There?s nothing like a carpet installation to add charm, warmth, elegance, and a touch of glamour to your home. It's exciting to shop for, what with the wide array of colors, styles, designs, and construction. But do you know the importance of padding (also referred to as "cushion" or "underlayment")? You can't see it but think of it as the asphalt on a road.
While many think the padding's primary job is to give that "bouncy" feeling when walking, it also protects the carpet from wearing against the bare floor. It reduces noise and provides Thermal Insulation (R-Value) which helps retain heat by keeping it from escaping from carpet that is porous.
Not all padding is the same
Don?t take just whatever is thrown into a bag, just because someone tells you ?It?s good.? The wrong padding can harm carpet flooring. Generally, padding should be no thicker than 1/2 -inch, but some rugs do require a thinner one, such as ?-inch.
Most carpet paddings weigh six pounds, but some as much as eight when extra durability is needed. It?s critical to speak to your flooring pro to get the best padding for your rug. It?s also important to note that many warranties stipulate the type of underlayment to be used; if not followed, protection can be voided.
Types of padding for carpet installations
Some cushions, such as Mohawk's SmartCushion ? protect the rug so much that the warranty gets extended by 20 years. Not only does this have a specially engineered construction that absorbs sound and protects the floor, but it also has a moisture guard called Spillsafe that prevents liquid from soaking through the carpet to the padding. That's quite an advance. Water, either from steam cleaning or leaks, often gets to the subfloor, causing mold, mildew, and other harm.
There are other types, such as Bonded Foam, which is probably the most common, durable, and eco-friendly. Primary foam is budget-friendly and provides a very soft step. Frothed foam is a little more expensive, but also ultra-durable. Fiber foam is very inexpensive, has a variation of threads, including nylon and polyester, and is often recommended for commercial or looped styles.
For more information, visit Marion's Carpet & Flooring Warehouses at either of our two locations: Wilsonville, and Portland, OR, serving those cities as well as Beaverton, Vancouver, and Lake Oswego.
We offer free design consultations and estimates!
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