The new frontier in metal roofs and walls
The use of drones in making video documentaries often shows us Italy as seen from above with its combination of roofs that vary according to cultures, landscape constraints and architectural and technical choices.
The use of materials such as aluminium, titanium zinc or steel for walls and roofs is an innovative and design-oriented solution that is now increasingly widespread in residential and commercial applications.
But let’s take a look step by step.
Advantages of metal roofs and walls
One of the economic advantages is certainly low maintenance: metal has a fairly high initial cost, but it’s recovered over the years that follow. Not least is its durability: unlike traditional materials, metal does not deteriorate easily and is much less susceptible to weather conditions and temperature changes, which makes it last for several decades. Unlike conventional roofs, metal ones are much lighter therefore difficulties are also minimised during installation. Lastly, they are recyclable: respect for the environment is always appreciated.
Let’s not forget that metal roofs and walls, when well-insulated, are also good for the pocket. A little energy saving is never a bad thing, considering energy costs in recent months. This material, in the best-suited colours, reflects summer heat instead of absorbing it.It’s also beneficial to the value of the property!
Did you know that?
Metal-clad structures offer natural protection against lightning due to the ‘Faraday cage’ system.
What to look out for
You can imagine that an inconvenience of metal roofs and roofing is sound insulation: the noise of rain or, even worse, hail, especially in areas with heavy rainfall, is an annoyance. Another more damaging effect that needs to be considered is the formation of condensation on the inner façade, which needs to be properly drained.
K-Roof was created to solve both problems. This underlayment for metal roofs and walls provides an efficient drainage system and excellent sound insulation.
Discover all the specifications here.
Even a floor gets wrinkles: how can you avoid them?
The floor of a room is often a distinctive choice, a calling card: it represents our personal taste and gives character to a room. It isn’t as easy to replace as furniture or curtains. We choose it, also aesthetically, to last a long time. But will it really last long?
We spend much time considering its shape, dimensions and the most suitable pattern before deciding. But we don’t think about the problems that floors may develop in the long-term.
Let’s take a look at some of them.
Cracks and broken tiles
Besides unpredictable water leakage due to a burst pipe that creates rising water, moisture and condensation are among the most common causes of damage to interior floors: if they are excessive, they can create temperature changes that affect the resistance of the floor. Since this situation is very common not only in bathrooms but also in communal areas, it’s important to provide suitable ventilation and maintain a constant average temperature, in addition to insulating the building.
In the case of outdoor floors, the problem is more complex. Terraces and balconies are subject to significant temperature changes: the sun and heat, rain and humidity, snow and ice cause materials to expand and contract. The most obvious consequence is the formation of cracks in the screed, which lead to fissures, marks and mould, even in the upper layers. This shortens the life and usability of the floor.
To this must be added the quality of the materials used and the care taken in intervention works: poor quality adhesives would create air bubbles that might raise the floor; joints of unsuitable dimensions would not allow natural movement during temperature changes; incorrect laying of tiles without respecting technical timing would increase this risk.
As a solution, TeMa Interior Solutions proposes No-Crack, the membrane with a dual function:
- waterproofing: the plastic nature of the membrane protects the substrate from moisture seepage and harmful substances;
- uncoupling: it neutralises tension between the substrate and the tiles, acting as a bridge for any fissures that would create cracks in the tiles.
In addition to these important functions, there is the great capacity to withstand loads, such as benches and outdoor tables. Its structure is classified as Extra-Heavy in the Robinson Wheel Test.
What about soundproofing?
Floors are the surface that separates the floors of a house or block of flats, which is why the noise of a neighbour walking in heels early in the morning or a child jumping at all hours of the day may hinder our well-being.
The ideal solution we propose is to apply panels or rolls to prevent footfall noise. The range includes T-Silence dB 21, T-Silence dB17, T-Silence dB 3.8 mm and T-Silence dB 10 mm, which can be chosen according to personal requirements.
- Published in Acoustic insulation, Balconies and terraces, Baths and showers rooms, INTERIOR, news
Soundproofing the bathroom: Why not?
Having a shower in the middle of the night or at the crack of dawn, flushing the toilet, walking heavily barefoot, dropping bottles, a washing machine spinning, water draining or a jacuzzi in operation. All such activities often take place at times when your neighbours may not want to hear you.
Nothing illegal, but it’s most likely to be very annoying for any neighbours who are sleeping.
Don’t be surprised, there’s a solution to this too: install noise-reducing products in the bathroom.
Where does noise come from?
We are used to thinking that noise is transmitted through the air, but sometimes we forget that walls and pipes also transmit vibrations.
In blocks of flats this is even more amplified, as flats are generally designed in a similar way and systems run in sections between floors: this carries much more noise and rumblings.
Our solution
First and foremost, the ideal solution is to carry out a sound test in order to find out what noise is in that room and design a customised soundproofing system.
Environmental comfort can be taken care of by T-Silence dB21, the panel comprising an internal polymer core bonded with special fabrics on both sides, which reduces noise by 21 dB in a thickness of just 7.5 mm.
T-Silence dB21 is particularly suitable for renovations, as it can be dry-installed without having to a make a new screed (thus saving time, since long drying periods are not required). Furthermore, if not irreparably uneven, the old floor need not be demolished, as T-Silence can be installed over it. It can then be directly cladded with ceramic tile or wooden flooring, or a floating floor system can be installed. If, instead, you decide to remove the existing floor because it’s uneven and then lay T-Silence over the screed, as it is reduced in thickness, it isn’t necessary to intervene on the thresholds between one room and another, as no difference in level will occur.
Beware of acoustic bridges
An acoustic bridge is a critical issue that risks undermining all insulation work. It basically transmits noise and vibration. To prevent this, the joints between T-Silence dB21 panels need to be covered with dB-Strip, the paper adhesive tape impregnated with hot melt adhesive, and dB-Band, the self-adhesive band for perimeter insulation in contact with vertical walls.
Advantages
Insulating the bathroom brings the advantage of enhancing rest and therefore personal well-being.
Moreover, as it is relatively uncommon, it adds value to your property.
- Published in news
A new wellbeing range
As humans, one of our basic needs is to create a nest that is warm and dry, and protected from bad weather conditions, hoping that a woodpecker will not come along and live above this nest. Unfortunately, we do not always realise that what affects people’s wellbeing is not only the pleasure of the warmth that an isolated environment brings, but also the silence.
Silence has only recently been re-evaluated as a category
Silence has only recently been re-evaluated as a category of wellbeing. Modern culture has allowed it to be acknowledged as a pre-requisite for a peaceful life. The concept of health has extended its boundaries to include other areas such as noise, which, together with other factors such as light and temperature, influences people’s good living. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the concept of health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Enjoying good sound insulation in the home is therefore not an extra but a necessity. This is why TeMa Interior decided to create T-Silence to reduce footfall noise.
T-Silence, a universally valid option
To make T-Silence a universally valid option, Tema decided to use materials with narrow thicknesses, minimally invasive intervention methods and reduced on-site installation times. In this way, those who are building from scratch or renovating and those who already live in a building and cannot leave it temporarily can make use of the system. Dry applications are used that do not require new screeds and therefore a drying cycle is not necessary. A further advantage not to be overlooked is the option of applying T-Silence without demolishing the existing floor and/or the screed below. This avoids any inconvenience for tenants and ensures quick installation.
So, what is the advantage of soundproofing your home? You can achieve your own wellbeing.
Silence will accompany your daily routine, aiding concentration and avoiding any change in your mindset that normally leads to anxiety, depression and discontent. In the evenings, you will have no problem falling asleep, you will not be woken up in the middle of the night by noisy neighbours and you will allow your brain to re-work the stimuli collected during the day and peacefully fix your memories. Sleep considerably affects everyone’s ability to concentrate and promotes growth processes, which is why it should not be underestimated.
This is why a system like T-Silence becomes essential: because it preserves, protects and enhances your wellbeing. Spread the word and tell the neighbours above you and think about those below you.
If you want to learn more and discover the T-Silence application methods, browse the CATALOGUE.