Yes – you should purchase new carpet underlay virtually every time you lay a new carpet. The only exemption is if the current underlay is less than twelve months old or in top 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.
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.
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.
Trust us, underlay is well worth the investment. Equally manufacturers warranties may be invalidated if new underlay is not fitted with the new carpet. So when your retailer asks if you need new underlay with your new carpet, the answer should always be yes!
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.
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.
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.
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.
The padding underneath your carpet can degrade and age just like the carpet above.
While carpet has changed over the years, today, its lifespan is usually anywhere from 5 to 15 years. The length of time that a specific carpet lasts depends on the type of carpet, carpet cushion, carpet fibers, and wear and tear the carpet is exposed to.
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.
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.
In general, carpet that is more than 20 years old should be replaced. Dust, dirt and debris build up in the fibers and underneath the carpet, even if it is maintained regularly. This can lead to allergy problems and odors. By the time a carpet reaches 30 years old, it usually is worn and stained.
Inexpensive, apartment-grade carpet will typically last anywhere from 1 to 5 years. A medium-grade carpet will last between 5 to 15 years. The best of the best carpet on the market will last between 15 and 25 years on average.
Old carpet also increases your risk of asthma attacks. The allergens in old carpet can reduce the indoor air quality of your home and trigger asthma attacks just like they trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, and other allergic reactions.
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.
Nine times out of ten, carpet gripper rods should NOT be reused. Ideally, they should be replaced every time you change your flooring. The only exception to this rule is if they're in a particularly good condition, or if it's been less than 12 months since they were last swapped out.
Why is underlay important? Underlay isn't just crucial for comfort underfoot, but it also drastically helps maintain your carpet as well as providing extra protection against moisture. It is also a great shock absorber, meaning it's ideal for reducing noise from things like footsteps, voices or moving furniture.
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.
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.
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.
Generally speaking 7mm is about as thin as you want to go unless you have a specialist need for something thinner, but 8-12mm is the band most manufacturers produce carpet underlay with 9-11mm being the most popular products.
Typically the thicker the underlay the better quality it will need to be - 9- 7mm is the most common domestic thickness with 11mm often used for luxury installations.