As lovely as carpeting can be, when not correctly installed, it can create a giant headache. The truth is, many issues creep up for those who opt for DIY installations, or even decide to go with "experts" who are certainly not professionals. To understand what causes wall-to-wall carpet to buckle, and learn how to prevent such a thing from happening, let's explore these installation tips from our Marietta and Roswell, GA showroom specialists.
Maintain Dry Carpets
No matter how careful you are, food accidents happen, especially in households that have children and pets. With carpeting, the key is to keep it dry. You see, what causes wall-to-wall carpet to buckle, in many instances, is water mishaps. Be it a spilled drink or a burst pipe, your wet carpet is in grave danger of irreparable damage. Should an accident occur, use towels to absorb as much of the liquid as possible, then open the windows to speed up drying time. If the weather doesn't allow for this, use a professional grade fan instead. In this scenario, there's also the worry that the underlay will get wet, causing padding shrinking and carpeting expansion.
Select the Ideal Underlayment
All underlayment is the same, right? What could go wrong if I choose one that's too thick or thin? The answer is, lots of things can go wrong! When you don't select the right cushioning, what causes wall-to-wall carpet to buckle in this instance is the separation of the backing or seams. Above all else, make sure to purchase the perfect underlayment thickness, or you'll be setting yourself up for a flooring failure.
Check the Indoor Environment
Humidity and temperature play a substantial role in flooring installation, and a great many homeowners just don't realize this fact. Before a renovation, your space should be anywhere from 10-65% humid and 65-95°F in temperature. Outside of these ideal circumstances, your installation will prove problematic, and will most likely result in buckling or rippling.
Always Use a Power Stretcher
Don't trust any installer who insists they don't need a power stretcher. Skipping this important step will skyrocket your odds of buckling. What's the big deal? Well, this handy tool pulls your carpeting from every direction of the room, ensuring a smooth, tight finish.
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