5 Myths On Installing Carpet Flooring

Carpets are a popular floor covering in Singapore because they feel soft, insulate rooms and reduce noise. However, there are a number of misconceptions associated with carpet flooring. These misconceptions are a great hurdle that keeps many home and business owners from installing carpets in their properties. Failing to gather correct information about various types of flooring is one of the reasons that make many people choose poor flooring options. The following are common 5 myths on installing carpet flooring in Singapore. 

1. Carpet flooring is more expensive than hardwood flooring
Some people believe that installing carpeting is more expensive than installing hardwood flooring. They also believe that carpeted floors are harder to maintain but this is not true. Carpeted surfaces require vacuuming one to two times a week only and periodic extraction cleaning. Hardwood surfaces on the other hand require regular sweeping, striping, waxing, buffing and mopping. These maintenance activities are costly and laborious. Flooring products like timber, ceramic, tiles and laminate can also be costlier than carpets because they are priced by the square meter. 

2. A thicker underlay does not make a big difference
This is another common myth associated with installing carpeted floors. It is important to choose the right underlay when investing in a long term investment such as a new carpet. If you use a thin or poorly specified underlay, it can cause your carpet to ruck and stretch and this will result in a breakdown of carpet backing. This will impact the appearance and comfort of your carpet. Just like carpets, underlay comes in various qualities and grades. A thicker underlay will provide you with a firmer feel. It is essential to seek expert advice in order to choose the underlay that will match the carpet you choose perfectly.  

3. Carpeted floors trigger asthma and allergies
Even though there was a view that carpets trigger asthma and allergies in the past, allergy and medical research has proven that this is not true. Carpets actually benefit people who suffer from asthma and allergies. Carpet flooring traps dust and other particles with its fibers and keeps them from being blown around as people walk on the floor. Vacuuming carpets gets rid of dirt and particles and helps prevent respiratory ailments. Installing a carpeted floor is a great way to reduce the chances of inhabitants of a building suffering from allergies.  

Research stresses the fact that allergies and asthma is caused by the amount of allergens and dust present in the air a person breathes. It further stresses the fact that many kinds of inhalable substances can cause allergic reactions and only some of them are linked to problems that affect the respiratory system such as asthma. In order to manage serious respiratory conditions or allergies, people need to understand their personal triggers, recognize early symptoms and seek professional medical intervention to treat these conditions. 

4. Carpets collect mildew and mold
This is not true since mildew and mold only grows in areas where there is excessive moisture and dirt coupled with poor maintenance and cleaning services. Eliminating moisture and keeping carpet floors dry keeps mold and mildew at bay. You can keep your carpets dry by controlling humidity and making sure that water does not leak on the carpeted floor. In this way, you will never have any problem with mildew or mold growth.  5. Carpeted floors do not reduce unwanted noise
This is not true. Wall to wall carpets significantly reduce noise in a property by reducing the way the impact of sound is transmitted and absorbing airborne sound. International industry experts have validated this fact. Carpets that are made into area rugs or rugs on timber or ceramic floors reduce noise levels especially the noise made by people walking on a hardwood floor. If you are concerned about noise levels in your Singapore home or office, you can consider installing a carpeted floor. You should also consider the design of your property and what is acceptable for your comfort and lifestyle.  

Conclusion

Carpet flooring offers many benefits and since you now know about the myths associated with such floors, you should not let them deter you from installing a carpet. Installing a carpet is technically demanding and you should therefore let an experienced professional perform the installation for you. Professional carpet installers will prepare the floor properly for carpet installation, measure your property accurately, consider the flow of traffic and consider the manner in which rooms flow into each other. They will also place joints and seam in the right way.