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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