Insulate Your Home

Vermiculate insulation is commonly used to insulate building roofs and walls.

Nov

2023

4 Reasons People Soundproof Their Homes

Most people in the UK live in cities, and whilst living in the city can be convenient, it also means being subjected to high levels of noise pollution.

Your home should be a peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Over time, being subjected to noise pollution at home can takes its toll.

Here are just a few reasons why so many people now choose to soundproof their homes.

Traffic noise pollution

If you live close to a busy road or a noisy flight path it can be very frustrating being unable to do anything to stop or reduce the noise. The constant, annoying rumbling and roaring of traffic can take its toll, having both physical and psychological effects on your health and wellbeing. Soundproofing your home to can be an effective way of blocking out noise from traffic and minimising the effect it has on your life.

Health and wellbeing

As well as being annoying, studies have found that noise pollution can also be bad for our

Keep sound in

Soundproofing isn’t always installed to keep sound out, it’s also useful for keeping sound in and preventing you from becoming the noisy neighbour. Many musicians choose to soundproof their homes to allow them to practice and play their instruments at any time of day without the risk of upsetting or disturbing those living around them.

Privacy

Some properties are built with very thin walls that allow sound to easily travel from one house to the next. If you can hear every footstep, cough, sneeze and conversation going on next door, then they can hear you too. Installing soundproofing will enhance your privacy and help you to feel more comfortable and relaxed in your home.

Find out more about Metropolitan Insulation’s soundproofing services or request a free consultation by giving us a call on 0800 028 4042.

Jun

2023

Soundproofing an apartment can offer a multitude of benefits

Soundproofing an apartment can offer a multitude of benefits, enhancing the quality of life for its occupants. Whether you live in a bustling city or a noisy neighborhood, soundproofing measures can significantly reduce the amount of unwanted noise that enters your living space. Here are several key benefits of soundproofing an apartment:

Noise reduction: The primary advantage of soundproofing is the significant reduction of external noise. This is particularly beneficial if your apartment is located near busy roads, construction sites, or other sources of noise pollution. Soundproofing materials and techniques can effectively block or absorb external sounds, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful and quiet living environment.
Increased privacy: Soundproofing measures also enhance privacy within an apartment. It minimises the transmission of sound between rooms, preventing conversations, activities, or other sounds from being easily heard by neighbours or other residents in the building. This can be especially valuable if you have thin walls or live in close proximity to others.
Better sleep quality: A quiet sleeping environment is essential for restful sleep and overall well-being. Soundproofing an apartment can create a tranquil bedroom by reducing noise disturbances, such as traffic, sirens, or neighbors’ activities. By minimising disruptions, you can enjoy deeper, uninterrupted sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.
Improved concentration and productivity: Unwanted noise can be highly distracting, particularly when you need to focus on work, study, or other tasks. Soundproofing your apartment can create a more conducive environment for concentration, allowing you to stay focused and be more productive. This is particularly important for remote workers, students, or individuals who engage in creative pursuits.
Enhanced entertainment experience: If you enjoy watching movies, listening to music, or playing instruments, soundproofing can significantly enhance your entertainment experience. It prevents sound leakage, both from within your apartment and from outside sources, ensuring that you can fully immerse yourself in the audio without disturbing others or being disturbed by external noise.
Stress reduction: Living in a noisy environment can contribute to increased stress levels and impact overall well-being. Soundproofing measures can help create a peaceful oasis within your apartment, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. By minimising unwanted noise, you can create a more harmonious living space where you can unwind, meditate, or engage in activities that promote tranquility.
Increased property value: Soundproofing improvements can add value to your apartment and make it more appealing to potential buyers or renters. Soundproofed spaces are often in high demand, as they offer a desirable living environment. Additionally, soundproofing measures can also enhance the overall insulation of your apartment, improving energy efficiency and reducing utility costs.

While soundproofing an entire apartment may require a combination of techniques, such as using sound-absorbing materials, sealing gaps, or adding acoustic panels, the benefits far outweigh the investment. Whether you seek peace and quiet, privacy, improved sleep, or increased productivity, soundproofing can transform your apartment into a more comfortable and enjoyable living space.

May

2023

The benefits of spray foam insulation

Spray foam insulation is a highly effective and versatile insulation option that offers a wide range of benefits for residential and commercial properties. It is applied as a liquid and expands into a foam, creating a seamless and airtight barrier. Here are some key benefits of spray foam insulation:

Superior insulation performance: Spray foam insulation provides exceptional thermal insulation properties, effectively sealing gaps, cracks, and voids. It forms a continuous and airtight barrier that minimises heat transfer, resulting in significant energy savings and improved energy efficiency. It outperforms other traditional insulation materials, such as fiberglass or cellulose, in terms of R-value, which measures thermal resistance.
Air leakage prevention: One of the major advantages of spray foam insulation is its ability to seal even the smallest gaps and cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings. This prevents air leakage, which can account for a significant amount of energy loss in buildings. By creating an airtight envelope, spray foam insulation helps to maintain consistent indoor temperatures, reduces drafts, and enhances overall comfort.
Moisture control: Spray foam insulation acts as a moisture barrier, preventing the infiltration of water vapor. It resists moisture absorption and helps to control humidity levels within a building. By reducing the risk of condensation and moisture-related issues, such as mold growth and structural damage, spray foam insulation contributes to a healthier and more durable indoor environment.
Sound insulation: Spray foam insulation also provides excellent soundproofing properties. Its dense and closed-cell structure absorbs sound waves, reducing noise transmission between rooms and from external sources. This can significantly improve the acoustic comfort within a building, making it quieter and more conducive to work, rest, or relaxation.
Versatility and adaptability: Spray foam insulation can be applied to various surfaces, including walls, roofs, floors, and crawl spaces. It conforms to irregular shapes and contours, filling in gaps and ensuring a complete insulation coverage. This versatility allows for customised and precise installation, making spray foam insulation suitable for both new construction and retrofit projects.
Long-lasting performance: Spray foam insulation is known for its durability and long lifespan. Once applied, it remains stable and does not settle or deteriorate over time. This means that the insulation’s performance and effectiveness will last for many years, providing ongoing energy savings and benefits without the need for frequent replacements or maintenance.

In summary, spray foam insulation offers superior insulation performance, air leakage prevention, moisture control, sound insulation, versatility, and long-lasting performance. Its ability to create an airtight and seamless barrier makes it a highly efficient and effective insulation solution for both residential and commercial buildings. By choosing spray foam insulation, property owners can enjoy energy savings, improved comfort, enhanced indoor air quality, and a more sustainable and durable building envelope.

Dec

2020

Why it is important to insulate your house

Insulating your house is of paramount importance for various reasons. It not only contributes to energy efficiency and cost savings but also enhances comfort, reduces environmental impact, and improves overall well-being. Insulation acts as a barrier against heat transfer, preventing the loss of warmth during colder months and minimizing heat gain during hotter months. Here are some key reasons why it is important to insulate your house:

Energy efficiency: Insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature. By reducing heat transfer through walls, floors, and roofs, insulation helps to minimize the need for heating and cooling systems, thereby lowering energy consumption and utility bills. A well-insulated house can significantly improve energy efficiency, leading to substantial cost savings over time.
Comfort: Insulation creates a thermal barrier that helps to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce drafts. It keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer, ensuring a comfortable living environment for you and your family. Insulation also helps to minimise noise transmission, providing a quieter and more peaceful indoor atmosphere.
Environmental impact: Insulating your house is an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint. By reducing energy consumption, insulation helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems. It contributes to sustainable living by conserving resources and promoting environmental responsibility.
Moisture control: Insulation acts as a moisture barrier, preventing condensation and dampness from entering your home. It helps to control humidity levels, reducing the risk of mold growth, mildew, and associated health issues. Proper insulation safeguards the structural integrity of your house by protecting against moisture-related damage.
Health benefits: Insulation not only improves physical comfort but also promotes better indoor air quality. By minimizing drafts and air leakage, insulation helps to prevent the infiltration of pollutants, allergens, and outdoor contaminants. This is especially beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies, as insulation contributes to a healthier living environment.
Property value: Insulating your house enhances its market value and desirability. Energy-efficient homes with proper insulation are increasingly sought after by homebuyers due to the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits they offer. Insulation is considered a valuable investment that can pay off in terms of increased property resale value.

In conclusion, insulating your house is a vital step towards energy efficiency, comfort, and environmental sustainability. It provides numerous benefits, including reduced energy consumption, cost savings, improved comfort, moisture control, enhanced indoor air quality, and increased property value. By insulating your house, you contribute to a greener future while enjoying a more comfortable and healthier living environment.

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.

Sep

2020

New Trend for Soundproofing Your Home

The average city dweller spends his or her time surrounded by noise– traffic, television, cell phones, and unwanted office gossip. But people who want a quieter life are finding ways to outfit their homes with sound-proof accessories, such as curtains that mute noises from outside. This is one of several ways to make staying home much more peaceful and reap the health benefits of silence.

Noise pollution affects many people and homes, causing health effects such as stress and anxiety. There are many fancy methods to isolate yourself from sound, but soundproofing is expensive and typically reserved for technical uses, such as for a recording studio.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is only safe to be exposed to loud noises for a maximum of 8 hours. Many of us who live in urban areas or noisy towns receive a lot more noise than recommended. Because of this, there has been a significant rise in home soundproofing through the use of soundproof curtains and other methods.

However, there are several simple home hacks you can use to significantly reduce the amount of noise you hear.

One popular way to achieve a quieter living space is through your furniture. When you have an empty room, sound bounces off the walls a lot easier since there is nothing to absorb it. These bouncing waves reach your ear and you perceive ‘sound’, but the simple addition of heavy and soft furniture can absorb a great deal of these waves. Add heavy tables and sofas with a lot of cushion to absorb the most amount of sound. Books also help and look great on your coffee table!

If you want to get fancy with your soundproofing you can add acoustic panels to your walls and ceiling. These are used mostly in studio sound booths during music recordings, but many manufacturers craft these panels for use in your home. These panels work much in the same way as furniture works– by providing a thick, soft and permeable surface which effectively absorbs sound waves.

Don’t Forget Your Doors!

You’d be surprised at how sound finds its way into our homes through the smallest cracks and spaces. One place we often ignore when we think about sound leakage is our doors. Gaps beneath doors let a considerable amount of noise through, but there is an inexpensive solution. Sealant tape can easily block these gaps without hindering your doors from opening or closing. A more expensive but permanent solution is a mounted seal that uses metal and rubber and lasts a lot longer than tape.

Reducing noise in your home will not only give you peace of mind, but is also attributed to many health benefits. Some of these include lower stress levels, better concentration, increased brain function, and greater focus for self-reflection. The benefits of good rest are also widely studied, and the solution is as simple as installing a set of soundproof curtains.

Sep

2020

The Benefits of Soundproofing Your Home

Soundproofing is the technique of utilising insulation materials to minimise the noise passing through the walls.

Whilst many people think that soundproofing is only necessary for acoustically sensitive environments like recording studios, there are numerous positives to be gained from investing in soundproofing for your home. Whether it’s to provide you with a little headache relief from noisy children or to make your music practice room soundproof, so you don’t disturb the neighbors, there is always a good reason to consider soundproofing measures.

Privacy

If you want to avoid disturbing your neighbours and being disturbed by your neighbours at the same time, the best thing to do is invest in soundproofing your home. The experts at Metropolitan Insulation explain that privacy is a valuable thing that we often do not even consider until we don’t have it anymore, and one of the worst breaches of privacy is when you and your neighbours can hear each other. Private conversations can be overheard, music and loud noises can cause tension between you and the last thing you want is to fall out with someone who lives right next door to you.

Your home should be a relaxing, comfortable place to return to after a long day at school or at work, so it is essential to prevent the noise coming from both inside and outside of the house. You don’t want to worry about what your neighbours will overhear or what you may inadvertently hear from their side. By soundproofing your home, there will be no awkwardness or tension, so you can live side by side with your neighbours in harmony.

Comfort and Quality of Life

Soundproofing can significantly enhance the comfort of your home, from helping to provide the perfect sleeping environment to ensure that you are able to relax for a moment in private whilst the kids are particularly rambunctious. In order to achieve this ideal environment, you don’t even need to soundproof the whole house. By soundproofing the doors and windows of particularly noisy areas in your house like your kids’ bedrooms and the rooms where you like to relax, that is enough to create peace and quiet. No more stress, no more anger, and exhaustion caused by noise-just a happy home for the whole family.

Aug

2020

How to soundproof an apartment door: Painless DIY Solutions

Why soundproof a door and who should do it?

If you’ve recently moved into a new apartment and discovered that on some nights you’re wide awake as you listen to your neighbours’ conversations in the hallway, your flimsy doors may be to blame.

As a light sleeper myself, loud noises from the hallway have kept me up on countless nights.

With the recent trend of people working from home, you may also be looking to dedicate a space for your new home office with optimal sound-proofing properties so you can work in peace.

If those situations sound familiar to you, it might be time to think about how you can soundproof your doors to get a good night’s sleep.

How they work and if they can be effective

Soundproofing a hollow door works just like soundproofing a room does.

The problem usually arises because most doors have hollow cores, often trapping air inside.

The trapped air then acts as an excellent medium for noise or sound, but a terrible choice if you want to keep the noise out.

Hollow core doors are the most typical interior doors used nowadays in houses.

Beneath its surface is an inner cardboard honeycomb core surrounded by a softwood frame.

Considering this thin surface and the air-filled core, there just isn’t much to block the transmission of sound.

However, you can minimize the sound transmission by adding sound-insulating material on the door, which will significantly help in creating a more peaceful environment in the comfort of your own home.

Continue reading to find out how you can soundproof an apartment door. Here are a few products readily available on Amazon for you.

Note that these methods will allow you to minimize the noise transmission but will not completely block out noise.

If you wish to get rid of any outside noise once and for all, you might want to look into getting a solid core door.

We will explore that option at the end of this article.

Acoustic foam

A reliable go-to product when it comes to soundproofing is acoustic foams.

When installed on your door, these foams block noise while absorbing sounds.

As a result, they can eliminate any echoes from the house.

Since they are originally designed to improve the acoustics of a music room, you can count them to reduce the amplitude of noise level.

The best part is, they don’t require any special skills to install.

Because they are self-adhesive, it will be a hassle-free process for you.

Aug

2020

Loft Conversion – Is it worth the investment?

Certain features such as garages or porches have solid research behind them indicating the overall value they add to a home, but it can be difficult to assess less common features, such as a loft conversion, when deciding whether they’re worth the investment. As a homeowner, it can be easy to decide whether a renovation is worth it because personal value for the project comes into play. However, as an estate agent or landlord, you must consider how much value the project will ultimately add to your property and whether the cost is worth the investment. Take a look at whether a loft conversion is worth it in the long run.

Is a loft conversion worth the investment?

Renovating a loft can quickly add up to a major expense for your latest investment, which may lead you to question whether it’s worth it. If a loft conversion is done well — and especially if you are converting it into a bedroom or bathroom — it could provide a 50% to 75% return on investment (ROI). Not terrible when compared to low-ROI projects like adding a pool. Adding an ensuite bedroom and bathroom does cost about twice as much as simply enclosing the space into a room that could be used as a home office or storage space, but you are essentially adding a room count to your investment. Your two-bedroom, one-bath home can now be considered a three-bedroom, two-bath, adding a lot of value to its sale potential or rental desirability.

It is important to consult not only a licensed architect and contractor to create a functional space but also your local realtor to determine whether the market demand is there. Keep in mind that loft conversions are usually, but not always, smaller spaces, so demand in urban settings will probably be higher since space is already at a premium. A loft conversion is likely only worth the investment if done appropriately, but ultimately, you will need to do market research to ensure your investment is worth the returns.

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.

Metropolitan Insulation Blog