Some carpet pads will be more resistant to mold than others- organic glues and other materials in carpet pad can feed mold, but the main contributing factor of the pad is its propensity for absorbing water and holding it to feed mold on adjacent surfaces.
If padding beneath the carpet has become wet for any reason, or has become moist from condensation, the padding as well as the carpet on top are at risk for mold growth. The padding may need to be replaced, as will the carpet, in most cases.
Carpet padding is a pricey investment, but the protection that carpet padding can provide against mold growth is worth it in the long run.
It has the added benefit of helping to protect your padding and subfloor from water damage. This helps protect it from mold and water damage and makes it easier to clean up liquids and spills. Moisture barrier padding is great against small spills, particularly pet urine. There are some issues with it, however.
Moisture barrier padding is floor padding that has a layer that prevents liquids (spills, urine, etc) from passing from the floor to the floorboards, and it also prevents vapor from coming up from the base floor (concrete, etc) through the carpet. The hope of this type of padding is to make moisture less of a headache.
I would glue the plastic down with some padding glue. I would also use carpet padding then carpet. Plastic with carpet only on top no padding I wouldn't do. It would make the carpet slip around to easy and also have that plastic sound when walking on it.
Padding has higher R value (which measures a material's ability to keep heat from passing through it) than carpet which keeps the room warmer. Carpet padding also helps dampen sound. This is especially more important for upstairs rooms, but even in a basement, a pad reduces sound more than just a carpet by itself.
Moisture Barrier Carpet Padding is a padding which is sealed with a water barrier on the top to prevent moisture from making its way down into the padding and subfloor. It's very popular with pet owners who often have to deal with accidents on the carpet.
As a general rule, you can lay carpet over concrete. Concrete provides a stable subfloor for carpet, and carpet can be installed on it using the tried and true method that virtually all carpet installation contractors use. You can also install it yourself, however, you need many specialized tools.
Mold can cause health issues ranging from a runny nose or headache, up to possible hair loss. Mold presence is especially dangerous to those suffering from respiratory issues such as COPD and asthma. When mold is residing in your carpeting there is also a chance for dermatitis, a type of skin rash, to occur.
The only way to prevent mold from forming again is to keep the carpet very dry. The area should be well-ventilated, with low humidity. You should also vacuum often. It can also help to use an air purifier in the area that is able to trap mold spores.
Many government organizations, including the EPA, suggest that mold and bacteria can begin to form in wet carpet as soon as 24 to 48 hours after becoming wet. Carpet may become wet due to regular foot traffic tracking in water or due to water damage from events like flooding or a burst pipe.
You may be able to tell whether there is mold in your carpet by simply looking at it. If mold is in its advanced stages, then it may develop a discoloration. You may notice black or green spots all over your carpet. Keep in mind that the area underneath your carpet may develop discoloration before the carpet does.
Most indoor/outdoor carpets are mold and mildew resistant, but mold and mildew can still pop up. It typically depends on the type of carpet backing you have. If you are going to purchase indoor/outdoor carpet and install it in an area that is typically wet, you will need to buy marine carpet backing.
In addition, you can absolutely carpet a basement floor because carpet is one of the most flexible floor-covering materials. So even if your cement floor is not perfectly level, carpet can be installed right over it, without the need to level the floor or otherwise prep it first.
Tigressá® H2O™ is the revolutionary new carpet offering waterproof construction, that prevents liquids from soaking into the carpet padding and subfloor. Perfect for young, active families, Tigressá® H2O™ carpet is exceptionally durable and easy to clean.
Carpet padding is always the best money you can spend in a carpet store! Put it this way, if you were to spend $3 more per yard on carpet, you may or may not be able to tell the difference. However, take that same $3 and spend it on an upgraded pad and it will make all the difference in the world.
Carpet pads commonly sold to consumers in the USA and other developed countries contain dangerous chemicals that can cause nervous system damage, particularly in infants and toddlers.
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.
An 8-pound padding is less spongy and is stiffer to walk on than a 6-pound pad, which is a bit more spongier underfoot. 6-pound padding is usually dense enough for use with most residential carpet and falls within most carpet manufacturers' warranty guidelines.
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.
The most important function of carpet padding though, is that it absorbs the abuse of everyday wear and tear. Carpet padding keeps the backing of your carpets from wearing down against the subfloor, and protects them against the wear of heavy traffic.
Moisture barrier pads are essentially what they sound like — a barrier that goes underneath your carpet that keeps liquid from soaking through to the floor or subfloor underneath. They add an extra step for carpet installation, as well as an extra cost, so some homeowners decide not to use them.