Carpet padding, or underlay,is one of the most often overlooked
part of a carpeting project, because it’s not visible. However, it’s one of
the most important aspects of your carpeting installation as it serves as the
foundation of your carpet.
Carpet padding is meant to
protect your carpeting. It is typically made from rubber, foam or fiber. It
keeps the bottom of your carpet from rubbing and tearing against the bare
floor. It also helps by absorbing the impact of foot traffic and heavy
furniture. Carpet padding is responsible for the softness or firmness of your
carpet.
When you have padding under your carpet, your
vacuum is able to raise it slightly and remove more dirt, making the cleaning
process more efficient. Without carpet padding, dirt and dust get stuck in
the tufts of your carpet, increasing allergens and creating a dirty
environment.
Carpet pads also provide thermal installation.
Porous carpeting will create drafts, whereas padded carpets block the draft.
It also is able to keep heat from passing through it. So it keeps your room
at a more stable temperature.
Carpet padding also acts to
dampen sound. This is an especially pertinent feature in upstairs rooms.
A
pad stops the drafts that can seep through porous carpeting. 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.
The main aspects of carpet pads are
density and thickness. A thicker pad provides more protection, but it can
also wrinkle your carpet. The higher the density, the more firm your carpet
will feel. However low density pads wear out faster.
If you
have any questions about carpet padding, reach out to Naffco
today!
