The Secret to Long-Lasting Flooring: Understanding the Importance of Carpet Underlay

 Carpet Underlay might be being overtaken by laminate and wooden floors in some homes but it is still very popular in bedrooms, on stairs and for the home cinema. But to get the best out of your new carpet it needs to be fitted with the correct underlay.

Often overlooked, it's an important part of the flooring process to get right. The underlay sits between the floor and your carpet providing comfort, thermal insulation and cutting down noise. But it also helps to prolong the lifespan of your carpet and protects against moisture which can lead to mould and mildew.



Different types of Underlays

You can choose from a range of different underlays but the main types are re-bond foam, SBR latex and rubber. The quality of these underlays is judged by their thickness and density, which is measured in kg/m3. A higher value will indicate a thicker, more dense underlay which will last longer.

Another key factor to consider is what furniture you have in your room - do you have a lot of heavy items that may cause permanent indentation marks? In this case, you'll want to look at a more durable type of underlay like crumb rubber or wool felt.

 Main benefit of a good carpet underlay 

The main benefit of a good carpet underlay is to extend the longevity of your carpet by supporting its pile, reducing wear patterns and making it easier to lay. However, it is also a great way to add comfort and warmth to your home and create a more luxurious feel underfoot.

A Carpet Underlay  is a layer of cushioning placed underneath your new carpet before it is laid. It's made from a range of different materials including foam, rubber and felt.

 Re-carpeting a bedroom

The underlay is never seen so it's easy to overlook but the choice you make can affect your overall flooring outcome. For example, if you are re-carpeting a bedroom, you'll need an underlay that's warm and insulating, while if you are re-carpeting the stairs you'll want one that's hard-wearing.

Conclusion

We recommend that you avoid re-using your existing underlay when replacing your carpet as it will have the same wear patterns that will quickly resurface in your new carpet. In addition, most carpet manufacturer's warranties require that their products are installed over new underlay. Thankfully, it's affordable to buy new underlay to support your carpet and improve its performance. You can purchase a wide variety of underlay at our retail stores and we're happy to offer advice on the best option for your home. We can even provide samples of underlay and carpet so you can experience the difference for yourself!


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