With space becoming scarce for development in most towns and cities, the number of apartments and flats being built is on the increase. Although this allows more people to live within proximity of their work and local amenities, it also means that people are becoming closer to their neighbours – and not just in the old fashioned neighbourly way either. With shared internal and external walls, noise pollution is becoming a growing problem. Coming hand in hand with inner city living is the rising cost to do so. Energy saving allows homeowners to heat their homes for less, making it more affordable to live in the towns. With both of these issues in mind, here we look at how Saarpor have developed lining papers to insulate and sound proof your home. What are Lining Papers? There are conventional lining papers which help to create a smooth, even base for painting or wallpapering. Then there are more specialist lining papers which offer additional properties. Saarpor specialise in two types of lining paper – Saarpor sound proofing liner and graphite insulting lining paper. The key to the sound and insulting properties is in Saarpor’s heat insulation polystyrene. Although similar in constructions, sound proof and thermal insulating papers insulate in different ways. So how does the construction of these lining papers differ? Well take the Saarpor Sound Proof Lining Paper Single for example, this is made using a foam backing which absorbs sound and is then finished with a thick lining paper. In contrast the Saarpor Red Label Lining Paper Single offers thermal insulation thanks to a polystyrene layer which helps trap warm air within a room. Saarpor’s Graphite Insulating Lining Paper Single is also polystyrene based but has been infused with graphite particles. These work by reflecting the heat back into the room, offering even more thermal insulation. Which you choose for your home will depend on what you want to achieve and your budget. Using Lining Papers Whether you choose thermal insulating of sound proofing lining papers, their application to the wall is the same, using special adhesive. Choosing where to use which lining paper is more subject to interpretation. Outside walls in the bedroom benefit from thermal insulating lining paper which will also offer some sound proofing too, thanks to the similar construction. Rooms such as the kitchen where noise disturbance is less of a problem, benefit from thermal insulating paper whilst the living room is prone to needing sound proof lining paper to both reduce external noise and keep the sound generated by the stereo or TV within the room. It’s best to draw up a plan of exactly where you need to use each kind of lining paper – remember that it’s OK to mix and match within the same room, altering the lining paper you use depending on the circumstances.