Soundproofing

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

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
06
Dec
2018

Is Your Insulation Fire Rated?

You may be starting a new insulation project or considering replacing the insulation you have as the cold winter months set in but have you thought about the fire resistance of the material you’re using? Before fitting insulation, it is important to consider how it might behave in a fire to ensure you are making the best choice and don’t end up with a material that catches fire easily or readily emits toxic smoke. With this in mind here are the most common insulation types together with information on how resistant they are to fire.

Rockwool
Mineral is regarded as one of the best materials when it comes to fire resistance. It is able to withstand heat more than 700 ºF above that of the average home fire.

Spray Foam
Many people assume spray foam to be flammable but it actually contains fire retardants. The material also fills air gaps more effectively than other insulation types cutting off the air that is a major ingredient allowing fires to spread.

Foam Board
Foam board might be cheap and readily available but it certainly isn’t a good performer when it is subjected to heat from fires. Add to this the toxic fumes you get when it burns and you may need to reconsider installing it

Posted by admin in Fireplace, Home Insulation, Insulation Fire Rated, Soundproofing, Spray Foam Insulation, Thermal Insulation
12
Nov
2018

The Relationship Between Climate and Insulation

Most of us know that insulation is an important part of any building we occupy and increasingly so now that we are being forced to consider how much energy and consequently money we are wasting.

Money is also a factor in the type of insulation people choose for their homes. Often there are attempts to go it alone and do a DIY job to save even more. After all there are plenty of helpful videos available on Internet or advice from friends to teach you. What often cannot easily be gained from watching other people’s experiences is the insulating materials and methods you’ll need for different types of climate.

Climate is one of the key considerations when choosing insulations and depending on where you live in the UK some insulation types can be better than others. If you live in western parts of the UK the climate is often wet and windy for a large part of the year as this part of the country takes the brunt of weather coming from the stormy Atlantic. That said, temperatures don’t usually fluctuate too rapidly.

The east side of the UK can get very cold with temperatures fluctuating wildy at times as the cold North sea often exerts its influence. Weather in the east is also drier than the west.

In the South East, the weather is particularly dry through summer and also warmer with hotter summers.

So if you live in a colder climate keeping out cold will be the priority whereas in the warmer parts of the country keeping out heat while also protecting against the cold will be the priority.

Posted by admin in Climate and Insulation, Commercial Property, Home Insulation, How To Soundproof Doors, Insulate Your Home, Metropolitan Insulation, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Spray Foam Insulation, Thermal Insulation
22
Oct
2018

How Long Can You Expect Your Insulation To Last?

Most people will ask about how long things like roof tiles and flooring will last but few people consider insulation. One thing is certain, no matter what insulation you use, it won’t last forever and certain types of insulation are known to last longer than others. So let’s look at the different types of insulation commonly used and compare their lifespans and durability.

Spray foam insulation
Spray foam insulation has increased in popularity due to its excellent durability and ease of application. It is also much better at resisting mold growth and sealing any air leaks than alternative forms of insulation. You can also look forward to low maintenance over its lifetime. The only drawback is that its lifespan is around 80 years but this is a minor one unless you expect to still be around 80 years from so you can still technically say it will last you more than a lifetime.

Fiberglass Insulation
Fibreglass is the type of insulation you will find in most homes. The material is also extremely durable and provides an excellent defence against humidity. It is also cheaper than most alternatives which is why you will still find this type of insulation in most homes. This type of insulation is expected to last 100 years but wear and tear can take its toll and reduce lifespan if it isn’t inspected regularly.

Recycled Paper Insulation
Recycled paper is another excellent choice and the main thing it has going for it is its limited impact on the environment. This type of insulation can last for 100 years although it is less commonly used than other materials such as fibre glass and spray foam.

Posted by admin in Home Insulation, Hotel Soundproofing, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation To Last, Metropolitan Insulation, Sound Absorption, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing for musicians, Spray Foam Insulation, Super Materials, Suspended Ceiling Soundproofing, Thermal Insulation
26
Sep
2018

The Challenges Of Insulating A Barn Conversion

Barn conversions can make the most attractive homes but they can also be challenging projects not only from a build point of view but also when it comes to thermal efficiency.

Nowadays thermal efficiency is a much more important consideration than it has been in the past. Property owners must now include Energy Performance Certificates when advertising a property for rent or sale and this obviously influences the decision to rent or buy a property. Few people are going to pay their hard earned cash to live in a poorly insulated property or one that scores poorly on its EPC.

So one of the main challenges when converting a barn is making sure it is conforms to modern building and energy efficiency standards. Insulating high vaulted ceilings can be difficult as attractive as they are, but there is a way to cut the cost and achieve those all important efficiency scores. That is to use spray foam insulation.

This can be applied quickly and easily and dramatically cuts down the time it takes to apply insulation so that your barn conversion ticks all the boxes for your prospective buyers. If you require more information on insulating your property give us a call today.

Posted by admin in Barn Conversion, Control Sound, Environmentally Friendly Materials, Hidden Noise Hazards, Home Insulation, How To Soundproof Doors, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation Reduce Noise, Metropolitan Insulation, Noisy Neighbours, Rigid Foam Insulation, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Spray Foam Insulation, Super Materials, Suspended Ceiling Soundproofing
15
Aug
2018

What’s the Difference Between Airborne Sound and Impact Sound?

There is more than one type of sound and to properly insulate your property you will need to insulate against both impact sound and airborne sound. Here’s a brief guide to these sound types and how effective insulation can help you control their impact.

Airborne sound can come from a wide variety of sources bot inside and outside your property and as the term suggests the sound will feel as if it is in the air around you. Some typical examples of things that create airborne sound include noise from traffic, music, TV vacuum cleaning to name but a few.

Being exposed to these noises for any length of time can impact on your quality of life depending on the level of noise they generate and for how long.

Impact sound on the other hand is generated when people are walking up stairs, on floors above in apartments, or appliances such as washing machines, drills, hammers and so on. This type of noise can be particularly irritating even if the disturbances are usually short term in domestic environments.

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

The key to reducing airborne sound is to eliminate gaps that will allow sound to travel between spaces. Impact noise can be reduced by something as simple as fitting carpets that are significantly better at absorbing impact sound from footsteps than wood floors.

Posted by admin in Airborne Sound, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Metropolitan Insulation, Noisy Neighbours, Soundproofing