When installing a brand new carpet, did you know that the underlay is equally important as the carpet itself? You wouldn’t think this was the case seeing as the underlay is the part of the carpet that you don’t see.
A good quality underlay will make all the difference to your new carpet, so let’s look at why it’s important and how to ensure that yours is of the highest standard possible.
Underlay makes the carpet feel even softer underfoot
Underlay is the carpet’s softest layer and it makes a huge difference to how your carpet feels underfoot. If you want your new carpet to feel thicker and even more luxurious then underlay is your new best friend.
When you’re walking around on a luxuriously soft carpet, the ‘bounce’ you feel is the underlay at work!
Underlay dampens sounds
You may already know that sound is transmitted through the carpet. The underlay acts as a barrier between the floor, which can make a big difference in how much noise you hear when walking across it.
This is especially important in flats or houses of multiple occupancy where there are people living across several floors of a house. The smallest of sounds, even footsteps can transfer between floors, so underlay actually give tenants more privacy in these situations.
Underlay comes with different properties, depending on what you want to achieve with your new flooring installation. If you’re looking for improved sound dampening properties (which is important if you live in a noisy area), then non-porous underlay will be more suitable for your needs than porous underlay—the latter being less expensive but lacking in sound dampening capabilities.
Underlay provides insulation and keeps the room warmer
Underlay beneath your carpet also helps to insulate against cold floors, keeping your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Think of it like your clothing – when you’re cold you wrap up with an extra jumper – underlay works in the same way! It’s an extra layer of warmth between the carpet and the subfloor or floor boards.
Underlay doesn’t just add softness, it also prolongs the life of your carpet.
Underlay also has some other important functions, besides adding softness and insulation:
- Underlay helps to prevent damage from sharp objects that may be on the floor below. This can keep your new carpet in great condition for longer!
- Underlay protects against moisture, which can cause mould and mildew growth on your new carpet if it isn’t properly protected by underlay.
- Underlay keeps your new carpet well secured so that it doesn’t move around easily when you walk on top of it or sit down on one edge of an area of the room with no furniture in between (for example).
Underlay is used as a base layer to provide a smooth and level surface for your carpet to rest on
Underlay is a thin layer of foam or fibre used to provide a smooth and level surface for your new carpet to rest on. It will help to prevent the carpet from curling up at the edges, which can make it look messy and reduce its lifespan.
It also helps to reduce noise caused by footsteps on the floorboards, such as when walking across the room in bare feet or wearing slippers. Finally, underlay provides increased comfort underfoot by making it feel softer than bare concrete or wooden floors would be without an underlay installed beneath them.
