The Benefits of Installing Underlay
Some people, believe it or not, don’t think that underlay is important for carpets. If you’re thinking that maybe you can save a little bit of money by foregoing underlay and installing your carpet directly onto the floorboards, I’m here to give you four reasons why you should think again:
1. Underlay Gives the Carpet a Longer Life
So, you think you’ve saved some cash by not buying underlay, but then a few years down the road you discover that your carpet is threadbare and worn. Why is this you wonder? It’s because of your lack of underlay. Underlay provides extra cushioning for the carpet, softening the blow of each footfall and thus increasing the carpet’s overall life span. In the long run, it’s more cost effective for you to have it than for you to not have it!
2. Improved Feel
Chances are you’ve bought and installed new carpet to improve the quality of your room by ensuring more comfort underfoot. Well, underlay adds to that overall effect. By providing extra cushioning material, it increases the comfort underfoot and offers you an overall improved feel for your carpet.
3. Noise Reduction
Another reason you’ve probably opted for carpet over tile or wood is for it’s noise muffling qualities. However, if you lay carpet directly on bare floor and walk on it, you can still hear the slapping of feet and the creaking of floorboards. Underlay provides an extra layer which reduces noise emissions greatly. Most underlays come with a decibel rating, so you can see just how much noise cancellation you are getting. Say goodbye to the annoying pitter-patter of feet!
4. It’s Warmer!
Again, you’ve probably opted for carpet over tile or wood because of its thermal properties. By missing out on the underlay you run the risk of the coolness of the floorboards directly penetrating the carpet piles and giving you cold feet. So, if you have cold feet about buying underlay, I recommend you buy it to avoid further cold feet in the future!
There you have it, four reasons not to avoid underlay. It’s a key component of your flooring project for a good reason. As with any product, you can get different qualities at different prices, so visit Flooring Hut underlay section to browse through all your options.
I’ll see you on the next one!
