Carpet underlay, in most cases, refers to the slender layer of padding that is made of foam, rubber, felt, and several other materials. Basically, the padded layer is placed beneath the carpeting in order to provide ideal comfort underfoot, in addition to lessening the amount of wear-and-tear on the carpet. Besides merely providing softness and the reduction of wear, insulation designed to reduce heat and moisture is also ideal when choosing the right underlay. Generally speaking, the main underlay can be placed underneath an additional layer, at which point, its usage can then be described as a series of surfaces designed for the floor covering.

As far as vinyl flooring is concerned, basically the underlay is an extremely thin layer of wood that happens to be secured on top of the structural subfloor, so that a uniform, polished, and smooth surface can be created for the sheet of vinyl. When it comes to laminated wood and the like, the underlay allows for a vapor barrier in which moisture is arrested and unable to enter through the floor, which in many cases may have otherwise moved into the flooring. Furthermore, the underlay might have properties in place that can alleviate sound.

Finally, a self-leveling underlay will force liquid onto the level of the floor, so that the floor is level in every area of the room. Interestingly, an underlay can also be known as the material in place just under the tiles of the roof. In most cases, the membrane of the roof is made of rubber and works ideally for quelling leakage. In terms of popular usage, the underlays that belong with carpets are made of foam, rubber, crumb, or felt. For carpet, the underlay is most likely about 7-10 mmm, providing the best comfort and reducing wear. For wood floors, the underlay is made of plastic foam, and typically this type is utilized for thermal insulation.

It is useful to understand the manner in which heat is circulated in the home, as this knowledge will help determine which type of underlay to purchase. Some individuals opt for a radiant system that promotes heat, whereas a thinner pad will be ideal for heat moving quickly through the carpet. It is essential to spend as much time as needed to select the perfect underlay that will ultimately support the life of the carpet and insulate the home.