One of the most frustrating things about tackling a new project is trying to figure out which information is useful and which is the filler designed to sell you something. You might be asking yourself, “Do I really need all this?” This rings true in the flooring world since most people do not know the ins and outs of buying and installing new floors. But one question in particular is frequently brought up: “Does all carpeting need padding?”
What to Know About Carpet Padding
What is the Padding Under Your Carpet?
When people talk about the padding under their carpet, they are referring to a padded layer glued or nailed directly to the base level of your floor. It is usually made from a soft, spongy material such as rubber or foam. There are a couple of different types, but they mostly do the same thing at roughly the same level. Some kinds of carpet padding are used to control odors, while others are designed to handle a heavier amount of foot traffic. Regardless of its purpose or whether you have residential or commercial carpeting, it is always recommended.
What Does Carpet Padding Do?
Before we get into whether your carpet needs padding, let’s first talk about why it is important. Padding might seem like an unimportant role, but to many flooring experts, including the ones here at Ozburn-Hessey, padding is more important than what’s on the surface.
The main role padding plays is a support role. Most carpets, including residential carpeting and commercial carpeting, are designed to have padding underneath them. Padding absorbs much of the shock from walking around and holding furniture, much in the same way a mattress holds and supports the weight of your body while you sleep. It helps cut down on the noise by absorbing and diffusing sound waves.
Another benefit to carpet padding is the way that it insulates your home. This might not sound like such a big benefit in a town like Nashville where the summers are scorching and seem to last forever, but it works both ways. By keeping the heat out, you’re also keeping the cold air from your air conditioning, which in turn will save you money on you power bill.
Is Carpet Padding Necessary?
The simplest answer is no, carpet padding is not necessary, nor does every kind of carpet available need it. But you will find that most people in the flooring world strongly recommend it since it will greatly prolong the life of your carpets. In fact, many carpet warranties are voided if they are not installed with padding underneath. Padding also makes it so that if you decide to make the jump to hardwood flooring one day, the wood underneath won’t be damaged. Padding helps protect the layers it is sandwiched between, as well as your feet, since there’s more cushion.
Not getting a carpet padding installed with your residential carpeting is like renting a car and not getting the insurance. Sure, you can do it that way and save money in the short term, but you’re setting yourself up for more problems down the line and could risk bigger expenses sooner than you think.
For all you carpeting questions and needs, the professionals at Ozburn-Hessey are ready to serve you. Contact us today!
