How long does carpet underlay last?
Too often, carpet underlay gets dismissed as just an optional extra.
All flooring experts will tell you that it’s much more than that, and if you want your carpet to last, it’s an absolute essential.
Carpet underlay is an integral element that shapes how the flooring placed on top will look, wear and feel to walk on, and it’s also believed to extend the life of your flooring by up to 30%!
But how long will the underlay itself last? Here’s everything you need to know.
How long should carpet underlays last?
When shopping around, customers are often told that the most durable carpet underlays – like crumb rubber, for instance – will last them for up to 25 years.
However, it’s important to note that several things could affect its lifespan, including:
Foot traffic
In a room that receives lots of foot traffic, underlay, unfortunately, won’t last as long as the recommended 25 years.
Thickness
Typically, the thicker the underlay, the longer it’ll last. Thicker underlays take much longer to flatten down from foot traffic than their thinner counterparts do.
Heat and moisture
High temperatures and humidity can significantly reduce the lifespan of carpet underlay, so choose something suitable for the room.
Materials
Carpet underlay that’s made with synthetic materials will usually take longer to wear down than those manufactured from natural materials.
When do I need to replace my carpet underlay?
There are a couple of signs that it’s time to replace your carpet underlay that you can keep an eye out for.
The first includes general signs of ageing. Think to yourself: when was the last time I changed my underlay? If it’s coming up to 25 years ago, then it’s probably time to think about replacing it.
If it wasn’t so long ago, simply take a look at its overall condition. Does it look old or worn? If so, your best bet is to tear it up and start fresh, but if it’s still looking and feeling great, it should serve you for a good couple of years longer.
Some other things to look out for include obvious signs of wear and tear, damage to your carpet, lack of underfoot support, and strange smells.
Which underlay is best for my carpet?
With so many different types of carpet underlay on the market – from crumb rubber and combination underlays to PU foam and wool felt – it can be tricky to determine which one is best for your needs.
As a general rule of thumb, you should stick to higher-quality thicker underlays in traffic-heavy areas – like your hall, stairs, and landing – to ensure they can withstand the high levels of activity.
PU underlay, for example, is the perfect all-rounder.
Available in many different thicknesses and densities, this carpet underlay is extremely durable and guaranteed to serve your home well for years to come.
Ready to replace your carpet underlay?
If your carpet underlay has seen better days, there’s no time like the present to show your floors a little love.
To find out more about the available options, be sure to get in touch with the underlay specialists over at British Flooring.
They’d be more than happy to offer their expert advice and point you in the right direction.
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