Underlayment is an important part of the flooring installation for several reasons. Comfort, protection from moisture, flexibility, and imperfections in the subfloor are just a few. Appropriate underlayment material is determined by factors like sound transmission, water, and pet accidents that can result in unpleasant odors from bacterial growth. The most common material choices for carpet underlayment are foam or rubber padding. These materials come in varying degrees of thickness, which affects the long-term durability of the floor.
Polyurethane-based carpet underlayment offers differing density and thermal regulation, making the foam more durable and easier to maintain. Castor oil, a natural polyol, is the ideal choice for sustainable underlayment binding. It functions as a moisture-resistant adhesive for recycled polyurethane foam.