Healthier choice, Installation – Healthier Choice HEALTHIERCHOICE Carpet Cushion User Manual
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Installation
General Tips for Best Carpet Seams*
- Seam Location - Whenever possible, run seams into the source of light to minimize
shadows highlighting the seam.
- Tape Selection - Wider tape (6 inch) allows the stretch to be distributed over a wider
area. Although, they cannot eliminate the mechanics of peaking, wide tape may
make the condition less distinct.
- Seaming Iron Temperature - A setting on the iron that is too hot will cause the
polymeric carpet backings to distort and shrink. Shrinkage of the carpet backing
accentuates seam peaking.
- Seam Edges - All cut edges must be sealed prior to, or during, the seaming
procedure. Latex-based seam sealer or thermoplastic sealers are acceptable.
When using latex type seam sealer, it should be applied to edges and smoothed
with the fingertip to allow quicker drying time and to avoid transfer to the seaming
iron. Regardless of the adhesive it must be applied in a manner that
encapsulates the primary and secondary backings. Also, backrolling the carpet
edges prior to applying seam tape will help reduce peaking.
- Pre-stretching - Pre-stretch the carpet parallel to the seam the recommended 1% to
1½% for about 18 inches on both sides of the seam. This relieves some of the
stress the seaming tape must withstand.
- Construct on a Flat, Rigid Surface - Make all seams over a firm flat surface. The use of
a thin smooth piece of plywood, hardboard, or other material between the carpet
and the cushion is ideal for this purpose.
Installers can minimize visible seams by using quality products, by following the
above tips, and by following the industry standard for installation, CRI-105. Problems
can also be minimized if retail sales representatives discuss with consumers the
installation characteristics of the products being purchased so each understands that
invisible seams may not be possible to achieve.
*From CRI Technical Bulletin, “Peaking seams in Stretch-In carpet installation”.
Healthier Choice
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