How to extend the life of your carpet with the right underlay

Far too many people get caught up in the excitement of buying a fresh new carpet to give their home a new visual and practical edge, only to remember later that they should have given the same level of attention to choosing the right carpet underlay.

It may remain out of sight and out of mind beneath your beloved carpet, but the fact is that the carpet underlay does far more for the health and longevity of your carpet than most realise.

Without the right carpet underlay, your new investment will undoubtedly give way to the constant pressures applied throughout the day, leading to a shabby-looking and uncomfortable carpet, to say the least.

The solution? Choose underlay to match your needs before you make any more big decisions - and you can find everything you need and more at Carpet Underlay Shop. Whether you’re looking for a good all-rounder or an underlay built to meet very specific requirements - such as adaptability to underfloor heating - we’ve got you covered.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at precisely why your carpet underlay is more of an essential component in your carpet setup than you may realise.

How your carpet underlay will help your carpet last longer

Prevent friction with the subfloor

In the same way that pretty much every pair of trainers you’ve ever worn features slightly thicker, denser material towards the base, carpet underlays perform a very similar function: to protect your feet from the hard surface below.

The only difference between underlay and trainers is that, while the softening qualities are built into your trainer, it's virtually impossible to find a carpet that can offer the same level of support without the addition of an underlay.

If you install a brand-new carpet directly atop a subfloor, even if the carpet is on the thicker, shaggier side, you’ll still find a considerable lack of springiness and comfort as you walk across it. This is especially true if your subfloor is made of a particularly hard substance, like concrete, as many are.

Without this extra support layer, foot impact will cause friction between the base of the carpet and the hard subfloor, wearing the carpet out far faster than the alternative. In fact, some estimates suggest the right underlay can extend the life of carpets by over 50%, making them an easy and cost-effective investment for virtually every carpet project.

By applying an underlay before installing your carpet - such as Plushwalk 12mm Carpet Underlay – you’ll be offering your carpet the support it needs to remain as wear-free as possible, while also creating a far more pleasant underfoot experience.

Shock absorption

Along with preventing damage caused by impact with the subfloor, the right carpet underlay can help do the same by lessening the impact of things above the carpet too. Specifically, the underlay’s shock absorption qualities can help retain the carpet’s strength and durability during heavy foot traffic.

It’s not something most of us consider, but our carpets endure a lot of weight, pressure and impact every single day. Naturally, this will cause the carpet to break down over time.

But with the addition of a carpet underlay, your carpet will be better able to withstand the shock caused by foot traffic and similar impacts, extending its lifespan.

Moisture management

Depending on where you plan to lay your carpet, you may have to deal with build-ups of moisture and dampness from the subfloor.

If moisture is allowed to attach itself and soak into a carpet, it can cause irrevocable damage that eats away at the fibres of the carpet – slowly breaking them down and making the carpet lose its structure and usability far faster than is acceptable. Not to mention the fact these moisture-sodden carpets can produce some pretty unsettling odours.

Choosing an underlay designed to fend off the damage caused by dampness, ideally fitted with a damp-proof membrane (such as Plushwalk 12mm), will do the trick perfectly.

By creating a barrier between the subfloor and the carpet, this membrane will protect the carpet against any moisture, whilst also preventing any accidental spillages from going through to the subfloor – again, helping to improve longevity.

Choose the best underlay for you at Carpet Underlay Shop

By pairing your new carpet with the right carpet underlay, you’ll be protecting your investment, helping your new purchase last far longer than otherwise.

At Carpet Underlay Shop, we’re home to a huge selection of carpet underlays, each with its unique benefits you can take advantage of, depending on where the carpet will be applied and your specific needs.

Whether you prefer underlay made with synthetic materials or you're looking for a more eco-friendly solution crafted from natural materials to match your new flooring or carpet, we have everything you need and more.

If you already know which type of carpet underlay you need - great! Simply find the right product for you on our site, add it to your basket and checkout. 

Or, if you need a hand choosing the best carpet underlay for your project, our experts are more than willing to help. You can give us a call on 0203 887 0994 or send us an email at sales@carpet-underlay-shop.co.uk and one of our friendly team will be in touch shortly!

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