Carpet Underlay: Why Is It Necessary, The Types, and How To Choose?

Once you have decided to lay a new carpet in your home, the following days become very exciting - taking measurements of the area, choosing the carpet supplier, and picking the new carpet. However, there is one thing that you should not forget - the carpet underlay.

 What is this thing called carpet underlay?

 If you are unfamiliar with the phrase, it is also called an underlayment; this is what you place at a lower layer than the carpet before it is laid down. This is the material between the carpet and the subfloor, a base for your finished flooring.

 How necessary is the underlayment?

 The underlay’s importance is not just for comfort under your feet. They do a great job of maintaining the shape of your carpet and protecting it from moisture. As shock absorbers, they can minimise noise from voices, footsteps and moving furniture.

 If your carpet has no underlay, its lifespan becomes short, and it can 

suffer from early wear and tear. If you are laying a carpet over a concrete floor, an underlayment is primarily needed to experience comfort underfoot as you walk across it.

 The benefit of underlays extends to saving money through reduced energy bills. Because of their insulating property, there is minimised heat loss, and you use less power. They also make cleaning a breeze because they protect the carpet piles. Piles are loops of fabric within the carpet.

 What are the types of underlayment?

 The common types of underlayment that you could fit into the carpet are dictated mainly by the (1) type of your flooring, (2) your subfloor material, and (3) various properties that you want in it. 

For example, some underlays are thicker, while others have higher tog rating properties. Tog rating is the capability to maintain the heat in a carpeted room. Here are some underlays that are most common.

*  Polyurethane Foam Underlay

 PU Foam is the most practical and the best value for the amount of money you pay for. PU foam is very lightweight and made from waste materials that were converted into usable form. It’s easy to move around, especially if you are a DIY person; you can easily do the fitting, although it is still suggested that you bring in a professional and trusted fitter to do the job.

*  Sponge Rubber Underlay

Offers a combination of durability and comfort. It is produced from synthetic rubber; you’ll feel the bounce when you walk across, and your carpet feels extra comfortable.

* Crumb Rubber Underlay

 This one is manufactured from recycled car tires, which are durable and have excellent sound reduction properties. Durability and hardwearing are two of its most notable characteristics. These are best used for stairs, halls, and other high-traffic areas.

 Which underlayment would you prefer to use?

 Choosing a new underlay depends on factors such as the following.

The carpet flooring type that you will lay on top

 The carpet will not affect the type of underlay that should go with it. If your carper is a bit thinner, your underlayment should be thicker. That simple.

The floor type that the underlayment will sit on.

Whether it is a concrete floor or underfloor heating, the best underlay should be the one that gives the proper insulation, shock absorbency, and soundproofing.

The room where you will place it.

Is it a bedroom or a staircase? The underlay should suit the purpose. For example, an underlay that filters noise is excellent for a bedroom. The stairs should be fitted with a hardwearing one that can be fitted even on complex surfaces.

 We hope the above information can help, but if you have other queries, please get in touch with Burts Online today. If you want to purchase underlayment for your carpet, we have them here and will offer them. Please check our clearance flooring; we can supply you with underlayment, too.