Soundproofing

Sometimes noise can fall into both airborne and impact sound categories when sound vibrates from a surfaces.

15
Jan
2020

Noisy household appliances and how to stop them being a nuisance

You may be used to the familiar sounds of your household appliances whirring, buzzing and humming, but have you considered how the noise pollution in your home could be affecting your health?

According to the World Health Organisation, being exposed to noise that exceeds 55db can disturb sleep and cause stress, having a negative effect on health and wellbeing.

Other more serious illnesses that have been linked to exposure to high noise levels include heart disease, hearing problems, high blood pressure, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Whilst we may quickly find excessive noise from our neighbours or traffic outside extremely irritating, many of us accept and put up with the noise made by our household appliances.

Some of the noisiest appliances in our homes include:

  • Hairdryers
  • Vacuum cleaners
  • Food processors
  • Washing machines
  • Dishwashers
  • Air conditioning
  • Extractor fans
  • Refrigerators
  • Lawnmowers

If you have appliances in your home that make an excessive noise, there are steps you can take to try to minimise the effect they have on your health and wellbeing.

Close doors

Unless you have a home with an open plan design, simply remembering to close doors whilst very noisy appliances are being used can help to reduce the level of noise you and your family are being subjected to.

Replace noisy appliances with low noise Quiet Mark appliances

Quiet Mark is an international mark of approval given to certain low noise appliances by the UK’s Noise Abatement Society.

Soundproof your home

Speak to our team of experts here at Metropolitan Insulation about our domestic soundproofing and sound insulation services. We install a variety of different acoustic insulation solutions including absorbing foams, sound barrier mats, acoustic tiles, sound absorbing diffusers, and sound screens.

For more information about our services or to discuss your requirements, give us a call on 0800 028 4042.

Posted by admin in Acoustic blinds or curtains, Hotel Soundproofing, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Metropolitan Insulation, Noisy household appliances, Sound Absorption, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing, Spray Foam Insulation
05
Dec
2019

How to handle noisy neighbours

Excessive noise pollution from neighbours is not only annoying, with time it can also begin to negatively impact your health and wellbeing.

Even your dream home can turn into a nightmare if the wrong people move in next door. Whether it’s all-night parties, arguments, barking dogs or musical instruments, here are your options for dealing with noisy neighbours.

Communicate calmly

In most cases, people don’t even realise that their actions are disturbing those around them. The very first thing to do if your neighbours’ noise is disturbing you is to pop round and have a word with them face to face.

Make sure that you’re polite, amiable and calm and provide examples of times when their noise has disturbed you and how it has affected you or your family. Try to avoid letting the conversation turn confrontational.

Report noise to the council or a private landlord

If you have tried speaking to your neighbour about their noise to no avail, you may wish to report their behaviour to their landlord or to the council. 

Before doing so it can be useful to keep a noise diary of all disturbances so that you have specific examples to talk about. The council has a duty to investigate activity that can be classed as a ‘statutory nuisance’, such as excessive noise.

If the property is privately rented, then your neighbour may be breaching a clause in their tenancy agreement.

Bear in mind that reporting your neighbours can raise tensions and it’s always best to try to resolve the problem between the two of you first if possible.

Mediation

Mediation is a process where parties meet up, usually in a neutral environment, and communicate to resolve a disagreement. Mediation is controlled by a trained independent third party and you may be required to pay for the service.

Go to court

Taking your neighbour to court should only be used as a very last resort. The process can be time-consuming, costly and very messy.

Install sound insulation on your home

It may not be that your neighbours are excessively noisy, it could just be that you have paper thin walls. If you can hear every cough and sneeze from next door, then the chances are that they can hear you too. If you plan on staying in the same house for the foreseeable future then installing sound insulation in your home could be a good investment for the future.

Posted by admin in Home Insulation, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation Fire Rated, Insulation Reduce Noise, Insulation To Last, Metropolitan Insulation, Noisy Neighbours, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing, Spray Foam Insulation, Super Materials, Thermal Insulation, Type of insulation
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
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
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
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
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
07
May
2019

Tips for protecting your roof from pests and vermin

Attic spaces are warm, sheltered, and infrequently disturbed, making them the ideal environment for pests and vermin.

If pests enter your home through your roof, they can multiply and cause significant damage to your roof’s internal structure and items being stored in the loft before you even realise that they’re there.

If you notice any of the following signs that you may have a problem with pests, it’s important to investigate and act swiftly to minimise damage.

Signs that you may have a problem with pests

  • Droppings
  • Bad smells
  • Damage to the roof’s structure
  • Bite marks or damage to belongings in the loft
  • Noise

Preventing pests from entering your roof

Birds– Birds roosting or nesting in, on, or around your roof, eaves or chimney can cause a lot of mess with their droppings.

Gel-repellents and spike strips can be applied to the roof to deter pigeons from landing on it.

Rats – If rats enter your home through your roof, they can spread disease, leave droppings, and cause damage to items stored in the loft and to your roof’s structure.

To make it more difficult for rats to gain access to your roof, remove any creeping plants from the walls and cut back any tree branches that overhang your roof. Any gaps or holes in or around your roof should be covered with wire mesh or filled with expanding foam.

Insects– Insects like bees, wasps, moths, and beetles can all find their way into your loft and cause significant damage. 

To keep insects out of your roof you need to fill or repair all cracks and holes that they could gain entry through. 

Protecting your roof from pests using spray foam

A simple way of sealing your roof to prevent pests and vermin from entering is to have spray foamapplied to the underside of your roof. Spray foam bonds slates and tiles to each other and to your roof’s structural timber to effectively seal all routes of entry.

As well as protecting from pests and strengthening your roof, spray foam is also an excellent source of insulation and soundproofing.

To find out more about spray foam insulation or to arrange a free consultation, give our team here at Metropolitan Insulation a call on 0800 028 4042.

Posted by admin in Home Insulation, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Metropolitan Insulation, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Commercial Property
14
Mar
2019

Can insulation cause condensation?

An insulated building is comfortable and energy efficient. But can making your building warm and air tight cause condensation problems?

To answer this question, it’s important to first understand how condensation is formed.

Warm air can hold more moisture than cold air, and condensation occurs when warm water vapour in the air meets a cold surface. This is because as the water vapour cools down, it condenses back into liquid form.

So, in theory, the warmer your home is, the better the conditions are for condensation to occur.

However, it’s not solely the insulation that causes condensation, in fact, lack of insulation can also be a factor that causes condensation.  It’s several factors, that when combined, create the right conditions for condensation to form.

Consider the two key factors below before getting your home insulated to help prevent condensation problems.

Lack of ventilation

The number one factor to consider before installing insulation is whether your home has enough ventilation. Ventilation allows water vapour to escape from the building, and condensation to quickly evaporate. From air vents to extractor fans, condensation is less likely to occur in a home that is well ventilated.

Type of insulation

If you decide to insulate your home, make sure you’re well informed about what type of insulation is suitable for its structure and climate.

There are now plenty of types of insulation available to choose from, breathable or water vapour resistant options can be effective at preventing condensation.

At Metropolitan Insulation, our spray-applied insulation foamseals your roof to prevent air leakage and keep your home warm. Our foam is water vapour resistant and is installed at rafter level to prevent condensation build up.

Posted by admin in Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Metropolitan Insulation, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Spray Foam Insulation, Type of insulation
07
Mar
2019

Difference between surface & interstitial condensation?

Condensation is an annoying and potentially damaging household problem that most homeowners will encounter at some point.

Signs of condensation include water droplets on windows and walls, damp patches, and mould. Condensation can look unsightly, cause damage to your home, and create unhealthy living conditions.

How is condensation formed?

Condensation is caused when warm water vapour in the air hits a cold surface. The cold surface cools the water vapour to a temperature that is below its condensing point, turning it from a gas back to a liquid. 

Interstitial condensation versus surface condensation

There are two different types of condensation, interstitial and surface. The main difference between the two is where they occur. 

Whilst surface condensation appears on the surface where it is visible, interstitial condensation occurs inside the layers of your building’s walls, roof or floor where it cannot be seen.

Of the two, interstitial condensation is usually the more damaging problem. As this type of condensation occurs within your building’s fabric, it may have caused considerable deterioration of your building’s internal elements before you notice the signs that there is a problem.

Top tips for banishing condensation

A few simple ways to reduce levels of condensation in the home include:

  • Open vents, windows or doors when steam from washing or cooking is present.
  • Keep the temperature in your home consistent.
  • Ensure your home has adequate ventilation.
  • Ensure your home has adequate insulation.
  • Insulate your home using a water vapour resistant material like our spray-applied polyurethane foam.

For more information about how insulating your home with polyurethane foamcan help to tackle condensation, give our insulation experts a call on 0800 028 4042.

Posted by admin in Condensation, Home Insulation, Improved Insulation, Metropolitan Insulation, Sound Absorption, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing, Spray Foam Insulation, Thermal Insulation