What you need to know about loft insulation
Loft insulation scams often involve high-pressure sales tactics and misleading claims about the need for, or benefits of, insulation upgrades, sometimes targeting older homeowners.
Scammers may cold call, claiming to represent legitimate organisations or use scare tactics about health risks related to existing insulation. They may also falsely claim to be working with government or official sounding schemes or endorse specific products and pressurise homeowners to waive their cooling off rights.
How the scams work
- False Claims: Cold callers, sometimes using names similar to legitimate organizations, claim the existing insulation (often spray foam) is causing damp, structural problems, or issues with insurance or property sales.
- Pressure Tactics: Scammers pressure homeowners into agreeing to removal and replacement, often on the spot, and may demand immediate payment.
- "Free" Inspections: Scammers may offer a free loft survey, but this is often a tactic to identify potential victims and pressure them into unnecessary work.
- The Disappearing Act: The original company that installed the insulation may have disappeared or stopped trading, making it harder to verify claims or seek redress.
- "Rescue" Offer: The same or linked company may then offer to remove the "faulty" insulation, usually at a significant cost.
Your rights
- When you arrange a service online, over the phone, or by a salesman visiting your home, you have a 14-day cooling-off period? This means you can cancel for any reason and get your money back!
- Your 14-day cooling-off period starts the day after you agree to the contract, whether it's written down or a verbal agreement.
- Warning! – High pressured sales tactics ask that you waive these rights for a special price – Don’t! The only time you should waive these rights is if you need an immediate repair e.g. a plumbing leak or a locksmith if you are locked out your house.
Our top tips
- Be wary of cold calls: Reputable companies don't typically rely on cold calling to generate business.
- Verify credentials: Always check the legitimacy of any company before agreeing to any work.
- Get a second opinion: Don't feel pressured to decide immediately. Get a second opinion from a trusted professional.
- Be cautious of scare tactics: Don't be pressured by claims about health risks or insurance issues.
- Research insulation: Understand the potential benefits and drawbacks before considering it.
- Don't be afraid to say no: If you're not interested, tell the company you don't want to be contacted further.
Reporting dodgy sellers
This applies to those selling goods or services such as loft insulation
- If you feel like you’re in danger at any point, you should call the police on 999 or on the non-emergency number 101.
- You can who can pass complaints to your local Trading Standards authority.
- Report scam or spam texts to your mobile phone provider by forwarding the message to 7726.
- If you've been scammed out of any money, contact your bank immediately and report the scam to or call the police on 101