6
Oct2014
Carpet Underlay
Most commercial broadloom carpet is installed using the dual bond method. Conventional ‘stretch-in’ installation where carpet is installed over underlay and attached to perimeter gripper strip and carpet tiles with integrated pad as part of the backing, are other installation options.
Whatever the type of underlay used, the combination of carpet and underlay provides greater underfoot comfort, excellent noise reduction and thermal resistance properties and, a lessening of the risk of injury when slips and falls occur.
The main types of underlay are re-bond foam, SBR latex, rubber and felt.
Australian standard AS 4288 – Soft underlays for textile floor coverings – includes a classification scheme with 5 categories of intended use, described as:
- LR – light residential use, not suitable for stairs
- GR – general residential use
- L – luxury use, domestic/commercial where high energy absorption is required
- GC – general commercial use, suitable for normal foot and wheeled traffic
- HC – heavy commercial use, suitable for heavy foot and wheel traffic and castor chairs
Product Information
The following underlay manufacturers are members of the Carpet Institute:
- AirStep: www.airstep.com.au
- Dunlop Flooring: www.dunlopflooring.com.au
- Dunlop Flooring Limited NZ: www.dunlopflooring.co.nz
27
Aug2014
Benefits of Underlay
The role and benefits of underlay are sometimes overlooked:
- underfoot comfort is improved
- crushing forces on the pile are absorbed
- minor imperfections in the floor are overcome
- acoustic and thermal insulation properties of the carpeted floor are improved.
Types of Underlay
The main types of underlay are rebond foam, SBR latex, rubber and felt.
Like carpet, all types are available in various grades and qualities and your retailer will be able to suggest suitable underlays to support and benefit your carpet’s performance in your home environment and its requirements.
Underlay Information
The following underlay manufacturers are members of the Carpet Institute:
- AirStep: www.airstep.com.au
- Dunlop Flooring: www.dunlopflooring.com.au
- Dunlop Flooring Limited NZ: www.dunlopflooring.co.nz
Felt Underlay
S.T.E.T. Foam Underlay
Rubber Underlay
SBR Latex Underlay
An underlay should be firm but comfortable and if you stand on the underlay you should not be able to feel the floor with the heel of your shoe.
When replacing your carpet, don’t be tempted to use the existing underlay. It will have the same wear patterns that appeared in your old carpet and these will more than likely quickly resurface in a new carpet. Carpet manufacturer’s warranties also require their products be installed over new underlay.