The 3 keys
to successful
carpet installation
Getting the installation of your carpet right is the foundation for getting the
most out of your carpet and ultimately it will maximise your flooring budget.
Improper carpet installation is one of the most common issues we deal
with after installation at Shaw Contract Group. Not only does it make your
carpet look unattractive, it can cause facility managers headaches for years
to come. It can be detrimental to your credibility and be disruptive to your
tenants as repairs are carried out.
To ensure you get it right every time, you need to gain an understanding around key carpet
installation procedures, there are 3 to be aware of:
1.
Floor preparation
2.
Installation
and timing
3.
Choosing the
right installer
1.
Floor Preparation
More often than not you will be working with a facility that
already has an existing carpeted floor. It is not as simple as
removing the old and installing the new; the floor needs to be
prepared for the new carpet.
It is also imperative to obtain a copy of the manufacturer’s
installation guidelines. If these are not followed correctly the
carpet may not adhere as it should. Being familiar with the
guidelines will also help speed up any corrections if required.
It is important to remove any contaminants from the floor
surface, meaning any left over materials such as grease, oil,
paint curing or parting agents or any surface treatments,
which could adversely affect adhesion. If you simply glue over
the top of old glue, the new floor won’t stay down.
An installer should always supply you with a floor-covering
plan.1 This plan will identify the adhesive they intend to
use and is critical to check as many manufacturers won’t
warrant their product unless it has been installed using the
recommended adhesive.1
Floor flatness is also important. When a straightedge 3
metres long is placed on the surface at any position, no part
should be 5 millimetres above or below the straight edge.1
The floor also needs to be smooth. When a straightedge 1.5
metres long is placed on the surface at any position; no part
is more than 1 millimetre below the straightedge.1 To deliver
this, as a minimum sanding, grinding, power washing,
wet/dry vacuuming is required.
The floor-covering plan will also identify the installation
technique they will be using.1 Some products have
installation variations and it is important to check as not all
carpet is the same.
[1] Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2455.1:2007 ‘Textile flooring coverings – Installation practice’ Part 1: General
The 3 keys to successful carpet installation
29/03/2015
[2]
2.
Installation and timing
Today the pressure to deliver new construction and retrofit projects within tight lead-times is becoming
the norm and sees construction managers and facility managers tempted to compress the schedule,
which leads to the installation of carpet before it should be.
One of the most common installation failures we see is the result of substrate moisture – the floor is
simply not dry enough. The substrate moisture or relative humidity of the surface should always be
checked, even if an existing floor is being replaced. Upon testing, the carpet manufacturer’s minimum
requirements and guidelines should be adhered to.1 It is important to note that moisture impairs the
adhesion quality of glue and can cause a raft of issues including mould growth.
[1] Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2455.1:2007 ‘Textile flooring coverings – Installation practice’ Part 1: General
The 3 keys to successful carpet installation
29/03/2015
[3]
3.
Choosing the right installer
Hiring the cheapest installer can consume
a great deal of your time. Low bidders can
do so by skimping on the amount and
quality of adhesive they use and this may
require you to baby-sit them through the
entire installation. Poor installation as a
result of the adhesive not being properly
applied will see the floor fail and could
ultimately result in trip and fall hazards.
Installation is also critical to your floor’s
appearance, particularly if the floor design
includes bright colour and pattern. Using
an experienced flooring installer will
ensure the desired design outcome.
In the case of a failed installation it can
cost up to three times the initial installation
cost to replace the floor.
Asking the flooring manufacturer to refer
a trusted installer is always a great place
to start.
Looking for a simple solution for complicated flooring installations?
Meet LokDots - a pressure sensitive adhesive for the installation of Shaw’s
EcoWorx carpet tile. This odourless system provides an alternative to wet
adhesive and provides ease and versatility of installation.
It's a simple solution for the most complicated installations.
™
Fast, efficient,
easy
Reduces ™floor prep time and cost
™
Odourless, non toxic, low VOC adhesive
™
™
Can be used
in occupied spaces
™
™
Easy to use
applicator, little training required
™
™
Ideal for high
moisture environments
™
Uses 97%™ less material than wet adhesives
™
™
To find out more about LokDots contact Shaw today on 1800 556 302
or visit www.shawcontractgroup.com.au
™
™
™
The 3 keys to successful carpet installation
29/03/2015
[4]