Why Use An Under Pad When Installing Wall-To-Wall Carpeting?


by Bill Prudehome - Date: 2007-02-22 - Word Count: 390 Share This!

You have shopped all over town and have finally found the perfect carpet for your home. As a very competent home handyman, you see no reason why you cannot install the carpeting yourself and save money. During the do-it-yourself contemplation you realize that the plush carpeting you have chosen is so soft that it does not need an under pad and therefore you can save even more money and the time necessary to complete the project.

Although many carpet supply houses or retailers will promote the installation of an under pad as a something that will enhance the overall feel, which it will. There are other reasons, which are equally if not more important.

Carpets are created by weaving fibers made of wool, nylon, polyester, or other synthetic material through a fine mesh and allowing them to protrude on one side of that mesh. The mesh is usually made of Jute, but can also be made of synthetic materials. The underside of the carpet is coated with a glue to hold the fibers in place. If you rub your hand over the underside of a carpet, you will find it to be rough and abrasive.

If you rub the underside of the carpet against concrete or wood, the mesh backing will wear and eventually release the fibers that it is holding in place. The installation of an under pad between the underside of the carpet and the floor, that it is to be placed on, will extend the life of the carpet dramatically.

As the mesh is generally made of Jute the mesh is susceptible to damage by moisture. Most under pads provide a moisture barrier between the floor and the carpet. Again, this will extend the life of the carpet.

Do not lay new carpet over old under pad. Under pad deteriorates over time, it looses its ability to protect the carpet from both abrasion and moisture. Always replace the under pad when installing new carpeting and do not place new under pad over old under pad. In the same manner, do not install new carpet over old carpet.

Most people hope and expect that their wall-to-wall carpeting will last for many years. It is usually a sizeable investment. If it is properly installed, using an under pad, stretched tightly and steam cleaned yearly wall-to-wall quality carpeting can easily last for 10 to 20 years.


Related Tags: carpet, moisture, installation, carpeting, under pad, underpad, abrasion, wall to wall

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