Insulation

The government has set a target of insulating a million homes by 2020, yet it remains a long way from reaching it with just 97,000 homes

16
Dec
2020
Why it is important to insulate your house

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Posted by admin in Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation Fire Rated, Insulation Reduce Noise, Metropolitan Insulation, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing for musicians, Soundproofing New Homes, Soundproofing Party Walls, Spray Foam Insulation, Super Materials
03
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.

Posted by admin in Acoustic Treatment, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation To Last, Metropolitan Insulation, Modern Soundproofing, Noise pollution, Noisy household appliances, Noisy Neighbours, Sound Absorption, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing New Homes, Soundproofing Party Walls, Spray Foam Insulation, Type of insulation
10
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.

Posted by admin in 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, Metropolitan Insulation, Noise pollution, Noisy household appliances, Noisy Neighbours
18
Mar
2020

7 reasons why you should choose spray foam insulation

But what other advantages does using this kind of insulation provide?

1. Dynamic insulation

One of the great advantages of spray foam is that it expands on contact to dynamically seal all spaces, no matter how awkward. This means it gives a total seal with no gaps that traditional insulation can leave behind.

2. Great energy savings

Most homeowners would love to save some money on their energy bills each month. Using spray foam insulation helps here as it reduces your energy usage and the money you spend on it by regulating the temperature in your home.

3. Space saving solution

You would be surprised at how much space you can save using this insulation. When added to your roofline, you can get up to 10 inches more loft storage or even convert the space into another room.

4. Stops air filtration

If you have spaces where cold air is coming in and warm air is escaping, then this is poor for your overall insulation. Spray foam is great for reducing air filtration and helping your home to stay warmer.

5. Healthier living

Many people who suffer from illnesses like asthma often feel better after this insulation is installed. As spray foam gives a complete seal to the property, it stops airborne pollutants from causing issues.

6. It is tough

When you insulate your home, you want to use something that will last a long time. Spray foam insulation is a great option as it is tough and durable.

7. It is good for the planet

As well as helping to cut down on your bills, spray foam loft insulation will also help to save the planet. As you will use less energy, you will have less impact on the earth around you.

Let Metropolitan Insulation help today

If you like the sound of what spray foam insulation can offer, call us today. We are spray foam experts in the installation of this insulation for all kinds of property. If you want to save energy, money and space, get in touch with us now.

Call us now 0800 028 4042

Posted by admin in Commercial Property, Home Insulation, How To Soundproof Doors, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Metropolitan Insulation, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Spray Foam Insulation, Thermal Insulation, Type of insulation
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
07
Nov
2019

5 tips for a warmer home this winter

Use the tips in this blog to keep your home warm and your heating bills down this winter, for a cosier and more energy-efficient home.

As winter draws in, now is a good time to take measures to make your home more energy-efficient.

Not only will this keep you feeling warm and comfortable, it will also reduce your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint.

Draught-proof

Tiny spaces, holes and cracks around windows, doors, floorboards and pipework all allow cold air to creep into your home. Draught excluders and insulating tape can be used to quickly and affordably seal your home and keep it feeling warm and cosy.

Insulate your roof

On average, 25% of a house’s heat is lost through its roof. If your roof is not yet insulated, then installing insulation can help to make your home feel more comfortable and reduce your energy bills.

At Metropolitan Insulation, we install spray foam insulation to the underside of the roof, filling and sealing all cracks and gaps in the roof to keep your home warm and strengthen your roof.

Bleed radiators

Make sure your radiators are in full working order and operating energy-efficiently by bleeding them before the cold weather sets in. Simply use a radiator bleed key from a DIY store to gently open the radiator’s valve and allow any trapped air to escape. 

Shut your curtains

Invest in thick, high quality thermal curtains for your windows, particularly very large ones. Prevent warm air from escaping out of your windows by drawing your curtains as soon as it begins to get dark in the evenings, preferably before your heating comes on.

Buy a thick rug

Wooden floorboards look beautiful, but heat escapes through the floor and they can also be draughty during the colder months. Laying a large thick rug over your floorboards can help to prevent heat loss and keep your floor feeling warm and comfortable underfoot.

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

Posted by admin in Choosing Insulation, Climate and Insulation, Heat escaping, Home Insulation, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Metropolitan Insulation, warmer home
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
02
Dec
2015

Solid Wall Insulation Needs Boost Says Report

A report from construction advisor Peter Handsford has called for more incentives to encourage homeowners to invest in solid wall insulation.

The government has set a target of insulating a million homes by 2020, yet it remains a long way from reaching it with just 97,000 homes having solid wall insulation fitted since the scheme was introduced back in 2013.

At this rate the target is unlikely to be met and Handsford’s report recommends reducing Stamp Duty on Green homes to encourage owners to invest in insulation and see additional financial benefits in doing so.

The report ‘Solid Wall Insulation – Unlocking Demand and Driving up Standards’ also recommends reducing the amount of VAT payable on retrofit work so that it is more affordable.

Alongside its recommendations for kick starting the industry, the report highlights the need to introduce procedures to protect consumers and maintain standards in the industry.

One of the biggest challenges for the industry is convincing homeowners and landlords to invest in green energy efficiency improvements like cavity wall insulation and solid wall insulation. Financing towards schemes has helped but there is at present uncertainty about when funding is made available.

New rules on energy efficiency aimed at landlords who are renting out property will at least provide a boost to the industry in the next few years.

Posted by admin in Home Insulation, Soundproofing, Thermal Insulation