10 Sep Factors To Consider When Choosing Carpet Underlay For Your Home
They say it’s what’s inside that counts, but here at Airstep, we believe it’s what’s underneath that counts. You see, your carpet is only as good as the underlay you install beneath it, and we’re not just saying that because we’re an underlay manufacturer. Without a quality underlay even the plushest carpet won’t feel as nice as it can underfoot, and if you’re wanting to keep your interior climate regulated, or prevent pet accidents from becoming a long term issue, your underlay also plays a crucial role in these. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you select the right underlay for your home.
Comfort
While it’s important to consider the functional aspects of your underlay, the area where you’re going to notice the most impact is the level of comfort that your chosen underlay provides. As a general rule, a thicker option will offer more enhancement for underfoot comfort, but density also comes into play here. If you want the best underfoot feeling possible, it’s wise to select a “luxury” grade underlay such as our Stepsupreme product.
Perfect for bedrooms, living areas and other spaces of the home where comfort is the most important factor for your daily life, StepSupreme is an 11mm thick, high density product that features an anti-microbial layer for added peace of mind.
Thermal Properties
The next thing you’re going to want to consider is the thermal benefits that an underlay can provide for your home. A significant amount of heat transfer happens through the floors in any interior environment, and while underlay is not (and should never be used as) insulation, it can support your insulation in its mission to maintain your home’s internal temperature.
This translates to a more comfortable home as your underlay can offer an extra layer of protection against those cold winter mornings.
All Airstep Australia residential underlays are thermally rated and options suited to installation with underfloor heating are available, so you’ll be able to enjoy the soft, warm feeling of your carpet beneath your feet all year round.
Acoustics
Although carpet is inherently one of the quietest flooring options, it can still need a helping hand to meet regulations in certain spaces. You’ll also want your underlay to provide acoustic benefits even when you’re not following strict guidelines, as a quieter home is a healthier home.
The underlay you choose may not seem important in this regard, but if you’ve ever walked on carpet with a poor underlay and heard your footsteps clearly, you’ll understand why it’s vital.
Acoustic ratings for all Airstep Australia underlays are available on the product pages, and the person handling your carpet purchase will be able to help you select the perfect underlay for your needs.
Pet Friendliness
If you’ve got pets in the home, it’s vital that you select a pet friendly underlay. Our Pet Defence underlay is the ideal choice in this regard as it features a breathable moisture barrier that helps prevent accidents from becoming major problems.
We won’t go too deeply into things here as we’ve got a blog that outlines the benefits of Pet Defence in detail, and this underlay is definitely our top recommendation for those with four legged family members.
Sustainability
Sustainability is another thing to consider when it comes to selecting an underlay for your carpet, especially if you’re trying to hit environmental targets for your home. Certain underlays can contain materials that aren’t great for the environment (or your family) so it’s important to look into what’s going under your floors.
All Airstep Australia residential underlays are crafted from 90% recycled materials right here in Dandenong South, so by selecting one of our products you’re helping reduce the carbon footprint of your home and doing your bit for the planet. Our underlays are also fully recyclable, so they can be given a new life at the end of their time in your home.
Warranty
Finally, a quality underlay should always be backed by a strong warranty. Not only will this help you ensure that the product you’re selecting lives up to its claims, but it will also help you feel confident installing it in your home. That’s why all Airstep Australia residential underlays come with a lifetime of the carpet guarantee. Put simply, this means that your underlay will last as long as your carpet so you don’t have to worry about needing to replace your flooring due to degradation.
Selecting the right underlay is a key component in designing your flooring system. By considering the factors in this blog you’ll be able to make the best choice for your home and family. Your preferred flooring retailer will be able to assist you with this if you’re still unsure which option is best, so don’t be afraid to ask for advice.