Before Carpet Installation
When it comes to installing carpet in your home there’s a lot to think about it. It’s good to have a sense of what the process entails before entering into the buying process. At IQ Floors, we have years of experience and are happy to answer any and all of your specific carpet-based installation questions.
Before you even think about installation, our staff will work with you to ensure that we have the appropriate measurements for your project. As with any flooring installation, it’s important that the room is cleared of furniture and other items before installation begins. Consider whether you’ll be installing carpet over existing flooring, or if you will need to have it removed and taken away; this should be discussed at the time you purchase your carpeting so expectations are clear for both you and your installer. Remember that baseboards and molding may also need to be removed before installation and you may need to consider whether your subflooring needs repairs to ensure that the floor itself is safe, stable, and level.
New carpeting from IQ Floors can really soften things up around the house. But to get the look you expect and ensure your new carpeting goes the distance it’s a good idea to hire a professional carpet installer. An experienced installer will have the specialized skills and tools to do the job right and handle any unexpected difficulties. A professional installation can also help ensure your carpet is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty should you have any problems. If you plan to install your own carpeting be sure you understand the manufacturer’s approved guidelines and warranties before you begin your project.
A qualified professional installer will have a broad range of equipment to work with, some of which may be difficult for the average DIY enthusiast to obtain. Here are a few items you’re sure to see if you watch the installation process:
Tack Strips
Tack strips are used to hold the carpet in position, so it sits flat and tight across the floor. The strips are set on the padding around the outside edge of the carpet area and nailed into place. Each strip has rows of spikes sticking off the top side and the carpet is pressed down onto these pins until it sits securely in place.
Knee-Kicker
Also called a carpet stretcher, the kicker is used to push the carpet down onto the tack strip while stretching it tight at the same time. Gripping teeth on one end of the kicker are pressed down onto the carpet and the installer slams his knee into the padding on the other end. This drives the carpet forward hooks it to the pins on the tack strip. This is repeated all the way around the room until the carpet is fully stretched into place.
Seam Roller
A spiked cylinder-shaped roller with a handle, used to press down on the seam between two pieces of carpet and secure them to the adhesive strip inserted beneath on top of the padding. Creating strong seams is essential to maximizing the life of the carpet, especially in doorways or other high-traffic areas.
Preparation is important for a successful carpeting installation. You should consult with your specialist from IQ Flooring for full instructions, but there are steps you can take to help the process go smoothly.
- If you have old flooring that has to be removed there may be some work involved in readying the exposed surface for your new carpet installation. This is especially true if the old flooring was glued down or set in place with tile adhesive. It’s a good idea to get professional help for this process, as an experienced flooring specialist will know when your flooring surface is “flooring ready,” and may be able to assist you with the disposal of your old flooring.
- All the furniture will need to be move out of the room where your new carpet is to be installed. Professional movers and storage experts can be especially helpful for this if you have heavy items, or items requiring special care. Professional movers can save you a lot of time, also. 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
When your carpet crew arrives, an adult member of your household should greet them and show them to the work area. The lead installer should give you a walkthrough of the job to give you a clear sense of the work involved and how much time it will take. To ensure a safe, smooth installation keep children and pets away from the work area until the job is done. Feel free to ask your lead installer for recommendations on how and when you can put your furniture back and start using the carpet freely.
