31st July 2026
There have been more reports of rogue traders offering to carry out 'free' loft surveys, supposedly on behalf of the government. They then go on to provide misleading information about the existing insulation in the property.
Last week one couple was phoned by a woman who claimed her company was in the local area carrying out loft insulation checks on behalf of the Scottish Government.
They agreed to have the inspection carried out and were visited by representatives of the company the following day. The 'surveyor' went into their loft, then told them he had found significant condensation in the woodwork that could cause part of the roof to rot if left untreated.
He offered to install a new ventilation system and replace the insulation, as well as applying an 'anti-mould' treatment, for a total cost of almost £4,000.
Although the couple were unsure whether to go ahead with the work, the 'surveyor' contacted them several times over the next few days and eventually convinced them to agree to sign the contract. The couple has limited mobility and were unable to go into the loft to check it for themselves.
Once the work had been completed, the couple's son discovered that the company had installed vents by punching holes through the roof and removing tiles. They had not installed new insulation or applied any anti-mould treatment.
Another couple was cold called and then visited by someone who said they were a surveyor and told them they would qualify for VAT-free loft insulation as they were over 65. He inspected their existing glass wool insulation and said he had found significant issues including condensation, damp and mould. He advised that they should have it removed and replaced with a foil wrap insulation, at a cost of over £5,000.
He claimed that the products he was selling were endorsed by the 'British Lung Foundation' and said the charity recommends urgently replacing fibreglass insulation because a 'recent study' carried out by them found it is ‘extremely harmful’ to lung health.
There is no evidence that these health risks exist.
Asthma and Lung UK (which replaced the British Lung Foundation in 2020) says it doesn't endorse any insulation products and has never suggested that any loft insulation material is unsafe.
How to Avoid
Don't deal with cold callers who offer a 'free' loft inspection - they may try to sell you energy saving or home improvement measures that you don’t actually need and which won’t provide any benefit.
If you are told about serious defects in your house or shown pictures of mould in your roof space, get a second opinion before starting any work.
If you are concerned about your existing insulation or any other energy saving measures in your home, seek impartial advice from trusted companies rather than cold callers or online adverts. Have an impartial assessment carried out to determine which energy saving measures will actually benefit your home.
Don't provide any information to a cold caller and avoid arranging to make an appointment for a salesperson to visit your home.
If a cold caller claims to be working for or with the local council, hang up and phone the council to verify their identity.
Do plenty of research before making a decision - don't agree to make any payments for goods or services on the spot
Find certified installers of renewables systems in Scotland via the Renewables Installer Finder: installerfinder.energysavingtrust.org.uk
Find members of the Renewable Energy Consumer Code, who have agreed to abide by the Consumer Code. This covers all the factors that contribute to a high standard of consumer service, before, during and after a contract is agreed: www.recc.org.uk/scheme/members
The Microgeneration Certification Scheme certifies, quality assures and provides consumer protection for microgeneration installations and installers. These consist of small scale renewable electricity technologies such as solar PV, biomass, wind, heat pumps and heat products: https://mcscertified.com
The Home Insulation and Energy Sytems Contractors Scheme (HIES) is a consumer protection code covering the installation of renewable energy products. Any products installed by HIES Members must be according to Code standards: www.hiesscheme.org.uk
You can find companies and traders who have been vetted by Trading Standards and who have made a commitment to treat their customers fairly at www.approvedtrader.scot.
Home Energy Scotland advisors can help you understand which energy efficiency measures and low carbon or renewable technology improvements are right for your home. Home Energy Scotland is funded by the Scottish Government to provide free and impartial advice on energy efficiency measures - call them free on 0808 808 2282 or visit www.homeenergyscotland.org.
Scams should be reported to Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or through their website: www.consumeradvice.scot
Find out More
Home Energy Scotland: www.homeenergyscotland.org
Leaflet on insulation: https://www.tsscot.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Insulation-A5-Leaflet.pdf
Trading Standards Scotland website: www.tsscot.co.uk/priority-areas/energy-marketing-scams