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!
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. You may think it's just a sales trick.
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.
How long do carpet underlays last? When buying carpet underlay, customers are often told that it will last up to 25 years – with crumb rubber being one of the most durable types available. It's important to note that underlay in a room that receives a lot of foot traffic daily won't last as long.
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.
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.
Depending on the material, carpet padding can last up to 25 years. Although, the most popular foam-based carpet padding only lasts around 10 years. Over time, and especially in high-traffic areas, your padding can degrade and become misshapen and dirty, just like the carpet above it.
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.
In general, carpets without underlay have a much shorter lifespan and are more at risk of rapid wear and tear. Underlay is especially important if you're planning on laying carpet over concrete as it will help make walking across the room much more comfortable.
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.
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 it need new grippers? Yes – new carpet, new underlay and new grippers! They provide a firm grip to your flooring and keep the carpet taut and help prevent any movement that may cause lumps and bumps.
The best type of carpet underlay will provide thermal insulation, reduce noise, make the carpet feel softer underfoot and will help the carpet last longer as it acts as a shock absorber.
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.
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.
In short, 9mm is generally best for high traffic areas such as stairs and 11mm is best for comfort areas. There are other specifications that need to be observed. So, have a read of the product specifications below for the full range of options when choosing the thickness you need for your Cloud 9 Underlay.
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.
A general rule of thumb for most residential carpet applications is to choose cushion no more than 7/16 inch thick and no less than 1/4 inch with 6 pounds per cubic feet density.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Average Cost of Carpet Padding and Installation
The cost to add carpet padding for a standard 9 by 9 square foot room falls between $185 and $425. 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.
Damp Proof Membrane (DPM) Underlays. All these underlays feature a Damp Proof Membrane (DPM). This is necessary when laying over concrete subfloors or to protect your flooring from damp coming from below.