if you sign today"
Too good to be true pricing: Quotes 30-50% below competitors
Vague methods: Won't specify exactly how they'll remove the foam
Cash preference: Discounts for cash payments or "no VAT if you pay cash"
No written contract: Just a handshake or verbal agreement
Guarantees lender approval: No contractor can guarantee what lenders will accept
Unprofessional communication: Gmail addresses, poor spelling, no letterhead
⚠️ What To Do If You've Been Scammed
- 1. Stop all payments immediately - Contact your bank to cancel pending transfers or reverse card charges (chargeback)
- 2. Report to Action Fraud - UK's national fraud reporting centre: 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk
- 3. Report to Trading Standards - Via Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133
- 4. Leave reviews - Warn others on Trustpilot, Google, Checkatrade
- 5. Consult a solicitor - For large sums, legal action may be worthwhile
- 6. Check if deposit protection applies - Some trade associations offer deposit insurance schemes
The Safest Way to Find Contractors
Use vetted networks like National Spray Foam Advice where contractors are pre-screened for:
- ✓ Proper insurance and qualifications BEFORE they can join
- ✓ Manual removal methods confirmed
- ✓ Independent certification partnerships verified
- ✓ References checked and validated
- ✓ Company credentials confirmed at Companies House
This doesn't eliminate all risk, but it dramatically reduces the chance of encountering scammers.
Get Quotes from Pre-Screened Specialists
We verify credentials so you don't have to
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