Carpet padding

Carpet padding also referred to as carpet cushion forms the strong basic foundation for all types of home carpet installation.

Carpet pad acts as a cushion and provides firm support to the carpet enhancing its lifespan considerably.

Carpet pads play a vital role in the performance of your new carpet installation. The main function of carpet cushions is to absorb all types of impacts that the carpet is usually subjected to. Without carpet pad installation these mighty impacts can cause synthetic latex to degrade, carpet backings of all kinds to stretch, and too much stress is put on the carpet face fiber.

Never install carpet paddings that are either too soft or too thick! When there is heavy foot traffic, then carpets with very soft carpet paddings will bottom out and this will cause extensive damage to the carpet decreasing its performance and lifespan. On the other hand if you install thick carpet pads, this will lead to quick crumpling or splitting of your carpet.

Areas of your home that receive constant foot traffic, such as staircases, hallways, offices, or entryways, should not receive thick carpet cushioning. Carpet experts recommend carpet pads never exceeding a thickness of 7/16" (1.1 cm).

Various technical terms such as indentation load deflection (ILD), indentation force deflection (IFD), compression load deflection (CLD), compression force deflection (CFD), etc. are used to describe the method of evaluating exactly how much weight is required to bottom the carpet cushion totally. These carpet cushion density-measuring terms have to be kept in mind before installing the perfect kind of carpet pads.

Most carpet manufacturers promote strict guidelines for carpet padding installation and if you do not follow those instructions while installing the carpet you risk your carpet warranty. Some of the common types of carpet cushions are as follows:

• Waffle rubber padding
  
• Foam (urethane) padding
  
• Rebond (urethane) padding
  
• Slab rubber padding
  
• Fiber padding
  
• Frothed foam padding

Adequate amount of the right kind of carpet cushions will result in better insulation, softer impact and stronger long-lasting carpet.

Carpet cushions substantially lower great impact on the carpets especially when the carpets are installed in such areas of the house as the family room, kid’s playroom, etc. where the carpets are subjected to tremendous wear and tear and heavy foot traffic! So carpet pads are a must while installing carpets at these places.

It is a total myth that thicker the carpet pad is greater will be the protection! If the carpet cushions are too thick then there occurs huge bending of the carpet backing. This will ultimately cause the carpet fibers to fall out damaging the carpet greatly.

Carpet cushions also provide insulation during cold winter months making the carpets more comfortable and cozy! Carpet pads absorb noise thus making the home atmosphere calmer and relaxing! As carpets become a bit elevated from the ground after the installation of carpet pads thus carpet cleaning becomes easier.