Nobody knows how to deal with seams better than the professionals.
While seams are inevitable, it’s the professionals who excel at minimizing
and hiding seams. They call on years of experience and tried and true methods. Case
in point: they’ll insure seams are placed away from areas subjected to pivoting
traffic, and not run seams perpendicular to doorway openings.
Some carpet styles can show the placement of the seam tape more than others. This
is referred to as telegraphing, or peaking, and it is particularly noticeable in
low cut pile and looped carpets.
A seam may be excellent and considered ‘tight’ but can still
be seen.
You should keep in mind that, occasionally, additional carpet must be ordered to
better match patterns at the seams, which will add to the cost.
The pros know what to do about transitions.
When two different flooring products meet – say, carpeting and a hardwood
floor – it’s called a transition. Your professional installers will
try to match the surface heights of various flooring products to minimize transitions.
What to know and do before installation day
Furniture is step one.
Remove all furniture and other objects and materials from the areas to be carpeted.
We will move your furniture, but there will be an additional charge for doing so.
Before moving, you’ll also need to empty the contents of china cabinets, closets
and the like.
Know what to do with your present floor covering. Please consider
how your old floor covering will be taken up and disposed of. This can be a time
consuming and messy task. We would be happy to discuss removal options with you.
If you prefer to remove your present floor covering, do it at least one day prior
to installation to allow for cleanup and floor preparation.
If removing old carpet, please leave tack strips in place and pull the staples out
of the floor from the original pad.
Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation
is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility.
Seek advice on your subflooring.
Your existing subfloor may need to be prepared to receive the carpet, or a new subfloor
may be required. This is a job best left to the professionals and, again, we can
help you with these decisions.
Be prepared with a door plan.
When carpeting is installed, there’s always the possibility that the doors,
especially closet doors, basement and bedroom doors, may not clear the new carpet
and swing free.
We will remove doors in order to install the carpet and re-hang them if possible.
We will shave or cut down doors to insure clearance at an additional cost.
Be clear about the clean-up.
Installing new carpet will produce waste.
Usually these materials are collected by your installer and left at your trash collection
site. However, we will haul away at an additional cost.
What to know and do during installation day
Installation day requires your presence.
Be prepared to be at home the day of installation and be available in case the installation
crew has questions. Your presence will insure that the correct carpet is installed
in the right areas. Because it is difficult to estimate the length and circumstances
of each job, some installers may not be able to give you an exact time of arrival.
We suggest you be flexible and keep in touch with your retailer/installer.
Keep your family safe.
Your installers will use a variety of tools and techniques that can make the work
area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the
work area on installation day.
Don’t forget the walk-thru.
We recommend that, prior to the completion of the installation, you walk thru the
job with the chief installer. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions
and be clear on any final details.
What to know and do after installation day
Be ready to clear the air.
If you are sensitive to odors, good ventilation should be established. Some of the
chemicals used in the construction of carpet, as well as the adhesives or hot melt
seaming tapes, can have an odor for as long as 48 to 72 hours after installation.
So be prepared to provide the room with adequate ventilation.
Fixing post-installation problems.
Shedding is a natural part of a new carpet. Frequent vacuuming for the first few
days should remove any loose fibers from the carpet’s surface.
Sprouting refers to small tufts or loops of carpet that become visible after the
installation. Use a small pair of scissors to carefully trim the loose fibers flush
with the surface of the carpet.
Finally, if wrinkles or ripples appear in the carpet, it may be necessary to re-stretch
the carpet. Please contact us to have this done professionally within the first
year at no charge.
Preparation is the key.
We want you to be as knowledgeable and well prepared as possible for the installation
of your new carpet. It will make that day easier on you and your home and provide
you with an enjoyable floor covering experience for years to come.