A carpet lasts between 8 and 10 years with proper maintenance and normal traffic. After this, it starts showing obvious signs of deterioration. Most people focus all of their attention on the look and feel of the carpet itself. But carpet padding, although hidden, is the secret to a long-lasting and comfortable carpet.
Let’s take a look at a few ways padding improves your carpet’s performance!
1. Increases Carpet Lifespan
Over time, dirt slowly builds up and becomes lodged between your carpet and the floor. With every step you take, the pressure from your feet can cause the dirt particles to rip the fabric in your carpet. This can drastically reduce its lifespan.
Carpet padding adds an extra layer of protection. These pads absorb all the impact of furniture and day-to-day foot traffic.
Not only do pads improve the longevity of your carpet, but they also protect your floor. A solid pad can help prevent your floor from staining due to spills.
2. Provides Extra Cushion
Carpet padding offers a long list of subtle benefits. But one of the first things you’ll notice after installing a new carpet with pads is how much foot comfort it provides. A padded carpet’s ability to absorb the impact of your footsteps also gives it a much softer feel.
Nearly 8 out of 10 Americans deal with foot problems at some point during their lives. A softer carpet can help ease your foot pain, especially if you who have an issue with your heels.
3. Improves Home Insulation
Believe it or not, carpet padding can add insulation to your home.
Carpet is a very effective thermal insulator, as it mitigates heat loss via the floor. Typically, the thicker the carpet, the higher the R-value (insulation value). But the R-value of carpet padding is usually higher than that of the carpet on its own.
Cities in the Midwest consistently experience the coldest winters in the country. So a carpet that insulates your home efficiently can save you quite a bit of money on your monthly utility bill.
4. Reduces Noise
Do you find your home to be a bit too noisy? If so, try adding padding to your new or existing carpet.
Carpet does a good job of reducing noise on its on own. But padding can enhance a carpet’s ability to dampen sound.This is particularly useful if you have an upstairs room or a basement that you frequent.
Keep in mind that some pads are better at reducing noise than others. Thicker pads tend to absorb sound more effectively. But your best bet is to look for a pad type that has a high Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC).
Choosing the Right Carpet Padding
Always start by checking your carpet manufacturer’s suggestions for density and thickness. Selecting the wrong padding can cause bunching and separation.
The ideal padding for your carpet depends on how much traffic flows through the room. For example, soft and thick padding works well for bedrooms. On the other hand, living rooms and hallways require firmer and thinner padding.
If you’re in need of carpet installation in Racine, Milwaukee, or Northern Illinois, make sure to reach out to us for a free quote and estimate today!
