Improved Insulation

Even your dream home can turn into a nightmare if the wrong people move in next door.

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.

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.

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.

Metropolitan Insulation Blog