Month: May 2019

Where is heat escaping from your home and how can you fix it?

Reducing heat loss from your property has many benefits; as well as lowering your energy bills and carbon footprint, it will also make your home warmer and more comfortable.

If your home lacks insulation you will find that your energy bills rocket during the winter months as you try to keep your house at a comfortable temperature.

The cost of insulating your home will vary depending on where you are losing the most heat from. Whilst it can be expensive to insulate your home, it is an investment that will soon pay for itself with the money you save on energy.

Finding out where the most heat is lost in your home can help you to prioritise where you install insulation first.

Roof– Because heat rises, a lot of heat is lost through uninsulated or damaged rooves. On average, 25% of heat loss occurs through the roof. Insulating the roof is a simple and affordable way of dramatically reducing heat loss from a property. There are many different roof insulation materials available including glass fibre, plastic fibre, sheep’s wool, cork, rock wool, and spray foam. Spray foam roof insulationis a highly effective solution for both sealing and insulating as it is applied directly to the underside of the roof to bond the tiles to each other and to your roof’s structural timber.

Walls– On average, a huge 35% of heat loss occurs through uninsulated walls. The type of wall insulation that you will require depends on your wall type. Cavity walls can simply have insulation injected into the cavity in the centre of the wall, but older buildings with solid walls are a little more difficult to insulate. Solid walls will need to be insulated either internally or externally. Insulating your property’s walls can be expensive, but it is one of the most effective ways of reducing heat loss from your property. 

Floors – Uninsulated floors can be draughty and uncomfortably cold under foot. On average, about 10% of heat is lost through an uninsulated floor. Insulating the area under your floorboards is a simple and effective way of making your home more energy efficient and comfortable. You may also wish to invest in thick, high quality underlay if you have carpets to further reduce heat loss.

Read more about our spray foam roof insulationproduct or speak to a member of our team to find out if it is a suitable solution for your requirements by giving us a call on 0800 028 4042.

Posted by admin in Heat escaping

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