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03
Oct
2019

Home improvements to help fight climate change

Fighting climate change starts at home. Make one or more of these eco-friendly home improvements to reduce your carbon footprint.

According to the Committee on Climate Change’s report ‘UK housing: Fit for the future?’ domestic energy use accounts for 14% of the UK’s total carbon emissions. 

As well as helping to fight climate change, living more sustainably and reducing your energy consumption can also help you to save money.

Insulate

Over half of domestic energy is used to heat our homes so it’s very important to insulate your home to minimise heat loss. Heat escapes through your home’s walls, roof, floors, windows and doors. Insulating one or more of these areas can help to reduce the amount of energy your home uses, cutting your carbon footprint as well as your energy bills.

Here at Metropolitan Insulation ourspray foam insulationbonds to the structure of your roof, filling and sealing all gaps and cracks to get rid of all air leakages and strengthen your roof’s structure. To find out more, give our team a call on 0800 028 4042.

Low-carbon heating systems

Many homes still use very old and inefficient gas or oil boilers and heating systems. Updating your boiler to a new and efficient model or a renewable energy heating system can significantly reduce your home’s carbon emissions

Solar panels

Installing solar panels on your roof can be very expensive, but the savings you will make on your energy bills should mean that the investment pays for itself over time. The renewable energy you generate can then be used for heating, hot water and electricity in your home.

Energy efficient home appliances

If you’re renovating your kitchen or utility room always shop around for energy efficient appliances. Check the energy ratings label on an appliance before buying, those with A+ ratings are more environmentally friendly and will cost less to run.

Posted by admin in Common Soundproofing Myths, Hotel Soundproofing, How To Soundproof Doors, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation Fire Rated, Insulation Reduce Noise, Metropolitan Insulation, Sound Absorption, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Spray Foam Insulation, Thermal Insulation, Type of insulation
15
Sep
2019

Why and how to eliminate thermal bridges from your property

To effectively insulate a property, it’s important to eliminate thermal bridges.

Sometimes referred to as a cold bridge, a thermal bridge is a weak point in a property’s insulation.

Thermal bridges most commonly occur when there is a gap or hole in a building material where heat loss occurs. They also occur at areas near highly conductive materials like wood, metal and steel. Areas susceptible to thermal bridges include joints between the roof, walls and floor, and holes made for running cables and pipes through the building.

Why eliminate thermal bridges?

Benefits of eliminating thermal bridges from your property include:

  • Decreases heat loss.
  • Makes the property more energy efficient.
  • Makes the property more comfortable.
  • Reduces energy bills.
  • Reduces risk of condensation, mould and damp problems.

How to eliminate thermal bridges from your property

Design and build with thermal bridging in mind– the most effective way to eliminate thermal bridges from your property is to take care when building or decorating to consider thermal bridges in the design and plan. Of course, this doesn’t help with any existing problems.

Fill cracks and gaps– If you discover any cracks or gaps in your property’s structure, then they should be sealed immediately by fixing or filling them.

Replace old windows and doors– Draughty old windows, doors and frames should be replaced with new and energy efficient UPVC versions.

Wall insulation– In some instances, thermal bridges are caused by less obvious problems than a hole in the wall or ceiling. If elements of your building’s structure are causing repeating thermal bridges, you can rectify them by installing wall insulation. Depending on your property type, either cavity wall insulation, external wall insulation, or internal wall insulation may be suitable.

Foam spray insulation – If thermal bridging is present in your roof, spray foam insulation can effectively seal the roof, preventing air leakages and providing a vapour control layer to control condensation.

For more information about spray foam insulation, or to book a free consultation, give our team here at Metropolitan Insulation a call on 0800 028 4042.

Posted by admin in Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Metropolitan Insulation, Soundproofing, Thermal Bridges, Thermal Insulation
03
Sep
2019

What are thermal bridges?

Understanding thermal bridges can help you to strengthen your building’s insulation and minimise heat loss.

When insulating your home, you may hear the term thermal bridge, or cold bridge, thrown around a lot.

Thermal bridges are generally considered bad, so it’s important to understand what one is, so that you can minimise the risk of thermal bridges occurring in your home.

A thermal bridge is a weak point in your building’s insulation that causes heat loss. They are usually caused by a gap or hole in building materials, but also occur at areas made from highly conductive materials like wood, metal and steel.

As well as causing heat loss, thermal bridges can also cause condensation, mould and damp problems.

Types of thermal bridge

Construction– Construction thermal bridges are caused by a piece of construction material or a gap that runs through the building’s insulation.

Geometric– Geometric thermal bridges aren’t formed by physical materials or gaps; they can occur even when insulation is continuous. They are caused when the geometry of the thermal envelope causes increased heat loss and can be either two or three-dimensional.

Combined– Often thermal bridges will combine elements of both construction and geometric thermal bridging.

Repeating– This type of thermal bridge repeats at regular intervals throughout the thermal envelope. Examples of areas where repeating thermal bridges may occur include ceiling joists, ground floor joists, and steel wall ties.

Non-repeating– These are usually one-off thermal bridges caused by discontinuities. Examples include gaps around windows and doors or in internal wall or floor junctions.

Spray insulation is an excellent material for improving thermal insulation as it moulds to the shape of your building, effectively filling and sealing any holes or gaps in your building materials.

For more information about spray foam insulation, or to book a free consultation, give our team here at Metropolitan Insulation a call on 0800 028 4042.

Posted by admin in Choosing Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulation Reduce Noise, Metropolitan Insulation, Noise pollution, Noisy Neighbours, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property
12
Aug
2019

What grant schemes are available in the UK for sound insulation?

If transport noise pollution is disrupting your home life, you may be able to get help with paying for soundproofing with one of these schemes.

Constant exposure to noise pollution can have a negative effect on sleep, health, and wellbeing, it has even been linked to serious health problems like stroke and heart attack.

If you’re suffering from excessive noise pollution at home because of a nearby road or air traffic, then you may be able to receive financial help towards the cost of having sound insulation installed in your home.

Noise pollution from Highways England roads

If the rumbling sound of traffic from a Highways England road is affecting you at home, you may be eligible to apply for sound insulation.

The Highways England noise insulation schemeis available to properties that lie within a Highways England “Noise Important Area” that contains fewer than 10 properties. 

“Noise Important Areas” are the areas that experiences the highest levels of noise from Highways England roads.

If you meet the scheme’s criteria then your property will be assessed and Highways England contractors will carry out the soundproofing work for you, it is not a grant scheme.

Noise pollution from airports

Most airports have noise limits and restrictions on flight paths, to minimise noise and disruption to residents living nearby. Despite these restrictions, noise from aircraft can still be very disrupting and even damaging to the health of those living nearby.

Because of this, UK airports run grant schemes to help those affected by noise pollution to soundproof their homes.

The airport in question will usually have a boundary in place that identifies the properties that are eligible.

Contact your local airport by telephone or check their website to find out details about their scheme and whether you are eligible to help with soundproofing.

For more information about the soundproofing and sound insulationproducts we provide here at Metropolitan Insulation, give our team a call on 0800 028 4042.

Posted by admin in Choosing Insulation, Commercial Property, Common Soundproofing Myths, Energy Saving Installation, Excessive Noise, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Metropolitan Insulation, Noisy Neighbours, Sound Absorption, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing Party Walls, Spray Foam Insulation, Suspended Ceiling Soundproofing, Thermal Insulation
08
Jul
2019

The effect of noise pollution on health and wellbeing

Noise pollution above a certain level is not only disruptive and irritating, it can also be very damaging to health and wellbeing.

We’ve all experienced annoyance due to loud or persistent noises before. But did you know that noise exposure also causes physiological effects within our bodies?

Physiological effects of noise pollution

When noise exceeds a certain level, it can cause constriction of blood vessels and tightening of muscles, this then increases heart rate and blood pressure.

In fact, a study by Dr Yutong Samuel Cai, an epidemiologist at Imperial College London, found that long-term exposure to traffic noise affects our blood biochemistry, over and above the effects of exhaust fumes.

Over time and with prolonged exposure to the noise, these affects can leave us vulnerable to some serious health conditions.

Research has linked long-term exposure to high levels of noise pollution with a variety of serious health problems including:

  • High blood pressure
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Coronary heart disease

According to the World Health Organisation at least 1m healthy life-years are lost every year in western European countries because of environmental noise.

Short-term effects of noise pollution

As well as long-term health problems, in the short-term, exposure to noise pollution can leave us feeling stressed and disrupt our sleep.

Getting enough good quality sleep is extremely important to health and wellbeing, and disrupted sleep can cause symptoms like fatigue, inability to concentrate, and low performance levels.

In children, this can also reduce their cognitive performance and ability to learn. 

Soundproofing your home

If you live in a high noise area, soundproofing your home can help to protect you and your family from the damaging effects of noise pollution.

Here at Metropolitan Insulation we provide a wide range of soundproofing solutionsfor requirements and budgets of all shapes and sizes. 

For further help and advice finding a suitable and effective sound proofing solution, get in touch with our team of experts by calling us on 0800 028 4042.

Posted by admin in Control Sound, Hidden Noise Hazards, Home Insulation, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulation Reduce Noise, Metropolitan Insulation, Noise pollution, Sound Absorption, Sound Insulation for Old Houses, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing, Spray Foam Insulation
08
Jul
2019

5 common sources of external noise pollution

Noise pollution occurs when sounds exceed a certain level and become annoying and harmful to health.

Noise pollution is a common problem in today’s busy, built-up, technology-driven society, particularly within big cities.

Noise pollution created by external sources outside of our homes can be particularly difficult to deal with as we have no control over it, leaving us feeling helpless.

As well as being very annoying, studies have found that being exposed to constant noise pollution can be damaging to health too.

Here are five of the commonest sources of external noise pollution here in the UK.

Airports and flight paths– Living close to an airport can expose you to significant harmful noise pollution. Studies have found that the constant loud noise created by aeroplanes taking off and landing can be very damaging to health. There are noise limits and restrictions on night flights in place at many UK airports to protect those living close by from noise pollution.

Busy roads – According to the European Environment Agency,road traffic is the biggest source of noise pollution in Europe, accounting for about 70% of all noise pollution. In the UK there is no legal limit to road noise. Living close to a busy road can mean being subjected to the hum and noise caused by vehicles all day and all night long with no respite.

Industrial sources– Living close by to industrial businesses or factories can mean being subjected to the sounds of a variety of bangs, crashes, clanks, vehicles, and electrical whirring and buzzing.

Noisy neighbours– Neighbours that constantly play loud music can quickly turn into a constant source of stress and annoyance. As well as noise from domestic neighbours, people living close to busy pubs and bars may also experience high levels of noise pollution from music and anti-social behaviour.

Construction work – Although most construction projects are only temporary, more long-term construction sites can cause people living nearby a real headache. Councils can serve notices to those carrying out construction work to reduce noise nuisance for those living and working nearby.

If external noise pollution is disrupting your home life, you could benefit from soundproofing your property.

Here at Metropolitan Insulation we provide a wide range of different soundproofing productsand solutions to suit any requirements. Get in touch with our team of experts for further help and advice by calling us on 0800 028 4042.

Posted by admin in Excessive Noise, Improved Insulation, Metropolitan Insulation, Sound Insulation Ideas
25
Jun
2019

4 ways to make your roof more weatherproof

Weatherproof your roof to protect your home’s structure and keep dampness at bay.

Your roof is your home’s first line of defence against the elements. Wind, rain, ice and snow will all batter your roof over the years, so it’s important to take measures to ensure that your roof is as weatherproof as possible.

Taking precautions with your roof will help it to effectively protect your home from the weather and save you money and hassle in the long run.

Here are four ways to get started with weatherproofing your roof.

Maintain gutters

One of the commonest causes of roof leaks and damage is blocked or broken guttering. Your gutters protect your roof by directing water away from it. If your gutter becomes blocked or broken, then it will need immediate attention to stop water from overflowing onto your roof. Regularly inspecting, clearing and cleaning your gutters helps to prevent problems occurring. 

Lead flashing

Roof flashing is sheet metal applied to your roof’s joints and edges to seal it and prevent water from leaking in. Flashing plays a very important part in protecting your roof from the rain so it’s important to ensure that it is applied in all the right places and remains in good condition. Flashing comes in a variety of materials including copper, steel and aluminium, but lead flashing is the most durable and long-lasting option.

Repair and maintain tiles

Any cracks or holes in your roof will allow water to seep in, potentially causing expensive damage to your belongings and your property’s structure. Ensure that any cracked or missing tiles are repaired or replaced quickly to avoid further damage occurring. If you feel like damp is regularly making its way into your roof, you may benefit from applying a tile sealer to reinforce your roof and protect from hairline cracks.

Spray foam

Applying spray foam to the underside of your roof is extremely effective at sealing and reinforcing your roof to prevent the ingress of rain, snow and dirt. As well as weatherproofing your roof, spray foam also acts as an excellent thermal insulator, keeping your home warmer and lowering your energy bills.

For more information about our spray foam or to request a free consultation, give our team here at Metropolitan Insulation a call on 0800 028 4042.

Posted by admin in Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation Reduce Noise, Insulation To Last, Metropolitan Insulation, Soundproofing
19
Jun
2019

What is nail sickness and how is it fixed?

If you’re regularly having problems with loose or missing roof tiles, it could be a sign that your roof is suffering with nail sickness.

Nail sickness is a term used to describe the natural deterioration of the nails that hold your roof tiles in place. Over a long period, it is natural for nails to corrode and rust. Unfortunately, if all your roof tiles were attached at the same time you will find that all the nails begin to deteriorate at a similar time too.

Nail sickness is more common in older properties with very old nails, particularly because the nails used in older buildings were generally of a poorer quality than those used today.

If you suspect that your roof may be suffering with nail sickness, it’s important to call in an expert immediately and not leave the problem to worsen. Falling and missing roof tiles are not only a safety hazard, they could also cause significant damage to your property by letting in rain, which will cause damp and structural damage over time.

Repairing a nail sick roof

A professional roofing contractor will be able to inspect the condition of your roof and advise you on the extent of the damage. In some cases, it may only be a small section of the roof that is affected, in which case repairs can be carried out to this section only. Generally, though, nail sickness will affect the entire roof, in which case you have a couple of options for fixing the problem.

Strip and re-slate the roof–Your first option is to have your entire roof replaced by stripping and re-slating it. The price of a new roof will vary depending on several factors including the size of your roof and the materials used, but it is generally an extensive job which can be very expensive.

Apply spray foam to the underside of the roof– An affordable alternative to re-roofing is to have spray foam applied to the underside of your roof. Spray foam will bond your roof tiles to each other and to your roof’s structural timber to cure nail sickness. It also provides your roof with excellent weather-resistance and thermal insulation.

For more information about our spray foamor to book a free consultation, give our team a call on 0800 028 4042.

Posted by admin in Commercial Property, Improved Insulation, Nail sickness
10
Jun
2019

What is nail sickness and how is it fixed?

If you’re regularly having problems with loose or missing roof tiles, it could be a sign that your roof is suffering with nail sickness.

Nail sickness is a term used to describe the natural deterioration of the nails that hold your roof tiles in place. Over a long period, it is natural for nails to corrode and rust. Unfortunately, if all your roof tiles were attached at the same time you will find that all the nails begin to deteriorate at a similar time too.

Nail sickness is more common in older properties with very old nails, particularly because the nails used in older buildings were generally of a poorer quality than those used today.

If you suspect that your roof may be suffering with nail sickness, it’s important to call in an expert immediately and not leave the problem to worsen. Falling and missing roof tiles are not only a safety hazard, they could also cause significant damage to your property by letting in rain, which will cause damp and structural damage over time.

Repairing a nail sick roof

A professional roofing contractor will be able to inspect the condition of your roof and advise you on the extent of the damage. In some cases, it may only be a small section of the roof that is affected, in which case repairs can be carried out to this section only. Generally, though, nail sickness will affect the entire roof, in which case you have a couple of options for fixing the problem.

Strip and re-slate the roof–Your first option is to have your entire roof replaced by stripping and re-slating it. The price of a new roof will vary depending on several factors including the size of your roof and the materials used, but it is generally an extensive job which can be very expensive.

Apply spray foam to the underside of the roof– An affordable alternative to re-roofing is to have spray foam applied to the underside of your roof. Spray foam will bond your roof tiles to each other and to your roof’s structural timber to cure nail sickness. It also provides your roof with excellent weather-resistance and thermal insulation.

For more information about our spray foamor to book a free consultation, give our team a call on 0800 028 4042.

Posted by admin in Choosing Insulation, Climate and Insulation, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Nail sickness, Soundproofing
20
May
2019

Where is heat escaping from your home and how can you fix it?

Reducing heat loss from your property has many benefits; as well as lowering your energy bills and carbon footprint, it will also make your home warmer and more comfortable.

If your home lacks insulation you will find that your energy bills rocket during the winter months as you try to keep your house at a comfortable temperature.

The cost of insulating your home will vary depending on where you are losing the most heat from. Whilst it can be expensive to insulate your home, it is an investment that will soon pay for itself with the money you save on energy.

Finding out where the most heat is lost in your home can help you to prioritise where you install insulation first.

Roof– Because heat rises, a lot of heat is lost through uninsulated or damaged rooves. On average, 25% of heat loss occurs through the roof. Insulating the roof is a simple and affordable way of dramatically reducing heat loss from a property. There are many different roof insulation materials available including glass fibre, plastic fibre, sheep’s wool, cork, rock wool, and spray foam. Spray foam roof insulationis a highly effective solution for both sealing and insulating as it is applied directly to the underside of the roof to bond the tiles to each other and to your roof’s structural timber.

Walls– On average, a huge 35% of heat loss occurs through uninsulated walls. The type of wall insulation that you will require depends on your wall type. Cavity walls can simply have insulation injected into the cavity in the centre of the wall, but older buildings with solid walls are a little more difficult to insulate. Solid walls will need to be insulated either internally or externally. Insulating your property’s walls can be expensive, but it is one of the most effective ways of reducing heat loss from your property. 

Floors – Uninsulated floors can be draughty and uncomfortably cold under foot. On average, about 10% of heat is lost through an uninsulated floor. Insulating the area under your floorboards is a simple and effective way of making your home more energy efficient and comfortable. You may also wish to invest in thick, high quality underlay if you have carpets to further reduce heat loss.

Read more about our spray foam roof insulationproduct or speak to a member of our team to find out if it is a suitable solution for your requirements by giving us a call on 0800 028 4042.

Posted by admin in Heat escaping