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All about Carpet padding,
Carpet Cushion, Carpet Pad
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. It is easy to pay too much for this type of padding because many carpet retailers try to upsell you to a more expensive product. In most cases, these so-called "upgraded" pads are not worth the added expense.
These upgraded pads may be a waste of money and unnecessary. Do not buy any of these pads solely on the advice of any retail carpet salesperson.
Moisture Barrier
Anti-Microbial
Odor Eating
Hair pad or fiber pad
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, synthetic 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. This is also a good pad for basements with concrete floors.
Carpet and Pad Pricing Alert
Carpet and Padding costs have increased significantly due to rising oil prices. Prices are rising so fast it is difficult to keep posted pricing information current and up-to-date.
The above articles and consumer information are written and created by Alan J. Fletcher, a 30-year carpet expert, consumer advocate and author of The Complete Carpet Buying Guide ( $14.95 ebook) Available at http://www.howtobuycarpet.com ©2002-2009 All Rights Reserved
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