What is Carpet Backing?

Carpet backing is the underside of a carpet. It reinforces and protects the carpet against wear and tear.

Carpets with backings made of recycled or natural materials are more sustainable. The components of carpet backing can vary between different brands.

Carpet backing is crucial because it enhances longevity and refines retention. It strengthens the tuft bind and prevents edge raveling and zippering by locking the carpet fiber stitches into the primary backing.

Secondary backing, while not structural, provides extra support to the carpet. It acts as an insulation layer, preventing moisture absorption and inhibiting the growth of mold and bacteria.

In addition, carpet backing simplifies installation. Instead of using tack strips, installers can use tape on the backing.

When it comes to the process of carpet backing, it involves the aforementioned steps.

An adhesive binds the primary and secondary backing. The secondary backing often consists of multiple layers.

There are two methods of applying primary and secondary backings. One is the puddling process, where a viscous polymer is attached to the carpet fiber. The other approach is to thrust a sheet onto the fiber.

Some manufacturers choose to attach a finished carpet backing. After applying the backings, the carpet is dried using an oven to remove moisture from the adhesive.

3 Common Carpet Backing Types:

– Latex

– Thermoplastics

– Polyurethanes

1. Latex-Backed

Latex and Thermoplastics in Carpet Manufacturing

Latex is a water-based method for making broadloom carpets. Most manufacturers use this cost-effective and efficient process, which involves using polyurethane dispersion (PUD), vinyl acetate-ethylene (VAE), and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). Latex-backed carpets are typically synthetic, due to the use of synthetic adhesive chemistry, and are known for their solid tuft bind.

However, one of the drawbacks of latex-backed carpets is their susceptibility to moisture damage over time.

Another method used in carpet manufacturing is the use of thermoplastics. There are three types of thermoplastics, all offering dimensional stability and sturdy edge ravel. Some thermoplastics techniques also provide protection against moisture retention.

Like polyurethanes, thermoplastics are recyclable.

PVC: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) offers dimensional stability and prevents spills from reaching the carpet layer.

Polyolefins: Similar to PVC, polyolefins have an aqueous precoat system, but are newer and prone to temperature fluctuations.

Hot melt-backed: Hot melts have a sturdier tuft bind than latex, with better warranty terms. However, they are pricier and more challenging to install.

Polyurethane: Polyurethane is a plastic polymer material made of urethane links. Manufacturers use reactive chemistry to form the backing structure. Polyurethanes, like latex, cannot be recycled into new carpet backings.

Polyurethane-backed carpets have a polymeric bond between the primary and secondary backing, forming a solid material that resists wear and tear.

Polyurethane backing has sturdy adhesion properties, enhancing tuft binding and forming a tight weave.

Standard backings are made of natural jute fiber or synthetic thermoplastic resin and are available in woven and non-woven constructions.

While standard backing is cheaper, performance backing has higher tuft bind elements and comes with a warranty of up to 10 years.

Choose standard backing for low-traffic areas and performance backing for high-traffic areas with its thick latex backing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does action-backed carpeting mean?

Action-backed carpeting refers to durable synthetic woven jute fabric that provides excellent sound insulation. It is commonly used in rugs for high foot traffic areas and features a latex coating on both the primary and secondary backing.

What is jute backing?

Jute backing is a soft and durable natural fiber derived from the fibrous jute plant. The fibers are shredded and converted into yarn. While jute backing doesn’t have a non-skid texture, it is recommended to use a rug pad underneath for better grip.

What’s the most common carpet backing?

Latex is the most commonly used carpet backing material. It is cost-effective, easy to install, and offers a strong tuft bind and high edge-ravel strength. Latex is also flexible and well-suited for different carpet patterns.

Most residential carpets have a pad with a thickness of 3⁄8 to 7⁄16 inch. High-profile carpets should also have a 6-pound density rating. Low-profile should have padding thickness below 7⁄16 inch.