05 Aug Five Reasons Why Carpets Need Underlay
We often get asked, why do carpets need underlay? While we can understand this question – out of sight often equates to out of mind after all – laying underlay is a crucial step in the installation of any carpet if you want it to feel good, perform well, and stand the test of time. That’s why today we’ll be breaking down the answer to this question in further detail, so you can better understand the vital role that underlay plays in a space.
To Enhance Longevity
The main reason why your new carpet needs underlay is to enhance the longevity of your flooring system. The right underlay supports your carpet and helps it better withstand everything that daily life puts it through, therefore allowing it to last longer within your home or business.
A carpet that does not have underlay beneath won’t have the required support to last very long at all – especially in a commercial setting – and it will move around and become torn far more easily than one that is appropriately supported.
To Make Things Feel Nicer Underfoot
If you’ve ever wandered around in a building before the flooring has been laid, you know that subfloors are hard, cold, and not at all pleasant to walk on. The installation of underlay beneath your carpet provides an extra barrier against this and vastly improves underfoot comfort.
Different styles of carpet and underlay can be combined to create different levels of comfort and durability, and as a general rule, the thicker the underlay, the plusher the underfoot feeling. This will, however, be influenced by your chosen carpet, so it is important to ensure that the product matches the application.
For example, we suggest the installation of a luxury underlay with a plush carpet if you’re working with a space such as a bedroom, while a commercial grade underlay with a simpler carpet will be better suited to fitting out a business, and pet friendly underlay and carpet should always be selected for areas where four legged family members will be spending time.
To Reduce Noise Pollution
While installing carpet in a space will definitely dampen sound transfer in the interior environment, you’ll still want a quality acoustic underlay beneath it to ensure maximum efficiency in noise reduction. This is particularly important in multi-residence buildings and commercial spaces as there are strict regulations regarding noise pollution, but you’ll find installation beneficial for improving acoustics regardless of the type of building you’re fitting out.
We have information on the acoustic properties of all of our underlays listed on the product pages (and on our Acoustic Results Overview page), and your local retailer or Account Manager will be able to assist with any queries you may have.
To Enhance The Thermal Properties Of Your Space
A significant amount of heat transfer within a space happens through the floor. This means that anything you can do to help reduce this will have a positive impact on both the feel and energy efficiency of a space. A thermally rated underlay helps keep running costs low, while also making the space more pleasant to be in, and is an important step in complying with energy efficiency regulations.
To Help Keep The Carpet In Place / To Make It Look Better
Finally, regardless of whether you’re designing a home or fitting out a commercial space, you’re going to want the carpet to look as good as possible, for as long as possible. Your underlay can assist with this as to helps to prevent the carpet pile from flattening.
Certain underlays – such as our Pet Defence® underlay – can also help prevent the carpet from staining. Pet Defence® does this through the use of a breathable moisture barrier which makes it easier to clean up pet messes and other spills, therefore also working to prevent discolouration from rising back up from the subfloor, which is a common cause of stubborn and/or recurring stains.
Did You Know? Hard Floors Also Need Underlay
A common misconception is that if you install hard flooring in your home, you don’t need underlay. In reality, all floating floors require the installation of a hard flooring underlay beneath them, for many of the same reasons that carpet does.
Our sister company, Imagine Floors has a great range of Laminate Flooring, Luxury Vinyl Planks and Hybrid Floors, as well as a collection of flooring accessories, and these options can compliment your carpet wonderfully.
So, now you have a better understanding of why carpet needs underlay, browse our range to find the right solution for your needs and reach out to your local retailer or Account Manager to make your purchase.