How long does underlay last? High-quality types of carpet underlay can last up to 25 years. Laminate and wood floors also last up to 25 years depending on the amount of footfall they experience.
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.
If something doesn't feel quite right when you walk over it, it's highly likely that the underlay is wearing out and needs replacing. There may be spots that feel flat, lumps and visible signs of damage, or perhaps you can feel the hard floor beneath as you walk across in your stocking feet.
Carpet underlay, particularly rubber based products, can crumble and harbour dust and dirt. This dirt can transfer into your new carpet and make it look old and tired. When you think about it most people keep their carpet for at least 7 to 10 years so if you re-use your underlay it could be 20 years old!
When fitting your desired carpet, we always recommend having an underlay. Carpet and underlay deteriorate at roughly the same rate, so if you are replacing your carpet you should usually replace your underlay alongside it.
How long does underlay last? High-quality types of carpet underlay can last up to 25 years. Laminate and wood floors also last up to 25 years depending on the amount of footfall they experience.
Do I really need new underlay when purchasing a new carpet? Simple answer, YES! You may think it's a sales trick or even want to save a few pounds but there are genuine reasons why you should put down new underlay when buying a new carpet.
Most of the time, you shouldn't reuse old underlay. We recommend that you buy and fit new underlay at the same time as your new flooring. Old underlay can disintegrate as it ages, as well as harbour lots of dust and dirt.
In this case, if it is the right thickness and doesn't affect the warranty, you might be okay with it. But if it is existing cushion that has been installed for a number of years, even if the thickness is correct, 99 times out of 100 the right thing to do is replace the cushion.
The padding underneath your carpet can degrade and age just like the carpet above.
On average, carpets have a lifespan of approximately 5-10 years; this mainly depends on the quality of carpet and foot traffic in that area of the property. For example, the carpets in hallways generally experience more wear and tear than the bedroom, as it is a busier part of the home.
This underlay would be an investment whether it is going under a new carpet or an existing one this underlay will last for the lifetime of the carpet.
The best type of underlay for carpet is PU foam. It is the best option due its many advantages over alternative types of underlay such as its strong heat insulation abilities and the soft underfoot it provides. However, sponge rubber is another solid option.
If you notice particularly flat or hard areas of carpet, there is a chance that the underlay needs replacing. It is the underlay that provides extra cushioning for your carpets and prolongs their natural life.
In general, though, we'd strongly recommend replacing underlay that's more than a few years old, regardless of condition. The underlay is arguably one of the most important parts of a laminate floor.
In general, it's a good idea to replace your carpet pad once every five years. If you let it go longer than this, you're going to be more likely to need costly repairs. You might also be more prone to some of the issues mentioned above, such as mold growth or carpet lumps.
We recommend not laying new carpet over high-pile, plush, shag, soft, or unevenly worn carpet to avoid these hazards. The best type of carpet to do this with is low-pile carpeting.
Average Cost of Carpet Padding and Installation
The average is $3.75 per square foot with labor and all materials included. The padding material sells for an average of $1.50 per square foot. The cheapest is bonded foam that starts at $0.50 per square foot.
You can send your rebond carpet pad to foam recyclers in your area. Recyclers may pay for used rebond foam pad. A number of these pad recyclers are also listed in CalRecycle's list of carpet and pad recyclers. Check your local directory for listings of other pad recyclers (check under “Recycling Centers”).
Carpet underlay is an excellent insulation tool for your home. Because it is an extra layer between your carpet and the subfloor it acts as a new insulative layer. This then leads to a reduction in heat loss which in turn will mean you can save money on your heating and energy bills.
It is unlikely for asbestos fibres to be found in carpet underlay. Precautions should always be taken when disturbing or removing old carpet and underlay.
You absolutely cannot use carpet underlayment underneath laminate flooring. As much as you want to cut down costs on a new floor, this is not the way to do it. Installing laminate flooring over carpet underlayment will do more harm than good in the long run.
Does carpet need underlay? Yes, All carpets apart from felt-backed carpets should have underlay. Obviously budget is sometimes an issue with underlays, but it is well worth the extra money.
Thickness
But if you're looking for something a little softer and more sumptuous, be sure to opt for a thicker product. 10mm works well for stairways and extra thick carpets. However, in most cases, we recommend a 12mm underlay – as this tends to have the best properties overall.