Some of these densified prime urethane carpet padding can be very good performers, but make sure you know what you are buying. Densities of these carpet cushions can be as low as ½ pound per square inch (psi). Urethane Foam: Urethane foam is available in different densities and thicknesses. It is best to ask for written assurances from the retailer that the carpet padding that you choose does not contain Bht. Detergent solutions have the tendency to permanently set the yellowing. If you have purchased a rebond carpet cushion and yellowing has occurred, rinse with white vinegar or other mild acid before applying a detergent solution. Unfortunately, this chemical compound has the tendency to produce yellowing in many carpet constructions. It is added to some urethane products to reduce the risk of fire during manufacturing. Bht is a common additive in foods, breads and cereals and is an antioxidant and has no known health effects. One concern that you should be aware of with rebond carpet cushion is a chemical compound known as butylated hydroxy toluene (Bht). Many carpet manufacturers recommend a minimum of 8 pounds per cubic foot. These are minimum guidelines and keep in mind the CCC is the trade voice for the carpet cushion (carpet padding) industry. The Carpet Cushion Council recommends a cushion of at least 5lbs and 3/8-inch thickness for light traffic areas, and 6.5 lbs. rebond cushion would weigh 5lb per cubic foot. The density is rated as a function of weight in pounds per cubic foot. Rebond comes in various thicknesses and densities. It is made from reclaimed scrap of high-density urethane foam used in furniture and automotive manufacturing, which is bonded together to form carpet cushion. Types of Carpet Paddingīonded Urethane: This carpet cushion is also called rebond and is the most popular type of carpet padding sold today. A ½ inch carpet cushion provides adequate cushion and still allows the carpet to hold on to the tack strip along the walls. The thought process here is if ½ inch is recommended, retailers will go to 5/8 inch. The carpet industry has established a maximum recommended thickness of 7/16 inch, but you should never exceed ½ inch. You may be told that a thicker carpet cushion will cause performance problems, but the primary reason for selecting thinner carpet padding is so the carpet is not so high from the floor that it will not hold on to the tack strip. The second most common mistake is to purchase carpet padding that is too thick. A flat rubber carpet padding may weigh 22 pounds per cubic foot and a prime urethane carpet cushion may weigh only 4 pounds, but the ultimate performance factor is how many pounds per footfall area will it take for the carpet cushion to bottom out. An 8-pound carpet cushion may weigh 8 pounds in a standard 3 ft by 3 ft by 3-ft cube. carpet padding using the broader area of evaluation may equate to a ½ pound rating for a square inch measure.Īlso, carpet cushion may be rated in weight per cubic yard. It is important to note which method is used when comparing carpet padding, because an 8 lb. Some of these methods use a square inch as the area for evaluation, while others use a broader are such as 6 or 8 square inches. Essentially these terms are a method of evaluating how much weight is required to bottom the carpet cushion out. Terms like indentation load deflection (ILD), indentation force deflection (IFD), compression load deflection (CLD), compression force deflection (CFD) all may be used to describe the test method for evaluating carpet cushion density. Some carpet padding is rated in density, but there are various methods for determining density. What can get confusing is the various methods of rating carpet cushion performance. This allows the carpet to assume the rest of the impact burden thus shortening carpet performance life. Carpet cushion that is too soft, bottoms out when exposed to foot traffic. Two of the most common mistakes by consumers is to purchase a carpet padding that is too soft or too thick. The best performing carpet cushion actually provides less comfort under foot, but extends the life of the carpet installation by absorbing the abuse. This impact can cause synthetic latex to break down, backings to stretch, separation of the primary backing from the secondary backing (delamination) and unnecessary stress on the face fiber. While this is a result of the use of carpet padding, the primary reason for carpet cushion is to absorb impact that the carpet would otherwise be subjected. Many consumers believe carpet cushion is used for the purpose of comfort under foot.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |