You've paid hundreds or even thousands for
that new carpeting or rug--and now the "experts" are recommending
that you spend even more to buy a pad to put underneath it. Believe them and
get a good pad. It will save you money in the long run.
For both carpets and rugs, a good pad not
only increases the comfort but it extends the life of your carpet or rug. It
reduces wear and tear plus pile crushing by absorbing the pressure created by walking on
the carpet or rug. It also allows for deeper vacuuming because it raises the
rug or carpet off of the floor. This allows the air to flow through it more
easily, making it possible to remove more dirt from the rug or carpet.
There are also other benefits associated
with rugs.
Pads are a safety issue. No matter where the rug is placed (on
carpet or hardwood or etc), a pad keeps the rug in place to prevent slips and
pulls. It provides protection for the flooring underneath the rug - Very important! A pad prevents dye transfer,
marring, staining, and scratching to the floor or carpeting beneath.
Note: Rug pads are
specific to the type of flooring underneath - if you have carpeting under your
rug, make sure you purchase a rug pad made specifically for carpeting. The same
goes for hard floorings. Don't use a pad for carpet for a hardwood floor - they
are not made the same and will not give the comfort and protection your floor
needs.
What
kind of pads to get.
The most popular type is rebond pads which
are made from scraps of high density foam. Pads come in different weights. The
Carpet Cushion Council recommends a pad of 6 pounds at a minimum. However this
is a minimum recommendation and a pad of 8 pounds will provide longer wear.
There are also pads that have a scrim on top to prevent liquids from soaking into
the pad. These pads also have anti-microbial aspects that inhibit the breeding
of bacteria and associated smells. This type of padding is very good for homes
with pets and small children.
For more information, visit my website www.graysoncleans.com
