#13 Susie Kirsh: Research Initiatives

Blog #13 - Research Initiatives

Wall-to-Wall Carpet

Wall-to-wall carpet is a continuous piece of carpeting that covers the entire floor area. Some common methods for installing wall-to-wall carpet include tack strip installation, gluedown, and stretch-in methods.

·        Stretch-in Installation = the most common method for wall-to-wall carpet installation and involves stretching the carpet over the subfloor and securing it to tack strips

o   Preparation – clean and prepare the subfloor (removing debris and ensuring it’s level)

o   Tack Strips – install tack strips along the perimeter of the room, leaving a small gap from the wall for expansion

o   Underlayment – lay down carpet padding if required for comfort and insulation; padding is usually stapled to the subfloor

o   Carpet Cutting – measure and cut the carpet to fit the room, allowing a little extra for trimming along the edges

o   Stretching the Carpet – use a power stretcher to stretch the carpet over the tack strips and to the walls; carpet should be tight with no wrinkles

o   Securing the Edges – carpet edges are tucked under the baseboards and the excess is trimmed; carpet is then stapled or glued to the tack strips

·        Gluedown Installation = the carpet is glued directly to the subfloor without using tack strips

o   Surface Prep – clean the subfloor and ensure it’s level

o   Applying Adhesive – a carpet adhesive is spread over the subfloor using a notched trowel

o   Laying Carpet – carpet is then rolled out over the adhesive; it should be carefully pressed down to ensure a strong bond

o   Edge Trimming – when the carpet is in place, the edges are trimmed and tucked under the baseboard

·        Direct Glue-down v. Cushion-Back Glue-down

o   Direct Glue-down – carpet is glued to the floor

o   Cushion-Back Glue-down – padding or cushion is glued to the floor first, followed by the carpet; often used for commercial spaces or high-traffic areas

Carpet Tile

Carpet tiles are modular squares that are arranged to cover the floor. This popular for both residential and commercial installations because it’s easy to install and replace individual tiles if necessary.

·        Peel-and-Stick Carpet Tiles – these tiles have adhesive backing, making installation quick and easy without the need for additional glue or tack strips

o   Clean and level the subfloor

o   Starting in the center of the room, tiles are evenly placed using chalk lines for reference

o   Peel off backing paper from the tiles and press them onto the floor, aligning them with the grid

o   Use of a utility knife to trim the edges along the walls

o   Pressing down on the tiles ensures they adhere properly to the subfloor

·        Glue-Down Carpet Tiles – require adhesive to be applied to the subfloor before laying the tiles

o   Involves cleaning and prepping the subfloor

o   Spreading adhesive onto the subfloor using a trowel and allow it to become tacky before applying the tiles

o   Placing the carpet tiles starts from the center or a corner, depending on the layout plan

o   Pressing the tiles down firmly ensures proper adhesion

o   Trimming any tiles that to fit along the edges is done using a utility knife

Area Rugs

Area rugs are non-fixed carpets that are used to cover a portion of the floor, usually to add comfort or style. Since area rugs are not meant to be permanently installed, installation is relatively simple.

·        Non-Slip Rug Pad – the most common method for securing area rugs is using a rug pad underneath; the pad prevents the rug from sliding around, adds cushioning, and protects the floor underneath

o   Installed by laying a non-slip rug pad on the floor to ensure it is slightly smaller than the rug to avoid visible edges

o   Placing the rug over the pad can be adjusted to the desired position

·        Double-Sided Carpet Tape – areas with heavy foot traffic or where the rug tends to shift, double-sided carpet tape can be used to secure the rug to the floor

o   Installed by applying double-sided tape along the edges of the rug and positioning the rug over the tape and press down firmly

·        Rug Anchors or Corners – some people use rug anchors or weighted corners; can be discreet and won’t damage the rug or floor

o   Attaches the anchors to the corners or edges of the rug and positioning the rug where you want it on the floor

Maintenance for Carpets/Area Rugs

Maintenance for carpets and area rugs involves regular cleaning and prompt attention to stains to preserve their appearance and extend their lifespan. Vacuuming is the most important routine maintenance task and should be done at least once a week with more frequent vacuuming in high-traffic areas. Spot cleaning stains immediately with a suitable cleaner or a mild DIY solution is essential to prevent long-term damage. For deeper cleaning, carpets benefit from professional steam cleaning or hot water extraction every 12-18 months, while area rugs may require specialized cleaning depending on their material, with delicate rugs ideally cleaned by professionals to avoid damage.