Reinforced polymeric nonwoven mat for carpet tiles

A method of manufacturing a carrier mat for carpet tiles, the method comprising:

• forming a first layer of polymer fibers that are randomly oriented and entangled together;
• positioning a reinforcement atop the first layer of polymer fibers;
• forming a second layer of polymer fibers atop the reinforcement so that the reinforcement is entirely covered and concealed by the first layer of polymer fibers and the second layer of polymer fibers;
• applying a binder to the first layer of polymer fibers, the reinforcement, and the second layer of polymer fibers;
• and
• heating the first layer of polymer fibers, the reinforcement, and the second layer of polymer fibers to cure the binder to adhere the first layer of polymer fibers, the reinforcement, and the second layer of polymer fibers together;
• wherein the binder is uniformly distributed throughout the carrier mat to bond the first layer of polymer fibers, the reinforcement, and the second layer of polymer fibers together;
• and
• wherein the binder is the only binder that is used to bond the carrier mat together.