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. Learn about
Carpet Styles
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 multicolored. It is available
everywhere, and in almost every thickness and density. This is the most
economical choice for your home, rental or office. Typical
cost for an 8-pound density, 7/16" thick rebond pad is about $4.00 per
yard or .45 per square foot.
Foam padding (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. This
is often used in apartment settings where the carpet life span is less than 5
years.
Prime urethane foam
Not made of recycled materials is called
prime or virgin urethane. It's a better grade of foam pad (frothed
foam) 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. The cost
more than a standard rebond and not a common choice among homeowners.
Wool or fiber pad, synthetic fiber pads
These types of natural or synthetic pads are
used primarily for Berbers and commercial carpets. They are very dense,
breathe well, and are not spongy at all. Made from recycled or shredded
fabrics or wool. 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. A
synthetic fiber pad is a good choice for basements with concrete floors as it
resists mold, mildew and is anti-microbial.
Rubber pad, waffle or slab (flat)
I seldom recommend
a rubber pad in residential
applications. Rebond pad is a better choice in most cases and less expensive
too. Rubber slab pad is often used in commercial applications over
concrete.
Specialty
pads: Moisture barrier pads, odor eating pads, pet odor pads
Some
carpet
salespeople may try to convince you to upgrade your order with a specialty pad
that has claims of being able to eliminate odors or have a moisture barrier
surface that will help with pet accidents. I don't support these type of pads
and suggest you avoid the extra expense. I believe it will just cost you more money and not solve
or diminish your pet accident problems. If you have a pet accident problem
there is no padding on the market today that I know of, that will solve your
problem. Spending more money on a specialty pad will not solve your
problem.
Don't
spend more money on pad trying to solve a problem
If
you have a pet accident problem, upgrading to a more expensive pad will not
solve it or reduce the severity. If you have a moisture problem in your
basement, no moisture barrier padding is going to protect you from mold and mildew.
]
Don't be tricked into thinking that spending more money on a specialty pad
will solve your serious issues, it
just doesn't work that way. You need to address your problems first and then
select a standard pad that is designed to meet your needs and goals.
Alan's
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Are
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