BrendanC

Hi, I have a new-build house with a flat, sedum-covered roof, in SE15. As part of the warranty conditions I need it inspecting twice a year - making sure no damage, checking for weeds and trees seeding, clearing gutters etc. This must be done by a qualified roofer, who then signs a log book to document that it's been done. So, can anyone recommend a roofer that could do this please? Ideally someone who has worked with flat sedum roofs before. Thanks, Brendan

Another shout for Colin who fitted two catflaps for me. Friendly, efficient, clears up afterwards, and insured too. Nice job Colin!

I get your point about blending in with the general noise, but the thing is, I chose the street I live in now because it seemed especially quiet! So there really is no background traffic noise or anything to mask it. Thank you for your comment though. Fwiw, I've had private correspondence with someone who messaged me regarding this thread with their own experiences, and they've really helped me out.

Sure, and that's what I've done. I initially started using it because I read someone online suggesting it was a good idea to understand the mechanics of what was going on. But I totally get what you're saying - same goes for the Planes Over London site. Both gone now.

Yes, they are definitely Heathrow planes. I can see them on Flight Radar, and then watch them overhead. The City planes really don't bother me as much. It's the ones that go directly overhead, so close I can see the lettering on the underside.

I'd rather not say exactly, but suffice to say, if you draw a straight line from the southern runway, going due East, it will actually bisect my house. So, I get the planes literally directly overhead. It could not be more accurate. The tailfins appear as blades because I'm looking at them straight on, not at angle.

Thank you.

Wow. I really didn't expect so many supportive - and sensible - comments. I really am very grateful, thank you. Just to address some of them... You're right, and I've tried that but my (new) house is generally 2-3 degrees above ambient without heating on. I've found a fan helps, even if it doesn't actually make the place cooler. My previous place was a 17th century cottage in Bucks which was permanently cold! Before that, an ex council flat in Crouch End which was also a bit draughty. So, I'm probably just getting adjusted to a 'normal' house. Also oddly enough I tried some of the 'rain noise' apps to help with the plane noise and they also made me feel curiously 'cooler'. Which brings me to... This is a great recommendation and one I've considered recently too. I don't actually work cos I retired last year, and ideally I'd have something I can actually go to sleep with, but yes, I do like the idea of active headphones. Definitely one to think about, thanks. I am in total agreement, and thank you for challenging me here. I saw a therapist for the first time last week and it does seem there are issues I really need to address. I have 'freaked out' in the past during periods of significant stress, and yes, I can see that I'm attributing the stress this time to the planes - when that's just a symptom, not necessarily a cause. However, it was pretty traumatic to have moved in, had two wonderful days (because by coincidence it was an easterly wind) then, on the Monday, when my partner went to work, a plane went overhead, low and loud, I thought to myself "Wow, I hope that doesn't happen too often", and severa hours later I'm a gibbering wreck. But, I totally take your point, and I'm going to work on myself, because, well, at 55 years of age, it's probably about time... Again, thanks all, as I say I really didn't expect so much help but there's been a lot of good, considered advice here.

Thank you. I think perhaps having moved here just as it got hot might not have helped either. I live in a new build and it's sweltering. So yes, let's hope as we enter autumn I'll be happier with windows closed and at a decent temperature.

Thank you, and I take your point about 'you just get used to it'. How long did it take for you to get used to the plane noise?

Thank you so much, This really does help. You're describing exactly how I'm reacting (and yes, I'd forgotten, the planes actually start at 4:30am and they wake me up - I'm shattered today). It really is a vicious cycle and I think you're right, I need it to become a virtuous one instead. I'm actually seeing a therapist who will hopefully help me with this (yes, it really is that bad for me right now). I've used two earplug brands but they didn't help much. I'll give the Moldex Sparks a go. I like the idea of just having them by the bed to help relaxation. We also have good double-glazing which really helps with the noise, but even hearing them slighly indoors is triggering me. As I say, I'd love to have the windows open or sit out when it's hot, but I cannot make myself do it. I'm also getting blackout curtains installed next week which will also hopefully help. Thanks again, really appreciate the response Oh, btw... How long did it take for that to happen?

Hi all, First post here, so please be gentle... I recently moved into the area (actually SE15 but on the border with East Dulwich) after having visited it quite a few times and loving it. So, imagine my shock/horror when, after moving in, I realised I am, quite literally, directly below the approach path for the southern runway at Heathrow. I can watch them on Flight Radar like laser-guided missiles going right over us, every time. I had absolutely no inkling of this despite walking around the area quite a lot. The planes go overhead every 90 seconds, alternating at 3pm with the northern runway (one week it's the south in the morning and north in the evening, then they swap over the next week), but even when the north runway is being used, the sound is bothersome to me. It's a constant low growl, becoming louder, then a whine, then the growl tails off, and repeats, from 6am to 11pm. It's like being under a constant thunderstorm. I've read up about how this is when there's a westerly wind (which is 70% of the time), and we recently had a few easterly days in which it was gloriously quiet because arrivals go over Windsor instead, but I found them difficult to enjoy because I knew the planes would come again. I've spoken to neighbours and they either say they never noticed, or they got used to it. However I'm a month in, and if anything it's becoming worse. I just cannot tune them out. I can't sit out, or have the windows open. I've actually spoken to my GP about it and am on anti-anxiety medication. I've invested everything I have in the house and cannot afford to simply move again. So, this is my question: has anyone here been through this and come out the other end OK? As in, had a real problem with the repetitive, relentless noise, but found a way to deal with it? Because I know this is all down to me and how I react to it but right now, I'm suffering quite badly and need to know it's possible to get through it. Please, even if you mean well, don't say 'you just get used to it' or 'I don't notice it'. I need to hear from people who found it a real problem, and how they managed to overcome it because right now, I don't see how I'm going to 'get used' to this. Very happy if anyone wants to private message me about it rather than share their story in public. Thanks, Brendan