Carpet Installations

Specification for Craigie Stockwell hand tufted carpets

Method of Installation
1. Inspect flooring surface to assess condition.
2. Correct any imperfections that may show through the carpet or create uneven
3. Wear patterns.
4. Measure area, plan layout.
5. Install tackless strip to floor next to wall.
6. Install carpet pad or underlay.
7. Prepare carpet for installation: roll out, measure, mark, and cut.
8. With a knee kicker, position carpet, then stretch to fit evenly.
9. Rough cut excess carpet.
10. Use power stretcher to stretch carpet, then hook to tackless strips.
11. Finish with wall trimmer.
12. Remove all waste materials including packing and dispose of in environmentally friendly fashion.

Materials: Eco Friendly Underlay

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

High quality rubber crumb underlay
Suitable for stretch-fit installation of carpets
End Use Classification (BS 5808: 1991): HC/U, Heavy Contract Use
Interfloor Specific Recommendation: HD/U, Heavy Domestic Use (especially recommended for halls, stairs and landings)
Minimises carpet rucking and furniture indentation marks
Guaranteed for 25 years
Roll size: 1.37 m x 8.0 m
Specification BS Requirements Result Method
Nominal roll weight 75 lbs
Nominal square weight 3100 g/m²
Nominal thickness BS 4051 7.95 mm
Mean original thickness from
nominal thickness
Maximum 12% 2.0 %
Difference between max. & min.
original thicknesses
Maximum 3mm 0.5 mm
Work of compression Minimum 50 J/m² after dynamic
loading for 1000 impacts
BS 4098 & BS 4052 87 J/m²
Compression after dynamic loading Minimum 2mm, maximum 7mm after 1000 impacts 2.7 mm
Retention of work of compression Minimum 40% of original after
1000 impacts 100 % Breaking strength – length Minimum 40N BS 2576 374 N
Breaking strength – width 179 N
Extension under force – length Maximum 10% @ 40N 2.0 %
Extension under force – width 1.0 %
Loss in thickness after dynamic loading
Maximum 15% after 1000 impacts BS 4052 5.5 % Loss in thickness after static
loading Maximum 15% after 24hrs loading & recovery BS 4939 3.9 %
Resistance to cracking Not greater than 50mm BS 5808 Pass
Odour No objectionable odour
Colour and appearance Blue crumb rubber with printed white Bacloc backing
Flammability Notes Result Method
Hot metal nut test BS 4790 & BS 5287 Low radius of effects of ignition
Thermal Properties
Thermal resistance BS 4745 1.03 togs
Acoustic Properties
Weighted reduction in impact
sound pressure level (Delta Lw) BSEN ISO 140-8: 1998 and BSEN ISO 717-2: 1997

STANDARD FOR INSTALLATION OF HAND TUFTED CARPET

1. Scope
2. Applicable documents and references
3. Tools and materials
4. Storage and handling
5. Measuring and planning
6. Site conditions
7. Stretch-in installation
8. Installations using adhesives
9. Protection of the indoor installation
10. Radiant heated floors
11. Carpet on stairs
12. Outdoor and synthetic turf
Tables
Table I – Trowel Size – Minimum Guidelines …………………………………….. 24
Figures
Figure 1 – Stretch Diagram …………………………………………………………. 25
Definitions of Terms ……………………………………………………………… 26-29

INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS AND INSTALLERS

Qualified installation personnel strive to accomplish a professional quality installation by following these practices:

• Obtain and review a detailed drawing of the area(s) where the carpet will be installed, showing the location of all seams, edge molding, etc., and resolve any questions before going to the jobsite.

Check before going to the job that the carpet, cushion, and other supplies are consistent with the work order.

• Be on time, be neat, respect the customer, be courteous, and try not to be a salesperson on the job.
• Refer customer’s questions about the quality of the materials or scope of work to the retailer. Never discuss with the customer how difficult the carpet may be to install
• If a manufacturing defect is suspected, immediately contact the retailer.
• If required by the work order to move furniture, do it carefully. If appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators connected to gas or water lines are to be moved, state and local codes may require licensing and/or insurance. The customer should be advised that these appliances must be removed prior to the arrival of the installer.
• The person responsible for estimating and measuring should initially check and list existing damage; i.e., chipped paint, scratched walls, chipped or scratched furniture, or worn wallpaper. Upon arrival at the customer’s home, the installer should recheck. Discuss the existence of damage before and after the job with the customer. If customer is not present, a list should be kept.
• Confirm with the customer the location of seams as indicated on the drawing previously agreed to by the customer and the dealer. Most locations require that seams run toward the primary natural light source, with some notable exceptions, such as high-traffic areas and doorways. If the initially-agreed-upon seam locations appear to be unacceptable to the customer, call the retailer. Customer understanding and approval of seam locations is essential to customer satisfaction.
• If the installer receives and stores the carpet, responsibility for proper storage, unwrapping, ventilating, and conditioning is assumed by the installer.
• If the customer expresses sensitivity to odors, refer to “Guidelines for Good Indoor Air Quality During the Installation Process” of this publication.
• Vacuuming the newly installed carpet may reveal minor irregularities that can be easily corrected, preventing a callback.
• Invite the customer to inspect the completed installation.

GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Manufacturer Responsibility

• Be accountable for providing the agreed upon merchandise in installable condition.
• If merchandise is shipped with obvious defects, the manufacturer will be responsible for payment of reasonable and substantiated costs incurred by the dealer/retailer/installer; however, if obviously defective merchandise is installed, the manufacturer reserves the right not to pay total installation or other associated costs.
• Provide essential, product-specific installation information on sample labels and roll inserts when applicable.
• Establish and meet deviation limits for patterned carpet, defining acceptable tolerances for bow, skew, trueness of edge, and pattern elongation.
• When applicable, provide and honor warranties that do not create unrealistic consumer expectations.
Installer Responsibility
• Provide a quality installation in accordance with the CRI Standard.
• Review with the dealer/retailer and customer the detailed drawing and installation requirements of the job to attain an accurate understanding prior to commencing with the installation.
• Comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or State OSHA requirements as applicable.
• Make every reasonable effort to prevent the installation of visibly defective carpet without appropriate authorization.
Dealer/Retailer Responsibility
• Provide products suitable for the intended use, and make every reasonable effort to prevent the installation of visibly defective merchandise.
• Accurately represent to the customer in writing the quality classification as provided by the manufacturer.
• When providing installation services, manage the process by only utilizing the services of skilled personnel who have demonstrated their understanding of this document.
• Provide correct measurements to the installer. Provide a detailed diagram that shows desired seam locations, as well as all information pertinent to the job, including a cut list.

Builder/General Contractor Responsibility

• Provide an acceptable substrate for the specified installation.
• Concrete that is intended to receive a bonded overlay (carpet installed with an adhesive) must be placed, cured, finished in accordance with ACI (American Concrete Institute) standards, and tested to determine the moisture emission rate and surface pH prior to the arrival of the carpet installer. Written test reports shall be provided to the carpet installer prior to the commencement of the installation.
• Provide and maintain indoor temperatures between 65ºF (18ºC) to 95ºF (35ºC) and relative humidity below 65% in the area where carpet is to be installed. If ambient temperatures are outside these parameters, the installation of carpet must not commence until the HVAC system is operational and these conditions are maintained for at least 48 hours before, during, and 72 hours after completion.

CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITY

• Discuss with the dealer/retailer and approve the location of all seams that may be required.
• Determine with the dealer/retailer who will move furniture and reach agreement on any charges for this service. It is recommended that cherished or fragile items be removed prior to the installer’s arrival.
• Discuss with dealer/retailer the removal and disposal of the existing carpet and cushion. Determine who will perform these functions, and agree on applicable charges.
• Discuss with dealer/retailer and reach an understanding of the guarantee/warranty – what is covered/not covered – and the procedure if a service call is required.
• Vacuum old carpet prior to the arrival of installer.
• If possible, retain for future use an uninstalled swatch of carpet.
• With the installer, inspect the completed installation.
• Provide and maintain indoor temperatures between 65ºF (18ºC) to 95ºF (35ºC) and relative humidity below 65% in the area where carpet is to be installed.
• Continue operating the ventilation system at normal room temperature for up to 72 hours after installation. If possible, open doors and windows to increase the flow of fresh air.
• Maintain temperature of indoor carpet areas above 50ºF (10ºC), regardless of the age of the installation.

Guidelines for Good Indoor Air Quality During the Installation Process

• The consumer should always ventilate with fresh air during all phases of installation. This includes exhausting to the outside and avoiding re-circulation. Most emissions from the installation disappear quickly with adequate air  exchange and ventilation.
• Vacuum the old carpet before removal to minimize the amount of dust particles.
Note: When selecting a new vacuum cleaner, look for units bearing the CRI Indoor Air Quality Program label. This label identifies vacuums that have been tested and meet minimum standards for dust containment, soil removal, and carpet appearance change.
• Vacuum the floor immediately after the old carpet and cushion have been removed.
• Continue operating the ventilation system at normal room temperature for up to 72 hours after installation. If possible, open doors and windows to increase the flow of fresh air.
• If the carpet is to be glued to the floor, use a low-emitting floor covering adhesive. Lowemitting floor covering adhesives may be identified by the CRI Adhesive Program label on the container or by contacting CRI as indicated below.
• If any occupants consider themselves to be unusually sensitive, they may wish to avoid the area or leave the premises while the old carpet is being removed and the new carpet installed.
• If possible, unroll the new carpet in a well-ventilated area for 24 hours or more before installation.

Look for and purchase carpet, carpet cushions, and floor covering installation adhesive products that display the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Indoor Air Quality label. These three indoor air quality testing programs identify the products that have been tested and meet stringent indoor air quality requirements for low emissions. For further information on these programs, plus the CRI vacuum cleaner testing program, contact CRI at 800-882-8846 or visit our website at www.carpet-rug.com.

STANDARD FOR INSTALLATION OF HAND TUFTED CARPET

1. Scope
This document establishes minimum industry installation standards for residential carpet.
2. Applicable Documents and References
2.1 Standard for Installation Specification of Commercial Carpet –
CRI 104 – The Carpet and Rug Institute
2.2 The Carpet Primer – The Carpet and Rug Institute
2.3 How to Specify Commercial Carpet Installation –
The Carpet and Rug Institute
2.4 Excellence in Action – principles of CRI-105
in video – The Carpet and Rug Institute
2.5 ASTM F-1869-98 – Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Sub-floor Using Calcium Chloride, American Society of Testing & Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. www.astm.org
3. Tools and Materials
Carpet shall be installed using tools and materials referenced in this standard.
Proper tools and quality materials are essential for skilled and proficient carpet
installation.
4. Storage and Handling
Carpet must be stored and handled with care to prevent damage and to facilitate the proper installation of the product.
4.1 Storage – Carpet and related materials must be stored in a climatecontrolled, dry space. Carpet must be adequately protected from dirt, dust, moisture, and other contaminants and stored on a flat surface. Stacking heavy objects on top of carpet rolls should be avoided.
4.2 Handling – Carpet shall be transported in a manner that prevents damage and distortion. Bending or folding of individual carpet rolls is not recommended. When bending or folding is unavoidable for delivery purposes, the carpet should be unrolled and allowed to lie flat immediately upon arrival at the installation area.
4.3 Condition carpet – Carpet should be unrolled and allowed to relax prior to the commencement of installation. To facilitate relaxation, pre-cutting of carpet is recommended.
5. Measuring and Planning
All aspects of the installation should be coordinated. Correct measurements and a detailed diagram with a cut list are essential before the installation can be professionally planned, estimated, or completed.
Planning, layout, execution of work, and, especially, seam placement decisions must reflect the wishes of the consumer, be consistent with the industry standards, and should include input from the carpet dealer and installer.
5.1 Seams – Seams shall be kept to a minimum and positioned as recommended where possible.
• Seams run the length of the area.
• Main traffic runs parallel to, rather than across, the seam.
• Natural light does not strike across the seam.
• Seams are away from areas subjected to pivoting traffic.
• Seams are not perpendicular to doorway openings.
5.2 Pile direction – Where two or more pieces of the same carpet are adjacent, the pile direction shall run the same as in other areas of the room.
5.3 Layout and trimming – Carpet shall be cut in accordance with the seaming diagram, allowing at least 3 inches along each wall for trimming and sufficient material to match patterns when applicable.
5.4 Carpet selection – To ensure the desired performance, the carpet selected must be suitable for the end-use application and the intended method of Failure to observe the preceding requirements may result in the following:
• Contamination from dirt, grease, and/or oil
• Delamination
• Permanent indentation
• The development of wrinkles and bubbles over time
• Pile reversal
• Roll-crushing
• Lack of adhesion
• Creases
• Pattern distortion installation. In the absence of specific instructions from the manufacturer to the contrary, unitary backed carpet should not be installed over a separate cushion.
5.5 Carpet over carpet – In the absence of manufacturer’s specific recommendations to the contrary, carpet should not be installed over existing carpet.
6. Site Conditions
6.1 Floor preparation – Carpet should only be installed over properly prepared substrates that are suitable for the specific product and installation method selected.
6.1.1 Subfloor conditions – The owner or general contractor is responsible for providing an acceptable substrate for the specified installation. Subfloors must be structurally sound and free of any foreign objects that might compromise the
carpet or its intended use.
Caution: Any concrete floor, even when adequately cured, can allow moisture vapor to pass through to the surface. Depending upon the type of carpet and method of installation selected, the moisture emission rate can play a critical role in the long-term success of an installation. To avoid potential problems that may occur after the building is occupied, it is strongly recommended that the owner or general contractor have the concrete tested to determine the moisture emission rate and surface pH prior to the commencement of any glue-down installation. (See 8.1.2)
6.2 Work sequence – Carpet should only be installed after the substantial completion of work being performed by other trades and in the absence of personnel not essential to the installation of the carpet.
6.3 Temperature and humidity – Carpet shall be installed when the indoor temperature is between 65ºF (18ºC) to 95ºF (35ºC) and the humidity ranges from 10% to 65%. If ambient temperatures are outside these parameters, the
installation of carpet must not commence until the HVAC system is operational and these conditions are maintained for at least 48 hours before, during, and 72 hours after completion.
Subfloors must be properly prepared with proper consideration given to the intended use and installation method specified. All cracks, holes, joints, and protrusion must be adequately addressed to ensure a smooth, finished appearance and to prevent accelerated wear.
Premature installation of carpet before other trades have completed their work often results in problems affecting appearance retention, visible damage, soiling, delamination, and dimensional stability. These conditions may not be immediately evident.
6.3.1 Installed conditions – Installed carpet should not be left in uncontrolled indoor environments subject to extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity.
7. Stretch-in Installation
This method involves the installation of carpet under tension, utilizing tackstrip fastened at all walls and other vertical abutments around the perimeter of the area. A separate cushion shall be used.
7.1 Tackstrip -Tackstrip should be a minimum of 1 inch (25 mm) wide and ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Architectural strip with 3 rows of pins, or 2 rows of conventional strip, should be used for carpet with heavily-latexed backs, most woven and Berber style carpet, and any carpet in rooms exceeding 30 feet (9 m) in length or width. To prevent possible injury to building occupants, the pins on the tackstrip should not protrude through the carpet being installed.
7.1.1 Installation of tackstrip – Tackstrip must be fastened securely around the perimeter of the area to be carpeted and at a distance of slightly less than the thickness of the selected carpet from all vertical abutments.
• Tackstrip shall be placed with the pins angled toward the vertical abutment.
• The distance between the tackstrip and vertical abutments should not exceed 3/8 inch (9 mm).
• Installation of tackstrip across door openings and/or sills should be avoided.
• Tackstrip should be cut to follow the contour of door casings and other irregularly shaped abutments.
• Carpet shall not be stapled to tackstrip.
• On radiant heated floors, do not drive nails or screws into conduit or tubing.
7.2 Separate cushion selection -The cushion must be in accordance with the carpet manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific product being installed. Failure to follow carpet manufacturer’s recommendations for cushion may result in the voiding of warranties. These recommendations may differ, depending on the Installation performed outside these temperature and humidity parameters increases the risk of voiding manufacturer warranties and incurring long-term consumer dissatisfaction as a result of:
• Delamination of the secondary backing
• The development of wrinkles and buckles over time
• Additional costs for otherwise unnecessary re-stretches
When adhesives are involved:
• Prolonged cure time
• Poor adhesion
• Seam separation
• Separation from vertical abutments 16 Standard for Installation of Residential Carpet
CRI 105 – 2002 style and construction of specific carpet. The Carpet and Rug Institute and the Carpet Cushion Council recommend a maximum thickness of 7/16 inch (11mm) for carpet cushion for residential applications, but in no case should thickness exceed ½ inch (13mm).
Note: Tufted Berber style, woven, and heavy-latex-backed carpets usually require firm,
dense cushions no thicker than 3/8 inch (9mm). Some cushions may be unsuitable for use
over radiant-heated floors.
7.2.1 Installation of separate cushion – Carpet cushion should be installed in the longest continuous lengths possible, with the seams placed at right angles to the carpet seams or at least 6 inches (150 mm) to one side. Cushion shall be
trimmed flush with the inside contour of the tackstrip and securely fastened to the subfloor with staples or non-flammable cushion adhesive at the seams and around the perimeter of each room. With the exception of fiber cushions, seams should also be secured with appropriate cushion tape.
7.3 Carpet seam edge preparation – All edges that are to be used for seams must be properly prepared in strict conformance with carpet manufacturer’s recommendations.
7.3.1 Trimming – Seam edges shall be trimmed using tools and techniques best suited for the carpet. Trim edges far enough into the material to maintain the structural integrity of the carpet and to join edges without gaps or overlaps.
Note: Some woven carpet selvages must not be trimmed. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
7.3.2 Sealing edges – Prior to seaming together, both trimmed edges of pieces to be joined must be sealed with an appropriate adhesive. Latex seam sealer or thermoplastic are acceptable. The seam adhesive must be applied in a manner that encapsulates both the primary and secondary backings.
Note: Do not contaminate face yarn with adhesive.
Failure to properly seal seam edges often results in:
• Edge ravel
• Edge delamination
• Tuft loss
• Seam separation
Although “row-cutting” both edges is preferred, other trimming methods may be more suitable with some carpets. Many carpets do not lend themselves to all methods of cutting.
Contact carpet manufacturers for specific recommendations.
7.4 Seaming – The appropriate seaming method is dependent upon the backing type and construction of the carpet. Always follow manufacturer’s recommendations for seaming. Common seaming methods include:
• Hot-melt tape
• Hand sewing
• Tape and latex
• Conductive tape
7.4.1 Proper seam characteristics – With any method, a properly constructed seam:
• Has cleanly trimmed edges properly secured with seam sealer.
• Has tightly abutted edges without gaps or overlaps.
• Maintains reasonable pattern match where applicable.
• Will not be invisible.
7.5 Power stretching – Carpet must be properly power stretched and firmly hooked onto the tackstrip in accordance with the seven-step procedure described in Figure 1. The use of a power stretcher is mandatory. Devices used as a
substitute for, or an attachment to, a power stretcher may cause injury, damage carpet or subfloors, or result in an inadequate amount of stretch and are not acceptable.
Note: For patterned carpet, care must be exercised to ensure pattern alignment along walls. The use of a power stretcher, stay-nails, and a “dead man” may be necessary to achieve proper pattern match at seams and alignment along walls.
7.5.1 Amount of stretch – Due to the diversity of carpet backings available, the carpet manufacturer’s recommendations for the amount of stretch to be applied should be followed. In the absence of specific recommendations, tufted carpet with synthetic backing should be stretched 1% to 1½% in length and in width.
Note: Slightly less stretch applied in the width as compared to carpet length stretch will usually lessen seam-peaking tendencies.
CAUTION: Wrinkling and buckling are most often caused by the failure to adequately stretch the carpet using a power stretcher, the use of an inappropriate cushion, adverse temperature and humidity conditions, or inadequate conditioning time.
7.6 Finishing at wall line – The installation shall be finished along the wall line, leaving a smooth, neat, and secure transition. The carpet shall be trimmed without damaging baseboards or moldings, leaving sufficient material so the
Failure to power stretch a carpet may result in:
• Wrinkling and buckling over time
• Localized damage to the carpet
• Delamination
backing can be securely tucked into the gully without protruding face or backing yarns.
Note: Minor scratching of surface finish on baseboards and moldings may be unavoidable during the tucking process.
7.7 Transition molding – Where carpet meets other floor coverings, the edges must be adequately protected with an appropriate transition molding.
7.7.1 Sealing – Edges placed into transitional moldings may require sealing to prevent raveling.
8. Installations Using Adhesive
Generally, there are two types of installations in which carpet is fastened to a substrate using an adhesive. These are direct glue down and double glue down. The specifics of both will be discussed in this section, but the following
requirements are applicable regardless of the method chosen.
8.1 Additional subfloor requirements – Subfloors must be clean, dry, and free from joints, cracks, depressions or protrusions that will show through the finished installation or cause premature wear. The floor should be free from contaminants that may interfere with adhesion.
8.1.1 Patching – Patching compounds must be suitable for the end-use application, polymer fortified, and applied in accordance with the patch manufacturer’s instructions.
Note: Patched areas may be porous and highly alkaline, which may prevent adequate adhesive bond. For best results these patched areas should be primed.
8.1.2 Concrete – Concrete must be properly placed, finished, and cured. Carpet should not be installed over the residue of liquid, membrane-forming cure agents, or in the presence of other chemicals that may be detrimental to the adhesive bond. The concrete must not be excessively porous or powdery. Concrete slab surface temperature should not be less than 65°F (18°C) at time of installation. Carpet, when bonded with an adhesive, will follow every contour of a substrate, essentially forming a skin. Seemingly insignificant imperfections in a subfloor can become very obvious after the carpet is installed. Joints, cracks, depressions, bumps and other protrusions not properly addressed may be unsightly and cause premature wear. Dirt, dust, wax, oil, grease, moisture, and other contaminants can prevent or otherwise destroy adhesion, causing bubbles or widespread failure. While some floor preparation is “normal,” it is not the floorcovering installer’s responsibility to correct deficiencies in the work of other tradesmen, such as carpenters
and concrete finishers.
CAUTION: Carpet installed in the presence of excessive moisture emission or alkali has a high risk of failure. Concrete, not properly placed or cured in accordance with recommended American Concrete Institute standards, may exhibit moisture emissions that exceed the tolerance of the carpet and/or adhesive selected. The determination of compliance with ACI standards, including moisture emission and pH testing, is outside the scope of responsibility of the carpet manufacturer, retailer, or installer. Some floor covering products, and installation methods, are more tolerant of moisture and alkali than others. Carpets with impermeable or non-porous backings in glue-down applications are considered the most critical. Most adhesive manufacturers require that carpet be installed only if the moisture emission rate as determined by the anhydrous calcium chloride test is not more than 3 lbs/1000 sq. ft./24 hours. Procedures for conducting calcium chloride vapor emission tests are outlined in ASTM F-1869-98. The presence of excessive surface alkali can destroy most floor covering adhesives. Concrete sub-floors with a pH greater than 9 requires corrective measures before carpet installation using adhesives. Moisture and alkali may have less impact on the success of carpet installations when stretched-in over separate cushion. Excessive moisture emissions in all methods of installation may result in mold and mildew growth and in indoor air quality problems.
8.1.3 Wood – Wood subfloors must be structurally sound and dry. Subfloor materials, including plywood, hardboard, strip wood, particleboard, oriented strand board, and others, must be “flooring grade” and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. New and/or sanded wood subfloors may require the application of a primer compatible with the adhesive to provide adequate bond.
Note: Glue down installation over pressure-treated or flame-retardant wood is not recommended.
8.1.4 Metal – Metal surfaces must be coated with a primer compatible with the adhesive.
8.1.5 Resilient floor coverings – Carpet should not be installed using adhesives directly over resilient floor coverings that contain vinyl plasticizers, which can affect the bond. Corrective measures may include removal, the application of
specifically designed primers or sealers, or cement-based embossing levelers. Some resilient tile may serve as an acceptable surface upon which to install carpet as long as it is adequately bonded to a suitable substrate in the absence of excessive moisture and alkali.
Note: Existing finishes on the tile must be removed prior to direct gluing the carpet.
CAUTION: Adhesives applied to bare metal surfaces can cause rapid oxidation or other chemical reactions.
CAUTION: Many resilient floor coverings contain vinyl plasticizers. Carpet adhesives, when applied directly to these products, may soften or liquefy over time, causing widespread failure. This chemical reaction is referred to as “plasticizer migration.”
20 Standard for Installation of Residential Carpet CRI 105 – 2002
CAUTION: Some resilient floor coverings and adhesives contain asbestos and must be handled, removed, and/or disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal requirements.
8.2 Trowel notch -Selected trowel notch configuration must be in accordance with the carpet manufacturer’s recommendation or from Table 1 of this publication.
8.3 Adhesive selection -Adhesive must be in accordance with the carpet manufacturer’s specific recommendations and applied in a manner that ensures an adequate bond throughout the life of the carpet.
8.3.1 Curing of adhesive – Foot traffic over all direct glue-down installations should be avoided for a minimum of 24 hours to allow the adhesive to adequately cure; avoid rolling traffic for a minimum of 48 hours.
CAUTION: Premature traffic can cause adhesive to migrate, causing localized bond failure.
Exposure to water from cleaning or other sources must be prevented for a minimum of 30 days.
Disregarding either of these precautions can result in the eventual failure of the adhesive bond.
8.4 Direct glue down – This method involves the installation of carpet, with or without an attached cushion, in direct contact with the subfloor, using an appropriate adhesive.
8.4.1 Adhesive application – the floor adhesive should be uniformly spread over the entire subfloor with the specified trowel. leaving ridges of sufficient height to achieve full and complete coverage of the carpet backing. The carpet
manufacturer’s and adhesive manufacturer’s specific recommendations for adhesive transfer, method of application, and open time must be followed.
CAUTION: Bond failure is most often caused by:
• Inadequate adhesive application from incorrect trowel notch size, worn trowel notches and/or trowel notch configuration.
• Improper adhesive selection or quality.
• Incorrect open time.
8.4.2 Open time – Appropriate open time varies, depending upon environmental conditions, subfloor porosity, and adhesive type. Refer to adhesive and/or carpet manufacturer for recommendations for open time.
8.4.3 Alternative adhesive systems – Alternative systems, such as spray adhesive or roll adhesive films, are available for applying adhesive. Refer to carpet manufacturer’s recommendations as to the acceptability of these systems.
8.4.4 Carpet seams – Seams must be structurally sound and constructed in a manner that prevents loss of tufts, edge ravel, and delamination. All edges that are to be used for seams must be properly prepared.
8.4.5 Trimming – Seam edges must be trimmed with the tools and techniques best suited for the carpet being installed. Edges should be trimmed sufficiently far into the material to maintain the structural integrity of the carpet, producing
matching edges capable of being joined without gaps or overlaps.
Note: Some woven carpet selvage edges must not be trimmed. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
8.4.6 Sealing – For those carpet systems that require seam sealing, seam sealer must be applied to the edges trimmed for seaming, and cover the thickness of both the primary and secondary backing without contaminating the face yarn. The seam sealer is applied to the cut edge of only one side – that side being the first side put into the adhesive.
CAUTION: Seam edges must be sealed to prevent edge ravel, tuft loss, and delamination of the secondary backing in the seamed area.
8.4.7 Rolling – Rolling should be performed with the lightest roller that will achieve proper transfer of the floor adhesive into the carpet backing. Refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for roller weight.
8.4.8 Finishing at wall line – The installation shall be finished along the wall line with a smooth, neat, and secure transition. It is recommended that carpet base, top-set cove base, baseboards, or other moldings be installed after the carpet is installed.
8.5 Double glue down – This method involves the bonding of a separate carpet cushion to a subfloor and the subsequent bonding of carpet to the cushion.
Carpet, cushion, and adhesive must be recommended by their respective manufacturers as being suitable for that end-use application. Consult carpet, cushion, and adhesive manufacturers for specific installation recommendations.
8.5.1 Traffic restriction – Upon completion of installation, traffic should not be allowed for a minimum of 24 hours.
9. Protection of Indoor Installation – Adequate protection of the finished installation must be provided.
CAUTION: When trimming carpet seam edges, care must be taken to not cut cushion. Doing so may result in seam failure of double-glue-down installation.
9.1 Materials for protection – If required to protect the finished floorcovering from dirt or paint, or if additional work is to be done after the installation, cover with non-staining, building material paper. Plastic sheeting is not  recommended because it may trap moisture, retarding adhesive curing and promoting mold and mildew growth. Protect the installation from rolling traffic by using sheets of hardboard or plywood over the affected areas.
9.2 Curing of adhesive – Traffic over adhesive installations should be restricted for a minimum of 24 hours to allow proper adhesive cure. Premature trafficking can cause installation failure. Exposure to water from cleaning and other sources should be restricted for a minimum of 30 days.
10. Radiant-Heated Floors
Radiant-heated floors require special consideration in the selection of carpet, carpet cushion, installation methods, adhesive, and method of installation.
CAUTION: Unless absolutely certain about the location of heating components, use adhesive to affix tackstrip and moldings.
Note: For adhesive installation, it is recommended that a high solids, premium adhesive be used and that the floor temperature not exceed 85°F.
Note: For additional information on carpet installation on heated floors, search the Carpet & Rug Institute’s website www.carpet-rug.com
11. Carpet on Stairs
11.1 Properties – Carpet installed on stairs must be tight, smooth, and neatly finished without wrinkles, puckers, or indentations.
11.2 Preparation – Carpet should only be installed over steps with a rounded nosing with a radius of at least ¾ inch (19 mm). When carpet is installed over a separate cushion, the cushion must extend over the stair nose.
11.3 Carpet direction – Carpet length should be installed parallel to length of stairs.
12. Outdoor and Synthetic Turf
12.1 Site conditions – All outdoor installation surfaces must be clean, dry, sound, cured, smooth, and have adequate drainage.
12.2 Carpet selection – Carpet recommended for outdoor use should be selected.
12.3 Adhesives – Carpet backing and substrate must be compatible with adhesive selected. Adhesive installation over pressure-treated wood is not recommended.
12.4 Edge sealing – Seam adhesive must be applied to all seam edges of tufted outdoor carpet, including all exposed edges.
TABLE I
TROWEL SIZE – MINIMUM GUIDELINES
Direct Glue Down
Trowel Size (in inches*)
Type Carpet Back Notch
Width
Notch
Depth
Space
Between
Notch
Shape
• Polypropylene, woven mesh secondary
1/8
1/8
1/8
1/8
1/16
1/8
V
U
• Unitary, no secondary fabric 1/8
1/8
1/8
1/8
1/16
1/8
V
U
• Woven carpets 1/8
1/8
1/8
1/8
1/16
1/8
V
U
• Hotmelt polymer 1/8 1/8 1/16 V
• Woven jute secondary 3/32 3/32 3/32 V
• Attached cushion
3/32 3/32 3/32 V
• Vinyl-backed broadloom
3/32 3/32 3/32 V
Double Glue-Down
• Cushion to floor 1/16 1/16 1/16
• Carpet to cushion -smooth back carpet -rough back carpet
Step 5
Step 1 – Hook onto tackstrip, approximately three feet in both directions, along corner A.
Step 2 – Power stretch at approximately 15o angle from wall A-B and hook onto tackstrip at corner C.
Step 3 – Hook and secure onto tackstrip with knee kicker along wall from A to C.
Step 4 – Power stretch at approximately 15o angle from wall A-C and hook onto tackstrip at corner B.
Step 5 – Hook and secure onto tackstrip with knee kicker along wall from A to B.
Step 6 – Power stretch at approximately 15o angle from wall A-C and hook along wall from B to D.
Step 7 – Power stretch straight from wall A-B and hook along wall from C to D.