There’s nothing like a new carpet to quiet the echoes and warm the rooms of your home. To help your carpet last as long as you expect it to and to ensure the look you want, it’s important to hire an experienced carpet installer who can get the job done right. Installation is hard work and requires specialized knowledge and tools. If you do plan to install your own carpet, check the manufacturer’s approved installation guidelines and warranties before starting your project.
An experienced installer can move fast and has the tools and knowledge required to manage unexpected situations. Furthermore, installation by a qualified professional can help ensure your carpet is covered by the manufacturer's warranty in case you have a problem. A professional installer will have a broad range of equipment to work with. Here are a few items you’re sure to see if you watch the installation process!
Tack Strips
Tack strips are strips of wood with small angled pins set in rows on one side. They are nailed to the floor around the perimeter of the area where the carpet will be installed. The carpet is then pressed down onto the pins, which hold it in place so it can be stretched tight across the floor.
Knee-Kicker
This tool is used to stretch the carpet into place. It has small teeth on one end that grip the carpet and a pad on the other, which the installer strikes with one knee. This pushes the carpet forward and hooks it onto the spikes on the tack strip. This is how the carpet is stretched for a proper fit across the surface of the floor.
Seam Roller
The seam roller is a spiked cylinder-shaped roller with a handle. The installer uses it to press down on the seam between two pieces of carpet to make sure the carpet sticks to the adhesive, which has been applied underneath. It’s important to secure seams as tightly as possible, especially in doorways or other high-traffic areas.
Getting Ready for Your Carpet Installation
Preparation is important for a successful carpeting installation. While you should consult with your Gregory’s Carpet & Flooring specialist for full instructions, there are steps you can take to help the process go smoothly.
1. Removing old flooring
In many cases, the old flooring will have to be removed to clear space for new carpeting. There may be extra work involved if your old flooring is glued down or set in tile adhesive. It can be a tedious process getting the exposed surface ready for your new carpet installation. Having this job done professionally can be helpful because an experienced flooring specialist will know when the surface is ready for service and can assist you with the disposal of your old flooring.
2. Emptying the work area
The room where your new carpet will be installed will need to be empty, so you’ll have to remove all the furniture. Professional movers and storage experts can make this much easier by saving you a lot of time, especially if you have items that require special care. An experienced crew can cut down on the amount of time you have to live without your furniture to as little as a day before and after the carpet installation is done.
During & After Your Carpet Installation
An adult member of your household should be present to greet the installation crew when they arrive. This person needs to be at least 18 years old and should be able to direct the installers to the job site. In order to ensure everyone’s safety and to help the job go smoothly, keep small children and pets away from the work area until the work is complete. Your lead installer can answer any questions you may have about the finished product and can make recommendations on caring for your new carpet.
