In short, yes! We always recommend that you install underlay under your carpet. It has a multitude of benefits including improving the look and feel of your carpet, increased comfort levels, reducing noise, increasing energy efficiency and improving the lifespan of your carpet.
In general, carpets without underlay have a much shorter lifespan and are more at risk of rapid wear and tear.
The type of fabric used on the bottom of the carpet strongly influences the need for a carpet underlay. If your carpet has a textile or latex backing , then an underlay is necessary in order to avoid uneven surfaces. Does your carpet have a felt or foam backing? Then there's no reason to consider a carpet underlay.
If your carpet is foam, silicone or rubber backed, then it must be installed straight on the floor, without underlay, using an appropriate carpet adhesive. This sort of carpet is usually used in a commercial environment. Can I reuse my old underlay? You can, but you will be making a false economy.
If underlay is fitted in bedrooms on the first floor, the underlay will help prevent noise from leaking between levels, as the underlay will soak up the noise and also help to eradicate the sound of feet movements. If you have teenagers playing video games or loud music, then you'll know what I'm talking about.
Without underlayment to add a layer between these damp subfloors and the surface flooring, your laminate can quickly become wet, warped, and mildewy, harming its overall integrity. Moisture over time can also break down floor adhesive which causes the floor to start warping.
Good underlay can improve everything from how flooring feels underfoot, to how it wears and maintains its looks over time. In fact, investing in your underlay can increase the lifespan of your flooring by 30-50%.
Carpet padding is also called carpet underlay as it serves as the foundation where the carpets are installed. The main purpose of carpet padding is to protect your carpeting. The pad keeps the underside of your carpet from wearing against the bare floor. It also helps the impact of heavy furniture and foot traffic.
Sponge rubber underlay combines the best of durability and comfort. Sponge rubber underlay is made from synthetic rubber, and this gives comfort and durability meaning it can last for years and years underneath your carpet.
If you've opted for a thinner carpet, you may want to choose a slightly thicker underlay. Popular manufacturers make underlay of around 11mm-12mm and this is ideal. Although for more difficult areas like stairs, a 9mm underlay would be far easier to fit, rather than something as much as 12mm.
If you're looking for an alternative to foam underlay, fibreboard is an excellent option, which is good at both deadening sound in high traffic rooms and adding insulation.
What is the average price of underlay? The price of carpet underlay is calculated per m2 and – dependent on the supplier and the quality of the product – you can expect to pay anywhere between £2-£8. The more luxurious the underlay, and the better its overall performance, the more it will cost.
The problem is that foam is porous and when placed next to a material which is prone to dampness, it can quickly become wet and rot. This can then transfer to the carpet or other flooring, causing it to also degrade. If you have a concrete floor you will need an underlay which is anti-bacterial and made from rubber.
Backing carpet also increases durability, improves appearance retention, adds dimensional stability, makes it easier to install, and may provide a moisture barrier.
This is a question we get asked quite a lot, here at Carpet Underlay Shop, and our answer is very simple. Yes – you should invest in new carpet underlay almost every time you lay a new carpet. The only exception is if the current underlay is less than 12 months old or in excellent condition.
So, What Is Carpet Padding Made Out Of? Carpet padding is made from rubber, foam, or fiber—forming a sponge-like material. It's usually purchased in a roll or pad, and laid out underneath your carpet; sometimes it will be cut into shapes to fit specific corners of your home.
Foam Underlay
This is mainly because it offers more comfort, and can make your carpet feel even better. It's also made purely from recycled materials and old scraps of foam, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
Carpet Protection
Underlay, if it is a quality product, should extend the life of your carpet and keep the pile looking fresh and upright for longer. The added protection from wear is an investment, but certainly a worthwhile one.
Your flooring will last much longer when it is installed with a high-quality carpet pad. If you ask 10 people on the street whether a softer and thicker carpet pad is better than others, chances are good they'll say yes.
The ten-pound density costs more than the six-pound and is a much higher quality pad. The higher densities feel harder when you touch them, but when they are put under carpet they make the carpet feel much nicer. These weights are all available in versions with moisture barriers.
The two most popular choices are 6 pounds and 8 pounds. A 6-pound carpet pad is going to be softer underfoot while an 8-pound carpet pad is more durable, and can extend the life of your carpet. An 8-pound carpet pad is also preferable for higher traffic areas of your home.
Yes, absolutely! Not only is it possible to lay your own underlay, for most projects we actually recommend it. Even if you're a bit of a DIY amateur – and have no previous experience in this area – most underlays are now designed with easy installation in mind.
Underlay thickness affects the feel of the carpet. A thick underlay, between 11 and 12mm, will give your carpet a cushioned, soft feel. However, a thinner underlay on the stairs may be easier to install. 9mm is ideal.
Acoustic underlay does make a difference in sound reduction when done right! There is a wide range of options available so understanding how they work is the key to choosing the best acoustic underlay for you.
In short, vinyl flooring itself can be completely self sustainable and does not require an underlayment to function properly. Another reason underlayments may be suggested for vinyl flooring is if the vinyl flooring type is thin. When the vinyl flooring is thin, it becomes a lot easier to flex and bend.