You are already spending more than you had budgeted for your brand new carpet and you are hoping to save a little money.
What problems could possibly happen from saving that money with cheap carpet underlay? Read on and I think you will be surprised.
Most people think of carpet underlay as just a padding beneath the carpet that exists solely for comfort.
Well, it certainly does make it more comfortable to walk around barefoot or to play on the floor with your children, but that's not its only purpose.
A cheap carpet underlay could actually cost you more money in the long run by shortening the life of your new carpet.
Carpet padding helps extend the life of carpet by providing enough cushioning so that the carpet can bounce back from foot traffic and heavy objects sitting on it.
It also reduces the shredding and daily wear and tear on a carpet.
Many types of underlay now come with several other ways to protect the investment you have made in your new carpet.
Some come with a moisture barrier that prevents spilled liquids from seeping through the carpet into the underlay, lessening the chance of mold and mildew.
A lot of the newest varieties also have anti-microbial properties that fight odor, which is particularly important if you have small children or pets.
Good carpet underlay can also save money when it's time to pay your heating bill.
Some carpet padding can actually serve as insulation, sealing the heat in the house and preventing it from escaping through the floor.
Other types of carpet padding are specially designed to be used in homes that have underfloor radiant heating, allowing the heat to easily pass through the padding and into the room.
Cheap carpet underlay might save you money today, but clearly it will end up costing you dollars over time.
Spend a little more now and get both the benefits and the savings that accompany quality carpet padding.