Benefits of Underlay
Underlay cushions and supports a carpet ensuring it wears evenly as well as keeping in warmth and insulating against sound. A good quality underlay can prolong the life of a carpet by as much as 40 percent and it is essential for carpets without a felt backing.
Skimping on underlay will affect the durability of the carpet so it makes sense to buy new underlay for a new carpet. A good underlay will improve the feel underfoot of all types of carpet.
Types of Underlay
The most common types of underlay are:
- Latex
- Felt
- Rubber
- Wood underlay
Generally we use Cloud 9 Foam underlay by Ball and Young. However there are some situations where this underlay is not appropriate. For example if we need to make sure the carpet does not move. This is necessary where chairs on wheels will be used and we will recommend a product like Durafit. Other situations where we will recommend alternative underlays are for Natural flooring and for Axminster carpets or commercial applications we will recommend a felt underlay.
Enginneered Wood and Laminate flooring will also require underlay. This reduces noise and provides a protective barrier for any small amount of moisture in the subfloor. It should be noted that wood or laminate products should not be fitted on a damp floor. A good retailer will test for damp and should refuse to install a wood floor where the subfloor is not acceptably dry.
