Carpet padding
From Floor Coverings
Contents |
What is carpet padding?
Why do I want to use carpet padding?
Wall to wall carpet must be laid down with a padding of some sort underneath it. If you don't, the carpet pile will compact even more every time you walk over it. This will wear out the carpet and wad it up into a little hardened sheet. Also, walking on carpet laid directly over concrete, for instance, will feel more like walking on concrete directly and less like walking on some cushiony surface. Padding helps extend the life of moderately priced carpeting and makes it feel more luxurious. Carpet selection and padding selection must complement each other. Carpet padding may be rated by density or weight per cubic yard. Carpet padding can also be too thick, so choosing the right one will go a long way to extending the life of your new carpet.
When do you Need to Replace it?
If the carpet is looking a bit worn or shabby or is stained, then it's time to replace the carpet padding also. One goes along with the other, so replace the carpet and you have to replace the padding. If your flooring has suffered from a water problem then mold, of course it should be replaced as soon as you can or there may be health problems. If you have pets or young children, who may have had accidents, then you will know if you have to get new carpet and padding.
Different Types of Carpet Padding
There are several types of carpet padding. The recommendations of the manufacturer or dealer may help you to decide which one will work for you. Try and get the heaviest carpet cushion that you see, and waffle rubber, one type, is now much better than when it was used in the 70s and 80s. Know what you are buying if you look at urethane foam padding. This is available in different densities and thicknesses. Bonded urethane may also be called rebond carpet padding. It is one of the most popular carpet paddings. It is composed of recycled scrap foam. Of some concern if you buy rebond is a chemical called BHt. It can cause yellowing. Flat rubber carpet cushion is the best for long wear and luxury feel. It is a bit hard to find and can be expensive. It is the only padding that could last through new carpeting placed over it. The last carpet padding type is fiber cushion, which uses scrap fiber and is considered a green resource. A fiber cushion made from jute or a mixture of jute or hair works better, but on the whole, fiber padding is only a moderately successful solution.
