Frequently asked questions

      A. Every carpet job is different. You need to take into account the type of carpet being installed, the feel you are looking for, and what the carpet manufacturer recommeds. A residential cutpile would typically use at least a 6lb. A commercial grade carpet typically requires at least a 18 oz. synthetic fiber. Products with moisture barriers are always a good choce. They provide protection from spills that might be absorbed into the cushion, which can create mold or mildew from growing.  

      A. Many people think bonded cushion's are all the same and are shopped on price alone. There  are a few things that differentiate one manufacturer's rebond  from anothers. The first is the overall quality of the foam us  In many cases the urethane that goes into the production of rebond are either a recycled foam (from pullup) or new or virgin urethane made from scraps of solid foam from various industries, including the furniture industry, and in many cases a combination of both.       

    A. Commercial carpet usually requires the use of a pretty firm cushion. In many cases, many people use a synthetic fiber pad. It provides firmness and stability for many types of commercial grade carpet backs and makes commercial carpet more comforting to walk on. Installing a less firm product (i.e. rebond) typically will not provide enough support causing seams to split and improper wear on the carpet and in many cases voiding carpet warranty. Another option is to use a firm, relatively thin rubber cushion, and even in some cases a thin high density rebond. These type of products  are used more for double glue down installation.  

       A. There are many carpet cushion manufacturers out there. One thing to ask is to have specifications for the products they are showing you. Not just any specifications, one's exclusively from the manufacturer. If you are buying from a distributor make sure you receive manufacturers specs. Another important  thing to  ask, specifically related to rebond, is if the density rating on their product is true. For instance, most manufacturers make a sub 6 lb. density rebond in addition to a true 6 lb. This usually is a product that is a 5.5 lb., 5.2 lb. or even a 5.0 lb. rebond. Make sure you have the spec. on the product they are showing you to cover yourself in case there are any issues with the product after it is installed, plus you don't want to be mislead and purchase a product you didn't want. There is nothing wrong with using a sub or nominal 6 lb. product , but sometimes it's confusing when you are trying to compare "apples to apples" specifically  when comparing pricing and quality from multiple manufacturers. Finally make sure the gauge or thickness is specified. There are some products out there that some people refer to as a "shaved " thickness. This means that a product is usually thinner than the specification indicates. For instance a "shaved 6 lb. 1/2" is equivalent to a 6 lb. 7/16". That could get you into trouble with your customer if you assume you are installing the true gauge that you requested. 

       A. There are many carpet cushion manufacturers out there. One thing to ask is to have specifications for the products they are showing you. Not just any specifications, one's exclusively from the manufacturer. If you are buying from a distributor make sure you receive manufacturers specs. Another important  thing to  ask, specifically related to rebond, is if the density rating on their product is true. For instance, most manufacturers make a sub 6 lb. density rebond in addition to a true 6 lb. This usually is a product that is a 5.5 lb., 5.2 lb. or even a 5.0 lb. rebond. Make sure you have the spec. on the product they are showing you to cover yourself in case there are any issues with the product after it is installed, plus you don't want to be mislead and purchase a product you didn't want. There is nothing wrong with using a sub or nominal 6 lb. product , but sometimes it's confusing when you are trying to compare "apples to apples" specifically  when comparing pricing and quality from multiple manufacturers. Finally make sure the gauge or thickness is specified. There are some products out there that some people refer to as a "shaved " thickness. This means that a product is usually thinner than the specification indicates. For instance a "shaved 6 lb. 1/2" is equivalent to a 6 lb. 7/16". That could get you into trouble with your customer if you assume you are installing the true gauge that you requested. 

     A. Have you ever lived in a multi-story house or on the bottom floor of an apartment complex? If so, you know how bothersome it can be to hear your upstairs neighbors throughout the day. A high-scoring IIC floor rating is crucial because it limits the level of impact noises that reach lower levels, resulting in a more comfortable and tolerable lifestyle. 

     A. The Delta IIC rating shows what the product adds to the assembly in terms of isolating impact footfall noise. The Delta IIC test starts by testing a full assembly, typically six to eight inches of concrete, with nothing above or below the concrete. Then an underlayment installs directly to the concrete, and the same test repeats. The Delta IIC rating is the performance gain between the first and second test. A higher number shows better performance.

The Delta IIC rating is the best rating to consider when comparing the performance of different types of underlayment. It keeps the manufacturers from promoting misleading results obtained by using materials or methods of isolation that the average assembly does not use. Misleading results are most often found with claims of 60 IIC or above using materials less than 1/2” thick. They achieve their astronomical rating with decoupled ceilings and considerable additional mass, but will claim their thin underlayment is what achieved that IIC rating. If the IIC rating is unreasonably high, then ask to see a Delta IIC rating. If they cannot provide a Delta IIC rating, then ignore the advertised ratings.

      A No matter the type of flooring you have, the best way to improve your floor assembly’s IIC rating is by adding a flooring underlayment. A floor underlayment is a  layer of material (Fiber, Rubber, Urethane)  you place between the subfloor and surface layer. These underlayments  are  dense material that is naturally excellent at absorbing impact noises, making it a reliable option to use when trying to improve your floor’s IIC.