How long does carpet underlay last? How 2 tell if mine need replacing when carpet?

HappySad

Hi MSErs,

I am replacing the carpet in my lodgers bedroom. Carpet company says that my current 10 year old underlay may now be in good condition however it would be better to replace now as it may not last long enough for the new carpet?

I can't remember if the current underlay that I put in 10 years ago was a cheap or expensive one. How can I tell? Also how can I tell if my underlay needs replacing? what to look for? How long to underplays normally last?

All info, experience and web links very much welcome.
Thanks

grizzly1911

HappySad wrote: »

Hi MSErs,

I am replacing the carpet in my lodgers bedroom. Carpet company says that my current 10 year old underlay may now be in good condition however it would be better to replace now as it may not last long enough for the new carpet?

I can't remember if the current underlay that I put in 10 years ago was a cheap or expensive one. How can I tell? Also how can I tell if my underlay needs replacing? what to look for? How long to underplays normally last?

All info, experience and web links very much welcome.
Thanks

What type of underlay is it?

If it is the duralay stuff (looks like corrugated cardboard on one side) it will often start to fall apart when twisted as the "rubber" starts to perish. It may even stick to the carpet when it is lifted.

The last few carpets we have had have used cloud 9 which looks like loads of bits of sponge stuck together and stuck to a backing "hessian" look paper. This supposedly lasts longer. The one area we had to lift certainly seemed to be holding up well.

Whatever type we have always replaced underlay at the age of yours, rightly or wrongly, and it is often pretty cheap relative to the carpet.

katejo

HappySad wrote: »

Hi MSErs,

I am replacing the carpet in my lodgers bedroom. Carpet company says that my current 10 year old underlay may now be in good condition however it would be better to replace now as it may not last long enough for the new carpet?

I can't remember if the current underlay that I put in 10 years ago was a cheap or expensive one. How can I tell? Also how can I tell if my underlay needs replacing? what to look for? How long to underplays normally last?

All info, experience and web links very much welcome.
Thanks

I would always get new underlay for a new carpet. I think it is worth the extra bit of money.

cyclonebri1

I differ,

Lift the underlay, if there is dust from the stuff showing on the floor replace, if there isn't, and all is sound, re-use it, :money:, remember

Question;

Would you lay new carpet over the old one using it as underlay?

Why?

Or why not??

Not a trick question.;)

HappySad

Carpet company came ver to measure and this was a different man. He looked at the underlay nd said only a small sectioni needed to be replaced. Thanks everyone fr your comments and advice.

Flooring_Pro

Please please use a new underlay - it is vital for comfort and performance of your new carpet.

What are the main benefits of buying a new carpet underlay -

Will make your carpet last upto 40% longer
Is soft underfoot
Protects your new ca rpet and keeps it looking great
Helps insulate your house
Is sound absorbing and reduces noise

HappySad

Flooring_Pro wrote: »

Please please use a new underlay - it is vital for comfort and performance of your new carpet.

What are the main benefits of buying a new carpet underlay -

Will make your carpet last upto 40% longer
Is soft underfoot
Protects your new ca rpet and keeps it looking great
Helps insulate your house
Is sound absorbing and reduces noise

Thanks for your advice regarding underlay.:T

searchlight123

Flooring_Pro wrote: »

Please please use a new underlay - it is vital for comfort and performance of your new carpet.

What are the main benefits of buying a new carpet underlay -

Will make your carpet last upto 40% longer
Is soft underfoot
Protects your new ca rpet and keeps it looking great
Helps insulate your house
Is sound absorbing and reduces noise

given that all of the above is true, if the present underlay is assessed to be in good condition and would thus be providing the benefits as above, why then replace it for no added benefits.