If you have carpeted floors, you may have noticed some ripples or bumps. This is a common problem, but there are solutions available. Carpet stretching and repair can help remove any ripples or bumps in your carpets, giving them a smooth look and making them more comfortable to walk on. Let’s take a closer look at what carpet stretching and repair entails.
What Causes Ripples and Bumps?
Ripples and bumps can occur when the backing of the carpet begins to deteriorate over time, if the carpet pad is compromised, and sometimes it happens due to environmental factors like humidity. Most often, ripples and carpet bumps happen because the carpet was not originally installed properly.
When this happens, the edges of the carpet become loose, creating an uneven surface that causes lumps or ripples in the wall to wall carpeting.
How carpet is supposed to be installed in a residential home
When having carpet installed professionally, in most cases carpet is laid down on top of carpet cushion or pad which is laid down on top of the subfloor. Around the perimeter of the room lays carpet tack strip. This tack strip is designed to hold the carpet in place so that it never moves when it is installed properly. Key word being PROPERLY.
The tack strip which is fitted with tiny nails that stick up point on an angle toward the walls and hold the carpet so that it does not move. Seems simple right? Except, what you probably didn’t know, is that the tack strip is supposed a certain distance from the wall. Not a pinky’s width, or an 1/8th of an inch by default. NO!
The tack strip according to the IICRC S600 standard for Installation of carpet states that the tack strip should be installed slightly less than the thickness of the carpet away from the wall. It also states that carpet cushion which also come in different thicknesses and densities are designed specifically for different types of carpets.
According to the Carpet and Rug Institute standard carpet pad should be no more than 7/16 of an inch thick and no less than ¼ of an inch. Selecting the correct carpet pad will help keep your pathways from wearing out or the carpet itself deteriorating or even buckling. Carpet is then laid out in the room seemed where necessary and stretched into position and installed on the tack strip.
Carpet should always be stretched when installed
Not kicked to install. Yes, a kicker is a carpet installation tool, however it is meant to assist the carpet stretcher.
Now that you know how carpet flooring is supposed to be installed in your home the question remains, why do you have loose rippled carpets or buckling in my pathways. The answer is simple. IT WAS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY!! We know you probably even paid extra for better quality carpet and pad. We get it, we understand how frustrating it is. Clients call with these frustrations all the time. That is why we provide the solution of carpet repair and reinstallation.
The person who put the carpet in your home more than likely did not use a power stretcher to install it. Call it neglect or laziness or they just didn’t feel like it. Paying extra for good quality products means nothing if the installer will not take the time to do the right job. We have time and time again seen our residential customers in Ocean and Monmouth counties rip their hair out in frustration over loose carpets.
We are certified by the IICRC for carpet repair and we warranty for the remainder of the life of your carpet that it will never need to be stretched again or WE WILL DO IT FOR FREE.
On every carpet stretching job we use both a power stretcher and kicker. We also double check that your tack strip is installed properly and that it will hold your carpet. In the 40+ years we have been in business we have never gone back to stretch the same carpet twice.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment for getting rid of ripples in your carpet or stretching them in your Ocean, Monmouth, Atlantic or Cape May County home or business call 732-929-9669 or contact us now.
Carpet Stretching
Carpet stretching is a process used to stretch carpet that has become loose or uneven due to wear and tear over time. The process involves using special tools and techniques to stretch out the material so that it lies flat again. This helps fix carpet ripples or bumps that may have developed in your living room carpet. Additionally, a freshly stretched carpet helps reduce wrinkles in the fabric which can create an unpleasant appearance for your flooring.
Carpet Stretching Tools Include A Power Stretcher And A Knee Kicker
When it comes to rippled carpet the solution is to stretch it out and there are a couple of tools to choose from to do this job. The first tool we use and recommend is a carpet power stretcher, which uses electricity and mechanical force to stretch the carpet along its edges and corners. This ​tool can be used on thicker carpets does not require much physical exertion because it is automated.
A carpet knee kicker has no power source and instead relies on the user’s leg muscles and leverage from the work surface below to stretch areas in the carpet to make them tight again. This tool is typically less expensive than a power stretcher but may struggle to reach tight corners and slopes like those around stairs or door thresholds. It will also cause fatigue soreness and is overall harder to use.
Both of these tools work to get carpets stretched. When used together provide the best results and to achieve a consistent, professionally look that will last indefinitely.
Carpet Repairs Include Removing and Replacing Damaged Carpet
In addition to carpet stretching, repairing damaged carpet by removing and replacing parts that are too badly destroyed is also necessary if you want your flooring to look its best again. Carpet repairs involve replacing any sections of the carpet that are damaged beyond repair with new pieces of material. This ensures that your flooring looks uniform again without any noticeable patches or tears in the fabric.
Your carpets last longer if you maintain them this way since they won’t be prone to further damage the those places that are already compromised. For example, if there is a hole in your carpet that has edges that are frayed, daily wear and tear might expand the hole and make it larger. Get this fixed while the hole is still small so you only have to replace a small piece of carpet and the repair will be less noticeable.
In order for these repairs to be effective they must be completed by experienced professionals who understand how different types of fabrics react when exposed to different conditions such as humidity levels or exposure to sunlight. If you need any repairs done on your carpets call GM Carpet Care for help. We have over 40 years of experience dealing with various types of fabrics and can provide quality workmanship for all types of repairs needed on your rugs, carpet and floor coverings.
If you’re like most homeowners at the Jersey Shore you might have or had carpet in your home. Like most homeowners in our area, from Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic and Cape May Counties, you probably have dealt with loose carpet that ripples up and causes bumps to occur in your walkways.
Instead of just ripping out your bumpy carpet, have your carpet repaired for much less than the cost of replacement. We understand your frustrations and were here to answer your questions and provide you with a solution.
Final Thoughts About Repairing Carpet Bumps And Ripples
At GM Services, we understand the importance of maintaining your carpets to ensure they look their best all year round! Our comprehensive carpet care services include cleaning, stretching, and repair, so you can enjoy a flawless carpet surface in your home or office.
Fixing carpet ripples and wrinkles is essential to maintaining a neat and even carpet surface. If you notice any lumps, bumps, or bubbling in your carpets, it’s time to consider our professional carpet repair services. Our experienced team knows how different types of fabrics react under various conditions, ensuring the highest quality results when pulling your carpet tight.
Why is my carpet bubbling up? This common issue occurs when the carpet pile loosens, causing the formation of ripples and wrinkles. At GM Services, we address this problem by expertly re-stretching your carpet, eliminating any unsightly imperfections, and extending its life.
Carpet ripples happen due to various factors, such as improper installation, heavy foot traffic, or aging. By choosing GM Services for your carpet repair needs, you can trust our skilled professionals to restore your carpet to its original beauty.
Invest in your carpet’s longevity and appearance by scheduling regular maintenance with GM Services. Our team is dedicated to keeping your carpets looking great for years to come. Reach out to us today to learn more about our exceptional carpet cleaning, stretching, and repair services.