Spray Foam Insulation in Devonport: Can It Really Help with Noisy Neighbours?
If you’ve ever wished your walls could muffle some of that racket from next door, you’re not alone. Many folks across Devonport and Plymouth – and even in busy hubs like London, Manchester, or Leeds – ask the same thing: does spray foam insulation actually help block noise from noisy neighbours? Let’s look at how spray polyurethane foam (SPF insulation) works and whether it’s a good option for making your home more peaceful.
How Spray Foam Insulation Works (And Why It Might Quiet Things Down)
Spray foam insulation is applied as a liquid that quickly expands and hardens. It fills every gap and crack inside your wall or loft, stopping draughts, trapping in warmth, and yes – dampening sound a bit. But before you imagine total silence, it’s good to know what kind of noise you’re up against.
There are two main types of noise:
- Airborne noise: This is sound that travels through the air, like voices, loud tellies or music.
- Impact noise: This is sound caused by things hitting walls, floors, or ceilings – such as footsteps or DIY banging about.
Spray foam helps most with the first kind (airborne noise) by closing small gaps where sound often sneaks into your rooms. However, it won’t stop very loud or low-frequency sounds completely. Thicker walls or special soundproofing products do a better job for truly noisy neighbours.
Closed-Cell vs Open-Cell Spray Foam: Which Is Better for Noise?
There are two main kinds of spray foam you’ll see in Devonport and across Plymouth and the rest of the UK:
- Closed-cell spray foam: This is denser and forms a rigid layer. It gives brilliant thermal insulation and adds a bit of structure to your home. It blocks more sound compared to fibreglass or mineral wool, but isn’t as good at absorbing vibrations.
- Open-cell spray foam: Softer and lighter, this foam is a bit spongier, so it absorbs some sound energy as it passes through the wall. It’s usually better for sound reduction than closed-cell in most homes.
Here’s a quick table to compare:
| Type | Thermal Insulation | Sound Reduction | Where Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closed-cell | Excellent | Good for blocking air gaps | Walls, floors, roofs |
| Open-cell | Good | Better for sound absorption | Interior walls, lofts |
Benefits of Spray Foam Insulation (Beyond Just Noise Control)
Most people in Devonport consider spray foam for the energy savings first and the noise reduction as a bonus. Here’s what you might notice:
- Warmer rooms in winter since less heat sneaks out
- Lower bills on heating and cooling across the year
- Fewer draughts, less dust sneaking in
- Milder sound from traffic, busy pavements, or next-door neighbours
Is spray foam insulation worth it just for quiet? On its own for noise, probably not – but if you also want to slash those heating bills and stay comfortable all year, it’s a win-win.
Cost and Things to Think About For Devonport Homes
Spray foam insulation cost depends on lots of factors – think wall thickness, house size, and whether you’re after open-cell or closed-cell. In the Devonport and Plymouth area, you’re usually looking at about £25-£50 per square metre, but prices can go up if access is tricky or you’ve got awkward spaces.
Pros:
- Can increase property value
- Speeds up installation compared to traditional insulations
- Makes your home comfier, warmer, and sometimes quieter
Cons:
- Can make it harder for your home to “breathe” if not installed correctly
- Not as effective for blocking very loud, thudding noises (like stomping or dropping heavy items)
- Upfront spray foam cost can be higher than fibreglass
If you’re curious about what spray foam really does, it helps to chat with a local expert in Plymouth or reach out to teams in places like Bristol or Norwich who see all sorts of homes. Many offer free site visits, which means you can find out if spray foam is a good fit for your space.
In summary, spray foam can help soften some unwanted noise from neighbours in Devonport and beyond, especially those everyday sounds that just travel through thin walls. It won’t make your house silent, but paired with proper installation and other enhancements, you’ll notice a cosier and slightly quieter space. So, when you’re weighing up “is spray foam insulation worth it?” remember it’s not just about noise – it’s about overall comfort all year round.