Advantages and disadvantages of marine carpet
Carpeting the deck of a boat? Yes, there is such a thing, and this synthetic covering has many advantages. But what are they?
Carpet, specially designed for outdoor use and marine conditions, is particularly resistant. Waterproof and mildew-resistant, marine carpets can even be used on boats. However, while its installation and maintenance have their advantages, marine carpet has a few drawbacks.
Advantages of marine carpet
The advantages of carpeted boat decks are numerous.
For one thing, carpet installation is quick and easy. In contrast to other floor coverings, carpet is sold in its final form, so all you have to do is cut and lay it before you can use it.
Last but not least, marine carpeting is an economical solution compared to other coverings designed to protect boat decks, and extremely comfortable to use.
Disadvantages
On the other hand, choosing carpet for boat decks is less common in the nautical tradition. Practical for small surfaces or fishing boats, it has a very particular look and feel. It is permeable, so must be removed regularly to clean and sanitize the surface beneath.
Installation
Marine carpet installation is simple. All you need to do is cut the metre corresponding to the surface to be covered. It can then be simply laid, clipped to the corners or lightly fixed around the edges with double-sided tape. The advantage of these techniques is that it can be removed regularly for maintenance. Glued installation is not recommended. For a perfect finish and longer-lasting covering, installation can be carried out by a professional. It’s a simple solution for boat owners wishing to dress up their decks and benefit from comfort.
Care and maintenance
Rot-proof, marine carpets have a long life expectancy, especially if properly maintained.
Firstly, the best way to maintain it is to vacuum regularly. Vacuuming not only removes dust and other foreign elements, but also lifts the fiber, improving durability. In the case of unglued installation, regular cleaning of the carpet underneath the surface is essential.
Secondly, the carpet must be regularly and thoroughly cleaned: usually a quick blast of fresh water is sufficient for cleaning; periodically, clean with lukewarm water and a mild detergent, soaking the carpet in the solution for a few minutes, then rinsing with fresh, clean water on both sides of the carpet; finally, the carpet must be allowed to dry in the open air.
In the case of stains, it’s important to act quickly to achieve good results. If the carpet can be wetted, use a mild detergent and water, rub the stained surface lightly to penetrate the solution, leave for two or three minutes, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Leave to dry in the open air. For dry cleaning, use a carpet stain remover and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
