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Thread ID: 108386 2010-03-26 20:22:00 Carpet & Underlay - A Q. for Exp. Carpetlayers John W (523) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
870208 2010-03-26 20:22:00 Hi there.

Our house carpets appear to be in quite good condition, but I think the underlay has compressed to very little in the heavy trafficed areas of the house, hallway, stairs & dining room.

I was wondering if it economical to replace just the underlay in these areas to extend the life of the carpet for another 5/10yrs or is it a lost cause and I should redo the lot (carpet & underlay) in one hit.

Opinions please.
John W (523)
870209 2010-03-27 06:10:00 I laid carpet all the while I was in the US Navy when I was on 13-section duty and didn't have to be on base and for a few years both before and after the Navy stint.

I never used the hot glue and instead hand sewed each and every seam - some over 100' long The guy who taught me was tougher than any Hollywood DI in a military movie and he was demanding and exacting.

I learned from a master.

If you want to pull up the carpet and replace the padding - it can be done. The labor here is $1.25-3.00/yard to lay it, but I have no idea what they'd charge to re-lay it all over again..

BUT consider this.

1) It's old and full of dirt even in the cleanest households.
2) It has millions of holes from the tackless strip holding it for years against the walls and taking the carpet OFF and putting it BACK is rife with losses of strength and holding power this second time
3) All the seams will have to be cut and then resewed or thermal glued back together - messy! lumpy too!

If it was "turn-n-tacked" in place like a premium Wilton or very expensive carpet - then all the Garveys and #2 Blues will have to be pulled and that's hard when they've been driven "home" in the first installation. You MAY lose some dimension when it goes back together and needs to have damaged areas and seams and tucks re-trimmed.

Somewhat risky I venture. YRMV

If you decide to do this, ask for a "rebond-type pad" for the padding. It will outlast you and your kids - maybe not the grandchildren, but let them buy their own, I say. You prolly had a single-zone urethane or poly ( just MAYBE a rubber "waffle-pad type - yuck!), but now if you go with the old or new - get the rebond pad.
SurferJoe46 (51)
870210 2010-03-27 20:58:00 Hi there

We just had the carpet in the hallway lifted and relayed on new underlay. No issues at all. Well worth doing, as cost us only 3 hours labour.

Cheers
Francis
timaru07 (14928)
870211 2010-03-28 00:00:00 Unusual to pack down the extent that you notice,that is with rubber underlay.
It used to pack down when jute underlay was used.

All you will gain is a better feel,no extra wear.
Some commercial carpets are stuck direct to concerete,this makes carpet last longer due to reduced movement.
Cicero (40)
870212 2010-03-28 08:51:00 Unusual to pack down the extent that you notice,that is with rubber underlay.
It used to pack down when jute underlay was used.
Probably cheap underlay.
Make sure you use commercial underlay as the extra cost is well worth it.
mikebartnz (21)
870213 2010-03-28 11:30:00 Like I said you won't get any more wear,but if you must,get 11mm foam. Cicero (40)
870214 2010-03-28 19:46:00 Remember if you get thicker underlay than the original you may have to shave something off any doors that open into the room bonzo29 (2348)
870215 2010-03-28 20:58:00 Remember if you get thicker underlay than the original you may have to shave something off any doors that open into the room

They do a nice line of bottom of door trimmers at Bunnings.
Cicero (40)
870216 2010-03-28 21:49:00 Remember if you get thicker underlay than the original you may have to shave something off any doors that open into the room
Careful work with the lawn mower can shorten the carpet most effectively. Give your carpet a poodle cut :thumbs:
R2x1 (4628)
870217 2010-03-29 07:42:00 Like I said you won't get any more wear,but if you must,get 11mm foam.
Forget the foam get commercial underlay.
mikebartnz (21)
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