When choosing new carpeting for your basement, selecting the most appropriate padding will also be essential. This will ensure that the carpet is as comfortable as possible underfoot; the correct padding could help protect your new rug against dampness and other forms of moisture. Below are some tips that will help you make the best choice possible.
Why Carpet Padding is Essential in your Basement
One primary purpose of carpet padding in a basement is to protect against moisture and dampness because many basement areas comprise concrete flooring that absorbs moisture over time.
Because concrete is porous by nature, your new carpeting will not last for long if the correct padding has not been placed underneath it. In addition, the moisture that makes its way into your carpeting will present a severe health hazard over time.
Must the Carpet Padding be Waterproof?
Many property owners think that waterproof carpet padding will be sufficient to prevent moisture from getting through. However, this is not the case.
If only the waterproof carpet padding is placed underneath the carpeting, it could make the moisture issue even worse over time. As such, it’s strongly recommended that a good quality vapor barrier be installed on the bare flooring as the first defense against dampness. Once this has been laid, the padding can be placed over it and the carpeting on top.
The purpose of a vapor barrier is to prevent any moisture from coming into direct contact with a carpet pad and the carpeting above it. This will ensure that moisture does not affect your carpeting and padding layers over time.
What Material must a Carpet Pad Consist of?
Regardless of the Material your carpet pad has been manufactured from, it should be checked to ensure it contains an antimicrobial. This will help ensure that no mold forms in the rare event that moisture gets through it and into the carpeting.
Some synthetic carpet pads will usually be the best option because they are generally mold-resistant. They also have the highest density rating of the various available padding products.
When choosing carpet padding, comparing the overall quality and pricing is essential. For example, one product may be substantially cheaper than another, but it may not be as dense or of as good quality as that which is a bit costlier.
After purchasing everything needed to install basement carpeting, it’s crucial to ensure that professional installation occurs. This will enable the carpeting to be sufficiently stretched – if it isn’t, it will fold and bunch, presenting a tripping hazard over time. Having your vapor barrier, padding, and carpeting installed by experienced professionals will also provide you with the appropriate warranty.