Keeping it Dry… Moisture Barriers for Carpet
Depending on your performance requirements, moisture barriers are an integral part of choosing and installing carpet. Designed to be installed underneath the carpet and over the pad, or attached to the carpet itself, having a moisture a barrier provides a layer of protection from liquid from penetrating through. Over time, this can extend the life of your carpet. Though the price may be slightly higher, there are several reasons to consider a moisture barrier with your carpet or carpet tile.
- Manage Spills or Stains
Even with a concrete subfloor under your carpet, it is important to have a moisture barrier. Water or other liquid can penetrate and erode the concrete so it’s important to keep it protected. Stains can be a result of liquid trapped beneath the carpet that may have soaked into the backing, however, with a moisture barrier under the carpet or attached to the backing of the carpet, this kind of staining won’t be a problem.
- Mold
Even though spills appear dry, mold can grow under the carpet if the moisture remains. This can cause problems with rot and air quality. Moisture barriers are essential for keeping any mold at bay.
- Softness Under Foot
Moisture barrier carpet padding adds an additional layer of comfort under foot. The thickness of the pad gives the carpet a softer and more soothing feel.
IMPORTANT: What a Moisture Barrier Will NOT Do
It’s important to keep in mind that a moisture barrier is NOT disaster-proof. Any major flooding or leak events can come under floors or walls. A moisture barrier will help with surface spills and small amounts of liquid but will not withstand submersion.
Carpets to Consider:
- Shaw’s New R2X LifeGuard Waterproof Carpet
The LifeGuard is a revolutionary protection system that covers the entire product, from face fiber to backing. Carpets featuring LifeGuard are treated with Shaw’s patented R2X stain and soil protection and the standard of excellence in the industry, while a thermoplastic backing provides a waterproof barrier that prevents liquids from soaking into the carpet padding and subfloor.
- Milliken’s WellBAC® Cushion Carpet Tile
Milliken prides themselves in developing flooring systems to avoid costly moisture mitigation. Milliken carpets and carpet tile with WellBAC® open cell backing allows the floor to breath and moisture to evaporate. In fact, Milliken boasts they haven’t seen a moisture claim in more than 20 years.
- Mohawk’s SmartCushion™
Adding this exclusively engineered cushion to your carpet will enhance the feel and performance of your carpet while adding 20 years to your warranty. SmartCushion’s visco-elastic memory foam construction softens the feeling under foot and defends carpet from abrasive wear. Spillsafe Moisture Guard prevents moisture from soaking into the cushion or subfloor.
Talk to you Continental Flooring representative about your needs for a moisture barrier for your carpet or carpet tile installation.
Please feel free to contact us for product advice, free samples, assistance in specifications, or to place an order. We welcome contract purchases, formal bids, RFQs or Open Market requirements. One call will do it all!
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