Home Improvement Advice for Flooring
Estimating and Installation Do it Yourself Tips for Flooring
Once you have decided upon the carpet you like, you are well advised to have it professionally fitted. Before this, you should obtain an estimate of the cost.
Estimates:
An estimate is more accurate when your carpet supplier visits the location to measure the room, and to assess the situation and the time it would take to lay the carpet. When you receive an estimate, ensure that it includes:
Advice on appropriate underlay - including pads on stair treads and risers.
Extra work such as clearing the room, easing the doors, type of fixing accessories, door plates and stair nosings if required.
Removing carpet and underlay waste.
Check which method of fixing is recommended by your supplier. Options include, tackless fitting, tacked down and stick down. Remember, the total cost of any job is what matters. Offers such as free underlay, free fitting and other inducements are sometimes negated by the cost per unit of the carpet.
Some carpets are wasteful if fitted in certain rooms due to the fixed widths that carpets are usually made. However, there are carpet ranges that are produced in several widths, which reduces the waste, and at least one manufacturer, Ryalux Carpets, will supply the exact width required with no waste, up to 5 metres wide.
Carpet Installation Methods
Stretch-in Installation:
There are situations in which the specifier will wish to utilize the stretch-in method (gripper & underlay). Its selection may be for one of the following reasons:
Provides enhanced underfoot comfort, acoustical properties (i.e., higher noise reduction coefficients and higher impact noise ratings) when installed with separate underlay.
Increases thermal insulation (R-value). Can be used over floors that are unsuitable for glue-down.
Patterned carpet may be more easily matched.
Corrective measures, such as seam repair, may be easier to perform.
Removal costs usually are less than the removal of an adhered installation.
Stretch-in installations should be avoided:
On ramps and inclines.
Where office systems furniture and demountable partitions are utilized.
Where heavy rolling traffic is likely.
Where there is excessive humidity.
When carpet has a unitary backing or other backing systems designed only for glue-down installation.
Direct Glue-down Installation (carpet only):
Suitable for rolling traffic and ramp areas.
Seams are more durable since there is no vertical flexing.
No restretch situations.
Facilitates access to electrical and telephone lines under floor.
Practically eliminates incidences of seam peaking.
No restrictions to area size.
Intricate border and inlay possibilities.
Usually less expensive.
Double Glue-down Installation (carpet & underlay):
Combines the stability of direct glue-down carpet with the cushioning benefits of a separate underlay, stretch-in installation.
Improves carpet appearance retention, foot comfort and overall performance.
Simplifies carpet bordering and inlaying.
Suitable for wheeled traffic areas.
No restrictions to size of area.
Fitting:
When your carpet has been fitted, inspect it with the fitter and check for any loose edges and that it is stretched sufficiently. For the most intricate fitting jobs, especially matching design repeats and complicated border work, insist upon a fully qualified fitter.