I was sure that new foam-backed carpet was just a gimmick for a quick buck

Tbh, after installing 500 yards of it in a condo building in Tampa, the lack of separate pad and faster install time actually made sense. Anyone else had a job that changed their mind on a product like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

matthew_reed502mo ago

Yeah but that faster install time comes at a cost later on. Try cleaning a major spill out of that stuff, the foam backing soaks it up like a sponge and can start to smell. Replacing a section is a nightmare compared to just swapping out a piece of carpet and reusing the pad. Feels like a shortcut that punishes the next guy.

shah.zara1mo ago

Wait, is the foam backing on the stuff you used not a closed cell type? The good ones have a moisture barrier built right in, they don't soak through like a sponge at all. I've seen spills bead up on the surface of the better brands. Maybe it depends on the specific product, because a cheap open cell foam would definitely cause the problem you're talking about.

laura_lane2mo ago

That cleaning issue is a huge point. How long after install have you seen those spills turn into real problems? Is it something that shows up in a few months, or does it take years for the smell to set in?