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Can You Sue for Spray Foam Insulation? Legal Options in the UK (2025)

May 31, 2025

Spray foam insulation was once touted as an energy-saving revolution—but for many UK homeowners, it’s become a legal headache. Misleading sales tactics, property damage, and mortgage issues have left thousands wondering: can I sue for spray foam insulation? In this guide, we explain your legal rights in 2025, how claims are handled, and what steps to take.

1. When Does Spray Foam Become a Legal Issue?

Spray foam becomes a potential legal issue when it causes or contributes to:

  • Hidden damage (damp, rot, or timber decay)
  • Mortgage rejections or down-valuations
  • Breach of contract by an installer
  • Mis-selling by sales reps or insulation firms
  • Poor workmanship or non-compliance with BBA standards

If your property value has dropped or you’ve been financially affected, legal action may be available.

2. Who Can You Sue Over Spray Foam Insulation?

Legal claims may be brought against:

  • The insulation installer (for negligence or breach of contract)
  • The sales company (for misrepresentation)
  • A third-party surveyor or advisor (if they incorrectly approved the installation)
  • Warranty or insurance providers (for failure to honour cover)

It’s common for homeowners to start with a complaint to the installer, escalate to a solicitor, or in some cases pursue action via the Financial Ombudsman or small claims court.

Related: Is Spray Foam Insulation Legal in the UK?

3. What Counts as Mis-Selling Spray Foam?

You may have a case for mis-selling if:

  • You were told the foam wouldn’t affect your mortgage
  • The installer guaranteed it wouldn’t cause damp (and it did)
  • You weren’t made aware of potential downsides or structural risks
  • You were sold a closed-cell foam product without a ventilation plan

Keep all documents, email chains, and sales literature—these are crucial for proving your case.

4. Are There Group Actions or Class-Action Lawsuits in the UK?

Yes. As of 2025, several UK law firms are gathering evidence for potential group litigation involving:

  • Mis-sold foam under government grant schemes
  • Installers that used substandard materials
  • Surveyors that issued misleading certificates

To join a group action, you typically need to register your details and evidence. Your eligibility may depend on the installation date, company involved, and resulting damage.

5. How to Start a Legal Claim for Spray Foam

Here’s what to do if you're ready to take legal action:

  1. Get an independent inspection (e.g. RICS surveyor or spray foam expert)
  2. Request your installation paperwork from the company
  3. Gather proof of damage (photos, reports, correspondence)
  4. Seek legal advice — ideally from a solicitor with housing or consumer protection experience
  5. Explore free support via Citizens Advice, Resolver, or your local Trading Standards office

6. Will Legal Action Help with Mortgage or Sale Issues?

Legal action won’t automatically change a mortgage lender’s decision—but proving negligence or mis-selling may:

  • Force the company to pay for removal
  • Entitle you to compensation for devaluation or failed sales
  • Improve your position when negotiating with insurers or buyers

In some cases, homeowners are awarded thousands in damages or full-cost removal refunds.

Need help removing spray foam? Visit our Spray Foam Removal Service or view our local experts in Aberdare.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sue if spray foam ruined my roof?
Yes, if the damage was caused by poor workmanship or a failure to follow building standards.

What if the installer went out of business?
You may still have recourse via insurance, credit card chargeback, or warranty claim.

How long do I have to sue over spray foam?
Generally 6 years from the installation or discovery of the problem, but consult a solicitor.

Is suing worth the stress?
It can be — particularly if your property is now unsellable or you’ve incurred major costs.

Do I need a lawyer?
Not always — you can start with Citizens Advice or use small claims court under £10,000.


Need expert help first? Speak to our removal team or check your local coverage: View All Areas

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