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Frequently Asked Questions
I’m installing on a basement cement floor. Should I duct tape them together?
Yes, HQ Living Carpet Cushion is easy to install as you simply lay flat on subfloor, roll out to wall and cut to size. Butt the second piece up to the first piece and tape as per the installation instructions. For residential cushion, double-sided tape can be used to seal the perimeter of the underlayment down. For commercial cushion, we recommend a full-spread glue application to seal the cushion.
What is it made of, and how does it differ from existing pads?
HQ Living Carpet Cushion is engineered to be different – comprised of a low-density EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) polyethylene blend, which is a firm, closed-cell foam. The polymer molecules are chemically cross-linked, providing more rigidity. Because of the closed-cell and single-piece construction, even nail-down applications will not affect the waterproof quality of the cushion. Traditional cushions are polyurethane-based, which allows water to flow throughout like a sponge and does not rebound as quickly as polyethylene.
How much does a full roll weigh?
Both the 7/16" (11MM) and 5/16" (8mm) rolls have a weight of 37–40 lbs.
Can carpet tile with adhesive be placed on top of HQ Living Carpet Cushion?
HQ Living Carpet Cushion is not approved for use with peel-and-stick carpet tiles.
Can this be used on stairs if I wanted to carpet my stairs?
The great news is that HQ Living Carpet Cushion can be installed on your stairs.
My concrete slab is not perfectly level, even after I had some areas dealt with. Will this help to reduce some of these slight dips?
Residential HQ Living Carpet Cushion comes in both 8mm and 11mm thicknesses and will help hide minor imperfections on your subfloor. Ensure the subfloor is level before installing HQ Living Carpet Cushion.
What kind of tape do you use with HQ Living Carpet Cushion?
It is recommended that you use duct tape.
Can I use HQ Living Carpet Cushion on my walls to reduce noise transfer from room to room?
Applying HQ Living Carpet Cushion on the wall is not its intended application. HQ Living Carpet Cushion has never been sound tested for wall installations and is approved for concrete or wood subfloors. That being said, HQ Living Carpet Cushion was third-party tested and recorded best-in-class results for STC (60) and IIC (93) for flooring systems.
What is the STC and IIC of HQ Living Carpet Cushion?
HQ Living Carpet Cushion was tested by an independent, third-party laboratory. Both HQ Living Residential and Commercial products performed excellently. Residential cushion has an IIC of 93 and an STC of 60. Commercial cushion has an IIC of 83 and an STC of 61. An IIC rating of 50 or above will satisfy the minimum requirements of the International Building Codes (IBC). The test reports can be found on our website.
What is the R-value of it?
HQ Living Carpet Cushion is an excellent thermal barrier. Our residential 7/16" cushion has an R-value of 1.81, while our residential 5/16" cushion has an R-value of 1.19. For our commercial SKUs, our 3/16" cushion has an R-value of 0.655, and our 1/4" cushion has an R-value of 0.973".
Can we use two layers of HQ Living Carpet Cushion to improve the acoustic performance?
We do not recommend using two layers of underlayment. You could actually create more moisture between the layers, providing an ideal environment for the growth of odor-causing mold, mildew and fungi.
What carpet styles are most compatible with HQ Living Carpet Cushion?
Our residential carpet cushion line is designed to work with all types of rolled carpet, delivering waterproof protection, excellent sound absorption and a comfortable underfoot experience regardless of carpet selection. Our 7/16" (11mm) product provides enhanced comfort with added thickness, ideal for areas where a softer, more luxurious feel is desired. Our 5/16" (8mm) cushion offers the same high-performance features at a more economical price. While both cushions are compatible with a variety of carpets, 5/16" is ideal for low- to medium-pile carpets, such as loop, Berber, pattern and stair applications. 7/16" pairs well with medium- to high-pile carpets like texture and twist, enhancing overall comfort. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific carpet type, comfort preference and budget.
Can HQ Living Carpet Cushion be glued down on a concrete subfloor?
Residential HQ Living Carpet Cushion is not compatible with any glues or adhesives as they could affect the integrity of the product and the function of the air channels. The approved installation method is with staples/nails or tape. For Commercial HQ Living Carpet Cushion, adhesive selection is one of the most important decisions in any double glue-down installation. Ensure that only pressure-sensitive adhesive (no urethane adhesives) is used to ensure proper bond from cushion to substrate. Use manufacturer’s recommended multipurpose adhesive to adhere cushion to carpet. Improper adhesive use can lead to the degradation of cushion and product failure.
Can HQ Living Carpet Cushion be laid over existing flooring?
In most cases, yes, HQ Living Carpet Cushion is compatible over existing flooring. Ensure there is not a waterproof barrier underneath and the area is dry and free of any loose debris.
Does HQ Living Carpet Cushion have an antimicrobial treatment?
Yes, HQ Living Carpet Cushion is infused throughout the whole roll with an antimicrobial treatment to inhibit the growth of odor-causing mold, mildew and fungi.
Can HQ Living Carpet Cushion be used with tile, laminate, wood or vinyl flooring?
No, it has too much cushion. It was specifically manufactured to be used with rolled carpet floor treatments.
Could product be installed over asbestos to mitigate?
The two ways of dealing with asbestos are removal or encapsulation. We recommend using a licensed asbestos contractor to remove asbestos-containing flooring. If that is not an option, then the great news is that you can install HQ Living Carpet Cushion over top of the asbestos flooring. Ensure the floor is dry and free of any loose debris.
Can this product be used outdoors?
HQ Living Carpet Cushion is approved for interior use. It is waterproof and treated with an antimicrobial to inhibit the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria but never tested for exterior applications.
Can this product be used with radiant heat flooring?
Yes, reference the carpet manufacturer’s temperature setting guidelines. It is typically around 82–85°F.
What is the density of HQ Living Carpet Cushion?
HQ Living Carpet Cushion has a density of three (3) pounds per cubic foot and is comprised of polyethylene foam. Unlike traditional urethane cushions, polyethylene is a firm, closed-cell foam. The polymer molecules are cross-linked and provide more rigidity. Density is actually a measure used to tell us an item's weight per unit of volume and not the ideal metric to base a product's sound-dampening ability. This product performs like a 10-lb. traditional polyurethane cushion.
What is the difference between waterproof and spillproof?
Spillproof conveys a resistance to liquid spills, typically designed to withstand accidental splashes or small amounts of liquid. Waterproof products are completely resistant to water penetration, meaning they can be exposed to or submerged under water without being damaged. Traditional urethane-based cushions can soak up water like a sponge, even those marketed as waterproof-based on an attached scrim layer. Those scrim layers break down over time from high traffic or can be easily punctured, leaving you at risk for moisture damage. Because our cushions are comprised of 100% waterproof polyethylene foam, our products will not take on water whether it be from concrete subfloor moisture or a top-down spill. HQ Living provides 360 degrees of moisture protection.