Common Soundproofing Myths

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.

01
Jun
2023
Soundproofing Solutions for Your House

Soundproofing Solutions for Your House

Is unwanted noise disturbing the tranquility of your home? Soundproofing your house can be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Soundproofing Solutions, we specialise in providing effective soundproofing solutions tailored to residential properties. Enjoy peace and quiet in every room of your house and create a serene environment for relaxation, work, or family time.

Why Choose Our Soundproofing Services?

1. Expertise and Experience: With our extensive expertise and years of experience in soundproofing, our team has the knowledge and skills to address various noise-related issues in houses. We stay updated with the latest soundproofing techniques and technologies to deliver outstanding results.

2. Customised Solutions: We understand that every house is unique, and your soundproofing needs may vary. Our experts offer personalized soundproofing solutions tailored to your specific requirements and preferences. Whether it’s reducing external noise, preventing sound transfer between rooms, or creating a quiet home office, we have the expertise to find the right solution for you.

3. Comprehensive Soundproofing Options: We offer a wide range of soundproofing products and solutions to suit your house’s needs. From acoustic insulation for walls, floors, and ceilings to soundproof doors and windows, we have the products and expertise to enhance the soundproofing performance of your house. Our high-quality materials effectively block and absorb sound, creating a quieter and more peaceful environment.

4. Professional Installation: Our skilled soundproofing team provides professional installation services to ensure that your soundproofing solution is implemented correctly. We pay attention to detail during the installation process, maximising the effectiveness of the soundproofing materials and minimising any potential disruptions to your home.

5. Increased Comfort and Privacy: Soundproofing your house enhances your overall comfort by reducing noise disturbances from external sources such as traffic, neighbors, or nearby construction. It also helps maintain privacy within your home, preventing sound from traveling between rooms or floors. Enjoy a peaceful and private living space where you can relax, concentrate, and unwind without unwanted noise intrusions.

Contact Us Today for Soundproofing Your House!

Ready to transform your house into a quiet and tranquil haven? Don’t let noise disrupt your comfort and well-being at home. Contact Soundproofing Solutions today to schedule a free consultation. Our soundproofing experts will assess your specific needs, recommend the most suitable solutions, and provide a detailed quote for your project. Enhance the serenity and enjoyment of your home with our top-notch soundproofing services. Say goodbye to noise and hello to peace and quiet in your house!

Posted by admin in Common Soundproofing Myths, Hotel Soundproofing, Metropolitan Insulation, Modern Soundproofing, Office Soundproofing, Soundproof A Garden Room, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing for musicians, Soundproofing New Homes, Soundproofing Party Walls, Suspended Ceiling Soundproofing
01
Sep
2022
The Incredible Benefits of Insulating Your Loft

The Incredible Benefits of Insulating Your Loft

When it comes to creating an energy-efficient and comfortable home, insulating your loft should be high on your priority list. Many homeowners often overlook this simple yet highly effective home improvement measure. Insulating your loft not only helps you save on energy bills but also offers numerous additional benefits. In this blog, we will explore the incredible advantages of loft insulation and why it’s a wise investment for any homeowner.

  1. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings:

One of the most significant benefits of insulating your loft is increased energy efficiency, leading to substantial cost savings in the long run. Without proper insulation, your home loses a significant amount of heat through the roof. By insulating your loft, you create a thermal barrier that prevents heat from escaping, effectively trapping warmth within your living spaces. As a result, you can reduce your heating requirements, lower energy consumption, and enjoy noticeable reductions in your heating bills.

  1. Enhanced Comfort and Temperature Regulation:

Insulating your loft doesn’t just help with energy efficiency; it also greatly improves the comfort level within your home. With proper insulation, you can maintain a more consistent and comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year. During cold winters, the insulation prevents heat loss, keeping your home warm and cosy. In summer, it acts as a barrier against external heat, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning and keeping your living spaces pleasantly cool.

  1. Noise Reduction:

Loft insulation has an additional benefit that often goes unnoticed—noise reduction. The insulation material absorbs and dampens external noises, creating a more peaceful and tranquil living environment. Whether it’s the sound of traffic, noisy neighbours, or the pitter-patter of rain, a well-insulated loft can significantly minimise unwanted noise, allowing you to relax and enjoy a quieter home.

  1. Environmental Impact:

Investing in loft insulation isn’t just beneficial for your wallet; it’s also a positive step toward reducing your environmental impact. By reducing energy consumption, you contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and help combat climate change. With an energy-efficient home, you actively participate in conserving natural resources and promote sustainable living practices.

  1. Increased Property Value:

A well-insulated loft can add value to your property. Potential buyers are increasingly mindful of energy efficiency and look for homes that are insulated and equipped with green features. By insulating your loft, you not only make your home more appealing to buyers but also increase its overall market value.

  1. Condensation Prevention:

Condensation can be a significant issue in homes that lack proper insulation. Moisture buildup can lead to dampness, mold growth, and subsequent damage to your property. Insulating your loft helps regulate the temperature and reduces condensation, protecting your home from these potential problems and ensuring a healthier living environment.

Conclusion:

Insulating your loft is a smart investment that offers a multitude of benefits. From reducing energy bills and enhancing comfort to noise reduction and environmental sustainability, the advantages are undeniable. By taking this simple step, you can create a more energy-efficient, comfortable, and eco-friendly home while also increasing its value. So, if you haven’t already done so, consider insulating your loft and reap the incredible rewards it brings.

Posted by admin in Common Soundproofing Myths, Control Sound, Hotel Soundproofing, How To Soundproof Doors, Insulating Your Loft, London Soundproofing, Modern Soundproofing, Sound Absorption, Sound Insulation for Old Houses, Sound Insulation Ideas, Sound Waves, Soundproof A Garden Room, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Cheshire, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing New Homes, Soundproofing Party Walls
22
Nov
2020

Should I Insulate my Loft?

A quarter of heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated home. Insulating your loft, attic or flat roof is a simple and effective way to reduce heat loss and reduce your heating bills.

Loft insulation is effective for at least 40 years and it should pay for itself many times over. 

Choosing loft insulation

If your loft is easy to access and has no damp or condensation problems, it should be easy to insulate – and in most cases, it is possible to do it yourself.

If access is easy and your loft joists are regular, you can use rolls of mineral wool insulation. The first layer is laid between the joists – the horizontal beams that make up the floor of the loft – then another layer is laid at right angles to cover the joists and make the insulation up to the required depth.

Here’s what to consider when installing loft insulation:

1. Storage space

If you plan to use the loft or attic for storage, you will want to lay boards over the joists. Unfortunately, if you only insulate between the joists before doing this, the insulation won’t be thick enough. 

To get enough insulation, you can raise the level of the floor so you can fit enough mineral wool beneath the new floor level. You can do this by fitting timber battens across the joists, or you can buy purpose-built plastic legs that fit on the joists and support the new floor. It’s important to leave a ventilated air gap between the insulation and the boards to prevent condensation on the underside of the boards.

Make sure you don’t squash the mineral wool when you fit the boards on top as this this will reduce its insulation value. 

2. Warm loft

An alternative way to insulate your loft is to fit the insulation between and over the rafters – these are the sloping timbers that make up the roof itself. You can use rigid insulation board, carefully cut to size, or you can have foam insulation sprayed between the rafters.

Whichever approach you use, you will need a specialist professional to insulate your roof – this is not a DIY job.

Advantages:

  • The roof space will be warmer than with standard loft insulation, so you won’t need to worry so much about freezing tanks and pipes.
  • You can board the floor for storage without having to raise it to create extra depth.

Disadvantages:

  • Insulating at rafter level is considerably more expensive than most standard loft insulation.
  • As well as insulating the roof, you will have to insulate any gable walls, party walls and chimneys in the loft space. If you leave these uninsulated, then the heat will bypass your new insulation making it largely ineffective.

3. Inaccessible loft spaces

If your loft is hard to access, you can have blown insulation installed by a professional, who will use specialist equipment to blow appropriate insulation material into any awkward space. They may use mineral wool fibre, treated cellulose or polyurethane foam.

Posted by admin in Barn Conversion, Block Noise, Choosing Insulation, Climate and Insulation, Commercial Property, Common Soundproofing Myths, Control Sound, DIY Solutions, Energy Saving Installation, Home Insulation, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation Reduce Noise, Insulation To Last, Metropolitan Insulation, Modern Soundproofing, Noise pollution, Noisy Neighbours, Office Soundproofing, Sound Absorption, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing New Homes, Spray Foam Insulation, Thermal Insulation, Type of insulation
28
Jul
2020

Negative Effects of Sound Pollution

Every sound in a structure can be traced back to its acoustical roots. Creaky door hinges are rusty, too tight or in need of a good oiling. Floorboards squeaking or groaning are either incorrectly fastened or not plumb or true.

As for ominous loud ticking clocks, either you’ve been watching too many scary movies or you have very thin walls with no acoustical insulation and thin drywall layers. This too can be easily solved with a variety of wall types  from traditional staggered stud to new high-performance ultra-thin ZR walls.

Unintended Negative Effects of Noises

The impact of subway noise on surrounding neighbourhoods shows that increased cardiovascular disease is related to sleep disorders caused by rail noise in urban areas. While most spooky sounds are low frequency noise, subways do create a wider variety of noises than wind turbines or deep footsteps, thereby having a wider and deeper range of effects. These are similar to having a spooky bad dream including, but not limited to: 

  • Increased heart rate
  • Lack of deep REM sleep
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Elevated anxiety and stress levels

Last, but not least, is our favorite means of long-distance travel, airplanes.  Because of new engine designs, noise from aircraft is getting better with each generation. Nevertheless, there is still a significant impact on local environments and the people living there. Similar to subway noise, physiological issues include:

  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Cognitive issues in children
  • Elevated anxiety
  • Decreased attention spans due to sleep deprivation.
Posted by admin in Acoustic blinds or curtains, Acoustic panels, Acoustic Treatment, Bad Acoustics, Block Noise, Commercial Property, Common Soundproofing Myths, Hidden Noise Hazards, Home Insulation, Hotel Soundproofing, How To Soundproof Doors, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Metropolitan Insulation, Modern Soundproofing, Noise pollution, Noisy household appliances, Noisy Neighbours, Sound Insulation for Old Houses, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing for musicians, Soundproofing New Homes, Soundproofing Party Walls, Spray Foam Insulation
11
Jun
2020

Soundproofing and Acoustic Treatment: What’s the Difference?

Sound can be divided into two types: direct and indirect. Starting from the source, the sound travels in outward directions all around.

Direct travels in a straight line, whereas the reflected or indirect, randomly bounces in the room and between its surfaces. 

Indirect sounds are echoes, reverbs, vibrations and similar. Direct sound remains the same, but the reflected change the original sound.

The change is either good or bad, depending on the size of the room, and its properties.

What Is Soundproofing?

The purpose of soundproofing is to block or minimise the level of sounds, both those traveling in and outside of the room.

So, the main idea is to have the sound focused – do not let the desired one get out, and, at the same time, do not let the unwanted ones come in!

This can be done either by blocking or sealing. 

Sealing refers to all those tiny gaps, particularly in windows and doors.

What Is Acoustic Treatment?

Quite opposite from the previously mentioned, where the main idea is to block the sound, the purpose of acoustic treatment is to control the sound.

This particularly refers to indirect sounds, such as echoes, vibrations and similar.

So, it’s about controlling the sound that’s exclusively inside the room. 

Soundproofing or Acoustic Treatment – ​Which to Choose?

Before you get down to business, be sure to know what exactly are you looking for? Do you want to reduce the echo?

Or you want to block all the sound except for the one you are making?

These are some of the questions you have to answer so that you know what the problem you have to deal with is.

Besides this, the dimensions of your room, as well as its shape are key factors.

If it’s in a building, that means dealing with numerous outside sounds as well.

The simple evaluation of the acoustic properties of your room is the best way to decide what you need.

Sometimes the help of a professional is needed in order to adjust the room as best as possible.

For more information and advice on what would be the best option for you, contact Metropolitan Insulation today and we’ll happy to help.

Posted by admin in Acoustic panels, Acoustic Treatment, Airborne Sound, Common Soundproofing Myths, How To Soundproof Doors, Modern Soundproofing, Office Soundproofing, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing New Homes
03
Oct
2019

What makes an eco-friendly roof?

Make one or more of these eco-friendly improvements to your roof to cut your carbon footprint and begin living more sustainably at home.

Not only will these eco-friendly roof updates look after our planet, they’ll help to look after your pennies too.

Insulate

Did you know that around 25% of heat is lost through an uninsulated roof?

Insulating your home is the best home improvement you can make for the environment. The less heat you’re losing, the less energy it will take to warm your home and the smaller your carbon footprint will be. 

You and your family will feel the benefit too, as you’ll have a warmer and more comfortable home.

Spray foam is a highly effective roof insulation material as it bonds to the structure of your roof, filling and sealing gaps and cracks to get rid of all air leakage and strengthen your roof’s structure.

Find out more about our spray foam insulationservices here at Metropolitan Insulation by giving our team a call on 0800 028 4042.

Solar panels

Installing solar panels on your roof can be expensive but will dramatically reduce your energy bills in the long run as well as helping to look after the environment. 

According to The Renewable Energy Hub, installing solar panels onto your home’s roof can cut your carbon footprint by up to 80% in just one year!

Natural materials

When choosing a roofing material, opt for durable, long-lasting and recyclable materials to reduce your carbon footprint. 

Roofing shingles made from recyclable materials and reclaimed slate roof tiles are among some of the most environmentally friendly options. 

Slate is an excellent option as it is 100% natural and requires very little energy to extract and process. It is also highly durable, weatherproof, and lasts for many years, making it cost-effective as well as environmentally-friendly.

Posted by admin in Choosing Insulation, Climate and Insulation, Commercial Property, Common Soundproofing Myths, Energy Saving Installation, Environmentally Friendly Materials, Home Insulation, Hotel Soundproofing, How To Soundproof Doors, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation Fire Rated, Insulation Reduce Noise, Insulation To Last, loud machinery, Metropolitan Insulation, Noise pollution, Noisy Neighbours, Solar panels, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing, Soundproofing for musicians, Soundproofing Party Walls, Spray Foam Insulation
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
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
20
Apr
2019

Common places to find asbestos in commercial buildings

If you own a commercial property that was built before the year 2000 then there could be asbestos lurking inside.

Up until 1999 asbestos was a common building material that was used for a variety of purposes in construction. After it was found to be linked to a number of serious health conditions it was banned from use and legislation was put in place to regulate its management.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 state that it is the dutyholder’s responsibility to determine whether asbestos is present in a building and then ensure that it is managed safely.

As the owner of a commercial property, you should ensure that a survey is carried out to assess whether there is any asbestos present in your building.

Where could asbestos be lurking?

Key areas of your commercial property that may contain asbestos include:

  • Sprayed interior coatings
  • Water tank
  • Insulation
  • Partition walls
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Vinyl floor tiles
  • Textured decorative coatings
  • Roof, gutters and downpipes

Asbestos insulating board is a fireproof material that was commonly used in ceiling tiles, partition walls, fireproof doors, and lift shafts. To the untrained eye, it is difficult to tell an asbestos board apart from a non-asbestos one.

There is also a risk that the exterior of your building could feature asbestos cement. Asbestos cement is simply normal cement with asbestos mixed in. It was often used in the construction of roofs, downpipes, gutters, soffits and flues.

What to do if asbestos is found in your commercial property

If a survey does find asbestos present in your building, then you will be required to take measures to manage the risk to protect yourself and the building’s tenants.

The correct action to take will depend on the location of the asbestos and its extent and condition. Options for management may include monitoring, maintenance, removal or encapsulation.

To find out about how our spray foam can be used to encapsulate asbestos in commercial properties,give us a call on 0800 028 4042.

Posted by admin in Asbestos, Asbestos Encapsulation, Asbestos Exposure, Asbestos in a Commercial Property, Choosing Insulation, Commercial Property, Common Soundproofing Myths, Metropolitan Insulation, Sound Absorption
15
Apr
2017

Common Soundproofing Myths

Like most other things in life that require a significant investment of cash to achieve, there are plenty of myths about how to save money on soundproofing. However, as we will show, most of them will only be partially effective at best.

Use egg cartons
One of the most common myths about soundproofing is that you can collect a load of egg cartons and use them to soundproof your walls. Using egg cartons for soundproofing will not only look unappealing they are likely to be completely ineffective because they won’t stop the transfer of energy through solid walls, which is what causes noise in the first place.

Hang some thick curtains
Having thick curtains will reduce sound coming through your windows as will double glazing but it won’t stop sound coming through walls and ceilings. To soundproof an interior, you will need to install soundproofing to all these areas.

Use mattresses
You often hear about cash strapped rock bands setting up their own recording studios using mattresses to sound proof walls. These can be partially effective in absorbing sound because they create that natural barrier and mass between sounds being emitted and walls. This kind of setup is only really a temporary fix as it unlikely you will get mattresses to shut out sound coming from all parts of the room.

Posted by admin in Commercial Property, Common Soundproofing Myths, Environmentally Friendly Materials, Home Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Metropolitan Insulation, Noisy Neighbours, Soundproofing