How to Tell if Your Carpet Needs to Be Stretched – The Flooring Design Center (2024)

When carpet is first installed, it has a flush and smooth look to it. However, as time passes, you might notice unsightly bubbles, wrinkles, and ripples popping up sporadically throughout your carpet. This is not an uncommon occurrence, but it is a sign that your carpet needs stretching. Carpet buckling, if not stretched in time, can even become a safety issue for you, your family, and your guests.

Stretching carpet allows it to conform back to its original state, resulting in a smoother appearance. It’s worth the investment to get back to a bump-free floor.

CARPET STRETCHING 101

As mentioned, carpet stretching is the act of stretching your carpet back to its original condition. While carpet stretching may seem like a possible DIY project, we recommend calling in a professional. Upon their visit, they will likely do the following:

• Clear the room: It’s possible furniture may need to be moved when stretching the carpet. The professional should help you do so he can properly stretch the right areas of your carpet.
• Vacuuming and shampooing: Depending on the company you use to stretch your carpet, this part may be optional. It does help the process if you have the time and the funds to invest.
• Removing tacks and tacking strips: After pulling up the damaged carpet, the professional will remove the tacks along with the tack strips out of the pad.
• Replacing tack stripes: Carpet specialists will replace the old tack strips with new ones to restore the carpet to its original condition.
• Use a knee kicker or power stretcher: Depending on the professional, some use a power stretcher and finish up with a knee kicker or use just one device to effectively stretch the carpet.
• Trim excess carpet: After the carpet is stretched and tacked, the excess carpet is then trimmed away for a seamless look and feel.

COMMON CAUSES OF CARPET BUCKLING

Carpets can come loose and start to buckle for several reasons. Common reasons are age, moisture, humidity, and exposure to excess heat. Other reasons might be:

• Heavy Use: Heavy traffic and use such as frequent footsteps, wheelchair activity, and kids playing can cause a carpet to bubble over time.
• Moving Heavy Furniture: Sliding heavy furniture across your floor may cause it to loosen up.
• Inadequate Padding: When installing new carpet, padding is very important. However, if the wrong padding is used, this can cause the carpet to buckle.
• Poor Installation: Sometimes, the error can be caused during installation with the carpet being secured improperly.

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CARPET NEEDS STRETCHING

While there are some obviously visible signs to warn you that your carpet might need stretching, here are a few other indicators that it’s time to call in a professional.

• A wrinkled, ripples, or lump appearance
• Areas that don’t lie flat or smooth
• Noticeable piling of carpet at the edges or baseboards

If you’re ready to consider new flooring options, please give us a call at 409-932-2843 or contact us through our website for other flooring and tile inquiries. We also have financing available if needed.

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