soundproofing advice

Keeping a structure insulated is all about adding mass to walls and ceilings. At least 2 layers of breeze block should be used with a cavity in between.

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.

Oct

2023

The Remarkable Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation

When it comes to insulating your home, spray foam insulation is a game-changer. Unlike traditional insulation methods, spray foam offers unique advantages that can significantly enhance energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and overall building performance. In this blog, we will explore the remarkable benefits of spray foam insulation and why it’s worth considering for your home.

Superior Insulating Properties:

Spray foam insulation is renowned for its exceptional insulating properties. When applied, the foam expands and fills every crack, crevice, and void, creating a seamless and airtight barrier. This comprehensive coverage ensures that no gaps are left exposed, reducing heat transfer and preventing drafts. With its high R-value (a measure of thermal resistance), spray foam insulation provides excellent insulation, keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings:

One of the most significant advantages of spray foam insulation is its ability to maximise energy efficiency and lead to substantial cost savings. By forming an effective thermal barrier, it minimises heat loss or gain, significantly reducing the energy required for heating and cooling. This reduced energy consumption translates into lower utility bills and long-term savings. Over time, the cost savings can often offset the initial investment in spray foam insulation.

Air Sealing and Moisture Control:

Unlike other insulation materials, spray foam not only insulates but also acts as a comprehensive air sealant. It seals off any cracks or gaps in your building envelope, preventing air infiltration and exfiltration. This airtight seal is essential for blocking drafts, minimising energy loss, and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. Additionally, spray foam insulation helps control moisture by repelling water and preventing condensation, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth.

Sound Dampening:

In addition to its thermal properties, spray foam insulation also provides excellent sound dampening capabilities. The foam’s dense structure absorbs sound waves, reducing noise transmission between rooms and from the outside. Whether you live in a busy urban area or have noisy neighbors, spray foam insulation can create a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment.

Longevity and Durability:

Spray foam insulation is known for its longevity and durability. Once applied, it can last for decades without losing its insulating properties or degrading over time. Unlike other insulation materials that may settle or sag, spray foam retains its shape and effectiveness, providing long-term performance and value for your home.

Environmentally Friendly:

Spray foam insulation is an environmentally friendly choice. It helps reduce energy consumption, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and minimising your carbon footprint. Additionally, some spray foam formulations use eco-friendly, water-blown agents that have reduced environmental impact. By choosing spray foam insulation, you contribute to a more sustainable future.

Spray foam insulation offers a range of remarkable benefits that go beyond traditional insulation materials. Its superior insulating properties, energy efficiency, air sealing capabilities, moisture control, sound dampening, durability, and environmental friendliness make it a smart investment for homeowners. By choosing spray foam insulation, you can create a more comfortable, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible home. Consider this innovative insulation solution and unlock the incredible advantages it brings.

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.

Mar

2023

Soundproofing Services in London

Looking for soundproofing solutions in London? Our expert team offers effective soundproofing services to create a peaceful environment for your home or business. Contact us today for a free consultation!

Are you tired of dealing with unwanted noise disturbances in your London property? Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or tenant, soundproofing can significantly improve your quality of life by creating a peaceful and serene environment. At Soundproofing Solutions, we are your trusted soundproofing experts in London. Our team specializes in providing effective soundproofing solutions tailored to your specific needs. Say goodbye to noisy neighbors, traffic sounds, or office chatter, and enjoy the tranquility you deserve.

Why Choose Our Soundproofing Services?

1. Expertise and Experience: With years of experience in the industry, our team of soundproofing professionals in London has the knowledge and expertise to tackle even the most challenging noise issues. We stay up-to-date with the latest soundproofing techniques, materials, and technologies to deliver exceptional results.

2. Customised Solutions: Every property is unique, and we understand that your soundproofing requirements may vary. We provide personalized soundproofing solutions tailored to your specific needs and budget. Whether you need to soundproof a residential space, office, recording studio, or any other environment, we have the expertise to find the right solution for you.

3. Quality Materials and Products: We believe in delivering lasting results, which is why we use high-quality soundproofing materials and products from trusted manufacturers. Our selection includes sound-absorbing panels, acoustic insulation, soundproof doors, windows, and more. We ensure that the materials used in your soundproofing project are not only effective but also durable and aesthetically pleasing.

4. Professional Installation: Our skilled soundproofing team in London provides professional installation services to ensure that your soundproofing solution is properly implemented. We pay attention to detail, ensuring that all components are installed correctly to maximise their effectiveness and deliver the desired results.

5. Free Consultation: We offer a complimentary consultation to assess your soundproofing needs. Our experts will visit your property, evaluate the noise issues you’re experiencing, and provide personalised recommendations. We take into account your specific requirements, budget, and desired outcome to create a customized soundproofing plan.

Contact Us Today for Soundproofing in London!

Ready to enjoy a peaceful and noise-free environment in your London property? Don’t let unwanted sounds disrupt your comfort and productivity. Contact Soundproofing Solutions today to schedule your free consultation. Our team of experts will guide you through the soundproofing process, answer your questions, and provide a detailed quote for your project. Say goodbye to noise and hello to tranquility with our top-notch soundproofing services in London.

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.

Oct

2020

Soundproof Foam VS Acoustic Foam

The misconception about foam being soundproof exists mostly because people lack the understanding of the differences between sound absorption and soundproofing.

It is natural to assume that if products like foam absorb sound, there will be none that is left to escape the room.

Unfortunately, sound is not like a fluid that gets absorbed and trapped in something like a sponge. The way sound behaves needs to be understood clearly here.

Sound waves are nothing but vibrations and when they strike a surface, they tend to vibrate it.

Sound does not ‘pass’ through a wall or ceiling but merely vibrates it. These vibrations are further transferred to the other side and that is how sound transfer takes place through walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.

1. Walls and Ceilings

The most common myth is that panels made of foam can be stuck on walls and will reduce the amount of sound from entering or leaving a room.

The foam that you see stuck on the walls of studios is not meant for soundproofing but is meant for sound absorption. The products that do the actual soundproofing in a studio are something else.

What You Should Be Doing Instead

You should first of all try to make your walls heavier. You can add mass to your wall by:-

Extra Drywall

Installing an additional layer or two of drywall will help to reduce sound transfer. A 5/8” thick drywall sheet weighs 2.31 pounds per square foot. That’s some serious mass and is a great substance for reducing sound transfer.

Coming back to foam, there are many varieties available and their densities vary depending on the type and grade. However, the foam would have to be several inches thick to match the mass of drywall.

Pros

Low cost.
Lots of mass.

Cons

Effort and workmanship required to install.
Involves modification of structures, so not an option for rented apartments.

Floors

Impact Noise
Airborne Noise

Impact noise is the noise caused as a result of footsteps or furniture being moved on the floor.

Airborne noise is the sound that is normally transmitted through the air and these include traffic noise, dog barking, neighbors yelling, and everything else.

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.

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.

Jun

2020

Block Noise From Neighbours

Metropolitan Insulation Soundproofing Guide

Plant Some Trees along your fencing

Planting trees around your yard can make a bit of a difference when it comes to blocking out your neighbour’s noise. Over the long term, trees can also help keep your back garden cooler and more private during the summer months.

Soundproofing the walls in your home

If you have a shared wall with your noisy neighbour, then that’s most likely how the loud noise is getting to you.

One of the most common ways to soundproof a shared wall is by using acoustic soundproofing panels or spray foam insulation. You mainly see these in recording studios, but they can be used in apartments and houses as well. Acoustic foam is a great substitute if you don’t want to cover your walls with wallpaper.

If you don’t want to spend any money on soundproofing a shared wall, you can simply rearrange pieces of furniture inside your home. First of all, you’ll need to fill the room that contains your shared wall with more furniture, as this will prevent unwanted noise from bouncing off of the walls.

We recommend that you place bookshelves, couches, dressers and such in front of your shared wall, although you should keep in mind that this method won’t bring about dramatic results.

If you need sound insulation make it Metropolitan Insulation. For a free consultation please contact our friendly team now. Tel: 0800 028 4042 Or email your enquiry

Metropolitan Insulation Blog

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.

Traffic noise pollution

Health and wellbeing

Keep sound in

Privacy

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

Superior Insulating Properties:

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings:

Air Sealing and Moisture Control:

Sound Dampening:

Longevity and Durability:

Environmentally Friendly:

Here’s what to consider when installing loft insulation:

1. Storage space

2. Warm loft

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

3. Inaccessible loft spaces

1. Walls and Ceilings

What You Should Be Doing Instead

Extra Drywall

Floors

Privacy

Comfort and Quality of Life

Why soundproof a door and who should do it?

How they work and if they can be effective

Acoustic foam

Metropolitan Insulation Soundproofing Guide

Plant Some Trees along your fencing

Soundproofing the walls in your home

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