How to Guide

ROLL SEQUENCING
Rolls of patterned carpet must be sequenced so the longest pattern is installed first and the roll with the
next longest pattern can be stretched to match the longer one. This procedure is critical, because it is
impossible to shrink a longer pattern to match a shorter pattern. This requires each roll be measured for
pattern repeat prior to installation. See specific pattern elongation installation procedures below.
PATTERN ELONGATION
All rolls should be dry-laid and the pattern repeat measured to establish the correct roll sequence. The
longest pattern must be installed first, then the next longest, etc. This allows the shorter pattern to be
stretched to the longer pattern, and keeps the closest pattern repeats together. After the roll sequence is
established, glue half the long pattern and half the shorter pattern lengthwise. Stretch the shorter pattern
to match the longer pattern by starting at the center of the seam and stretching toward the ends. Stay nails
will be needed to secure the pattern match as the adhesive sets.
CORRECTIVE STEPS FOR BOW AND SKEW
Make a cut across the patterns at one end. Then apply the adhesive using the proper trowel. Push the
short corners to the wall and stretch the excess carpet created by the bow or skew to the opposite wall
using a power stretcher and crab stretcher. Use stay nails to hold the pattern in place until the adhesive
sets. Follow this procedure throughout the installation. In large rooms start in the center of the seam
correcting the bow and skew with a stretcher or mini-stretcher. A dry line should be placed along the
pattern for reference.
APPLYING APPROVED ADHESIVE
NuBroadlok is the only adhesive approved for use in direct glue-down installations. The use of NuBroadlok
Adhesive is vital to ensure optimum results. Applying an improper adhesive can result in an installation
failure for which Mohawk Industries cannot be held responsible. To make certain that the proper amount of
adhesive is transferred to the back of the carpet, a 1/8” x 1/8” x 1/8” U-notched trowel or 1/8” x 1/8” x 1/16”
V-notched trowel must be used. This will result in a spread rate of approximately 8 - 10 yards per gallon.
Proper open time is critical for the adhesive to develop the proper tack. Open time will usually range from
10 to 30 minutes but should be evaluated in a small area before proceeding with the installation. Allow the
adhesive to remain open long enough to develop tack but not too tacky that the pattern cannot slip
to make a proper match.
GENERAL INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
1. Make sure that the pile-lay runs in the same direction. Check starting wall for squareness, allowing for
an off-square wall. Strike a chalk line the entire length of the area where the seam falls.
2. Place two lengths in the proper position for installing, and trim selvages. Line up the seam edges with
the chalk line, making sure they are perfectly flat and tension-free.
3. Fold or roll both widths back 3 feet from the seam area for the entire length of the carpet.
4. Spread NuBroadlok Adhesive from the approximate center toward each end, using a
1/8” x 1/8” x 1/8” U-notched trowel or 1/8” x 1/8” x 1/16” V-notched trowel and steady, even strokes.
When sufficient floor area has been covered with NuBroadlok, wait until the adhesive has reached the
appropriate tacky stage before dropping the first breadth of carpet into place. Apply a thin coating of
NuBroadlok Seam Sealer to the seam edge of the first breadth. Follow this procedure for each
succeeding breadth at the seam. Drop or roll the second breadth into position, and fit the seam in
tightly using a crab stretcher if necessary. Roll looseness and air bubbles away from the seam.
Please note: Seam Sealer must be used on all seams.
5. The remaining portion of the first breadth can now be folded or rolled back from the floor. Apply
NuBroadlok to the floor; wait until the adhesive has reached the proper tacky stage before dropping
the carpet into place. Be sure to have enough people spreading the adhesive so that, after the floor is
covered with adhesive, each breadth is in place within the determined period of open time.
DIRECT GLUE-DOWN INSTALLATION
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