pads can have many benefits for people with area rugs,
but they aren't suitable for all rugs or in all situations.
Many people don't know when or if they
should get pads for their rugs.
In this short video, we'll talk about what rug padding can
do for you, what type of padding should be avoided,
and some problems that can be helped by using rug padding.
One of the biggest dangers facing your rug
is common ordinary dirt.
Dirt and sand is made largely of silica, which
is what they make glass out of.
You can easily see the sharp points
that do the cutting in this magnified image of sandpaper.
But look at this magnified image of sand.
You can clearly see the same sharp points and edges
that act just like cutting tools here
as well, except these sharp edges can
cut the fibers of your rug.
As rugs wear, they're worth less money.
There are three main ways rug pad
can help protect your investment in your rugs
and make your home safer.
First, a good quality rug pad provides
a shock-absorbing layer between your rug and the floor.
This cushions the rug and helps keep dirt and grit
from cutting the fibers of your rug.
Rug padding allows the dirt to filter away from the rug
and into the pad.
This is why rods with pads last longer and tend
to hold their value longer.
Rug pads are more comfortable to walk on,
but they can also help loose-weave rugs stay
flat on the floor and can help prevent these rugs
from slipping.
For this reason, rugs with pads can be safer
and can help eliminate tripping hazards.
The shock-absorbing qualities of pad
can help rugs to last longer in high-traffic areas, areas
with heavy furniture, or areas with uneven floors.
Rug pads can help take the stress off
of the foundation layers of the rug
and can help protect the foundation
from stretching or puncturing.
Here are some tips and things to consider
when choosing a rug pad.
All rug pads will decompose over time.
As rug pads deteriorate, they can
stick to the floor or the rugs.
This damage can be hard to fix, so it's
important to replace your rag pad before it breaks down.
Low-quality rug pads can quickly deteriorate,
and sometimes the materials used in these lower quality pads
can off gas and permanently discolor
the floor under the pad.
In general, thicker rug pads will last
longer than thinner rug pads.
Good rug padding will have a warranty.
These can range from 1 year to 20 years,
depending on the quality of the pad.
If you have rescue pets or if pet urine is a problem,
rug padding can help protect your flooring.
However, pet urine will fill the pad
and create an odor problem over time.
Rug pads usually can be cleaned.
And for this reason if you have pets that have accidents,
you might consider buying cheaper, thinner rug pads
and replacing them more often.
Rug pads don't last forever.
If your rug pad is deteriorating or if it's
full of dirt or urine, it should be replaced.
It's also important not to put area rugs or rug padding
down on floors that have been freshly sealed or finished.
Many sealers and floor finishes must cure for a short time
before they can be covered up.
Check with your floor-care professional
for recommendations on when it's safe
to put your rug pads back down on your newly finished floor.
If you have any questions about rug pad
or any other questions about your rugs, give us a call
and we'll be happy to help.
And please let us know if you like this video.