Choosing the Right Underlay
The time and money you spend choosing a good quality underlay won't be wasted. Underlay protects your carpet from premature wear, and improves the feel of the carpet underfoot. It also helps soundproof a room and provides extra insulation against heat loss. And it helps protect carpet backing from damage by defects in the sub flooring, acting as a barrier against harmful moisture, dust and grit. So what do you look for in a good underlay? Strength, durability and resilience are the most important considerations if you want an underlay that will offer soft comfort underfoot and protect the carpet for many years. Take care not to choose an underlay that is too soft. A good quality, firm, resilient underlay will improve the feel and extend the life of all types of carpet.
So which type of underlay should you choose ?
- Rubber Waffle
Rubber waffle underlay, made of natural sponge rubber, is the form installed most widely in UK,Australasian homes. Rubber waffle underlay offers strength and durability and will provide excellent resilience. Rubber provides firm support for the carpet and long-lasting performance. Its 'waffle' or cellular construction allows air to circulate, minimising dampness and condensation under the carpet.
- Foam
There are two main types of foam underlay; prime polyurethane and bonded polyurethane chips. The latter, made from polyurethane chips bonded together to form a flat, multicoloured sheet, is the more popular version. Foam underlays also come in a variety of qualities. Various grading schemes are available as a guide, but these vary from brand to brand. As with most things, it's probably true to say "you get what you pay for!" Cheap foam underlays are too soft and will not offer sufficient protection for the carpet. A top quality, heavier, denser foam underlay will, however, greatly improve the feel and extend the life of the carpet.
- Felt Underlay
Once the only type of underlay available, felts are made by needling fibre - jute, wool or mixed fibres from waste textiles, or combinations of wool and other waste fibres - into a hessian scrim. Felt underlays are usually dense and firm, but not nearly as resilient or long-lasting as cellular underlays. Very little felt underlay is sold these days for residential carpet installations.
Take advice from the experts
Your carpet retailer or installer will be able to determine how much underlay is required. If you have in-floor heating, take advice from the heating installers and the carpet suppliers to find what carpet and underlay combination will allow the room to be heated without damage to the heating system, underlay or carpet.
Store:
Store it at suitable place and keep out of the sun. Prevent hard drawing or holding so as to avoid damage
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