Audrey
When it comes to installing carpets, there are several types of tape available, each with its own adhesive properties. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right tape for your specific needs and ensure a successful installation. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of carpet tape available and help you choose the right one for your home.
Double-Sided Carpet Tape
Double-sided carpet tape is the most common type of tape used for installing carpets. It is a strong, durable tape that has adhesive on both sides allowing you to stick it directly to the carpet and the floor. This allows it to be placed directly on the subfloor and then pressed onto the back of the carpet, creating a secure hold. Double-sided carpet tape is typically made from a synthetic rubber adhesive, which makes it highly resistant to heat and humidity. Double-sided carpet tape is easy to install and provides a strong bond, making it a popular choice for DIY projects.
Single-Sided Carpet Tape
Single-sided carpet tape is similar to double-sided tape, but it only has adhesive on one side. This type of tape is used when the carpet is being installed over an existing floor, such as tile or hardwood. The non-adhesive side is placed on the existing floor, and the adhesive side is pressed onto the back of the carpet. Single-sided carpet tape is typically made from a synthetic rubber adhesive, which makes it highly resistant to heat and humidity. You need to keep in mind that single-sided carpet tape does not allow you to stick the carpet to the floor. This should not be an issue though because a large fitted carpet will not move.
Seam Tape
Seam tape is a specialized tape that is used to join two pieces of carpet together. It is typically made from a synthetic rubber adhesive and has a strong, heat-activated bond. Seam tape is often used in high-traffic areas, such as hallways or staircases, where a strong and secure seam is needed. It has a line in the middle of the tape so you need to make sure that line is in the middle where the two pieces of carpet join together. You need a hot Iron, what is called a seaming iron. You can buy a seaming iron for $50 from https://www.amazon.com/carpet-seaming-iron/s?k=carpet+seaming+iron.
Foam Tape
Foam tape is a type of carpet tape that is made from a foam material and is used to create a cushion between the carpet and the subfloor. This can help to reduce noise, provide insulation, and add comfort underfoot. Foam tape is typically made from a synthetic rubber adhesive, which makes it highly resistant to heat and humidity. We do not recommend this kind of tape for carpets because it is more expensive than the above tapes and has not added benefits for carpet installation. It has better use for windows or doors due to its insulating properties.
Carpet Gripper Tape
Carpet or rug gripper tape is a type of tape that is applied to the edges of the carpet to hold it in place. This tape is typically used in high-traffic areas or spaces where the carpet is likely to move or shift. Carpet gripper tape is a great option for stairs or other areas where slip resistance is important.
Things to keep in mind before buying a carpet tape
- There are tapes on the market that are residue free. These tapes do not leave any residue on any type of floor. This will come in handy if you ever want to replace the carpet.
- Durable tapes with high humidity and water resistance. These types of tapes are ideal for wet areas or outdoors.
- Extra wide tapes are great for bigger projects, runner rugs, high-traffic areas, and stair carpets, where you’ll want to choose a tape that provides a strong bond with the best possible adhesion.
As you can see, each type of carpet tape has its own adhesive properties and is suitable for different types of installation. Double-sided carpet tape is the most common by professionals and is a very versatile tape, but single-sided, seam, foam, and carpet gripper tape also have their own specific applications and benefits. Be sure to choose the right type of tape for your specific needs to ensure a successful installation.
How To Ensure Carpet Is Fitted Correctly Within The Home
Unlike warmer regions of the world, the UK is met with considerable cold bouts throughout the winter months and the odd warm interlude during the summer. This is why fitted carpets are common in most UK homes, providing an adequate source of insulation, whilst also being aesthetically pleasing. Whether you are thinking of becoming a carpet-fitting specialist or you’re just looking for a new DIY project, it is important to understand how to produce a polished finish when laying carpet.
Measure the space accurately
Drawing the layout of the home, including the rooms that you plan to add carpet to is useful for picturing its size in a comprehensible format. If the perimeter of the room contains structures such as a chimney or recess, you will need to cut around this in due course – but just measure the full perimeter first. Add the correct proportions and measurements of the room to the original diagram, allowing an additional 5% excess for overrun carpet. Refer back to the measurements and ensure they are correct – once you’ve ordered the carpet to fit the size, it needs to cover the entire area.
Measuring stairs is slightly different; obtain the measurements for the height and width of each step and multiply by its width. Stairs typically need a higher excess for overlay, which is usually around 10%. It is important to note the stairs may not all be identical, so it’s imperative that you get the dimensions for each separately.
Prepare for the job
Before making any drastic changes, you’ll want to make sure that you have access to the right tools for the job, otherwise, this could make the task much more difficult and lead to a poor end result. Most tools you’ll probably already own, like a hammer, nails, gloves and vacuum cleaner. You’ll also want to equip yourself with a sharp utility knife to produce smooth cuts in the carpet, without any frayed edges. It would be very beneficial to get yourself a cable and pipe detector as well, so you can be sure not to damage any of the existing structures in the home. Once you’ve gathered your set of tools, it’s time to get the floor prepared. This is an important step if you want an even fit without any underlying complications.
The existing floor and underlay must be removed, with care being taken to not damage the foundations of the floor – this will provide the blank canvas to start fitting the carpet. Pay attention to any dirt and grit, hoovering or sweeping away the rubble. Clear away any nails that could lead to imperfections when laying down the carpet. Damaged or broken flooring, including if smoothing compounds are pulled up from concrete flooring, can be corrected using either groove floorboards or floor screeds. Now is the time to check for cables and pipes before any new nails are added to the flooring. You can then add your carpet tack strips along every wall bar the doorways of each room.
Fitting the carpet
Before fitting the carpet, decide if you want to add underlay. The secret to a comfortable carpet lies in its underlay, which can also improve insulation and reduce your energy bills. To ease the process of fitting the carpet, particularly if you don’t have any assistance, you may want to invest in a carpet stretcher. This allows you to push the carpet into the desired place and flatten the material with minimal effort.
Lay the carpet loosely over the floor, working the edges to the wall and other crevices. Trim the carpet upwards and fold into place. When cutting the edges of the carpet, take time and make sure you are being precise, then you can stretch the carpet and tuck the excess under your skirting boards. Finish the job by fastening the carpet by the door, using a bar and aligning with the opposite flooring.
