There are many different types of pad available today
in order to accommodate all the various types of carpeting.
Here we will mainly discuss the types of pad that you will
generally need when carpeting your home, office or rentals.
A certain type, thickness and density of padding is required by the carpet
manufacturer to maintain your
carpet warranty. Be sure to check with the carpet manufacturer directly. Do not
expect the retailer to choose the correct pad for you, it is your responsibility
to make sure the correct pad is installed.
Also, if the wrong type, thickness or density pad is used, your carpet
may develop wrinkles which is costly to fix and can significantly decrease
the life span of your carpet.
Note:
There have been reports of some
carpets yellowing when installed over prime urethane or rebonded urethane
padding containing B.H.T. (Butylated Hydroxytoluene), a chemical used to process
polyurethane foam. The amount of B.H.T. can vary from padding manufacturer and
from run to run. The carpets involved are generally very light in color.
Apparently, discoloration will show more readily in lighter colored carpet than
in the darker shades. It seems to be a rare occurrence but I thought I should
mention it.
Foam padding (prime urethane)
This type of pad is often very inexpensive and lightweight.
If a retail store tries to give you free pad with your carpet purchase, this is
usually what they plan to give you. This type of padding will not tolerate much
traffic. It will soon become completely flat as a pancake
after a year or so and is not a good choice for a residential setting.
There is a better type of foam pad (frothed foam) available that could be a good choice for the
home. It is made of very dense urethane (polyurethane). It is designed primarily for commercial
applications, but is becoming more common in residential applications. Costs
more than rebond.
Rebond pad
This type of pad is most common in the residential setting.
It is made from recycled materials, mainly from recycled urethane foam and it is
usually many different colors. It is available everywhere, and in almost every thickness
and density. This is the most economical choice for your home, rental or office.
Hair pad or fiber pad
These types of natural or synthetic pads are used primarily
for Berbers and commercial carpets. They are very dense and not spongy at all.
Made from recycled or shredded fabrics, fibers or hair. They are designed to
allow looped Berbers and commercial carpets to wear well in heavy traffic
situations, and to prevent these types of carpets from stretching out and
developing wrinkles.
Other newfangled or enhanced carpet pads to watch
out for. These pads may be a waste of your money. Do not buy any these pads solely
on the advice of a carpet salesperson. Order my ebook instead. It has the
knowledge you need to make wise choices. It will save you time and money.
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Moisture Barrier
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Anti-Microbial
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Odor Eating
Carpet
Pad Alert
Padding costs have almost doubled recently due to
rising oil prices! The prices are rising so fast it is difficult to keep
my information updated. Beware of retailers trying to sell you
upgraded carpet padding that you may not truly need.
10th Edition