Installation Guide

10
Properly prepare all edges that are used for seams in strict compliance with carpet
manufacturer recommendations.
12.1 Trimming – Trim carpet edges at seams using tools and techniques best suited
for the carpet style (e.g., loop-pile, cut-pile, cut-and-loop pile, woven carpet) in
accordance with manufacturer recommendations. Trim edges far enough into the
material to maintain the structural integrity of the carpet and to maintain pattern
design where applicable.
Note: Although “row-cutting” both edges is preferred, other trimming techniques may be
more suitable on some carpet. Many carpets do not lend themselves to all methods of
cutting. Some woven carpet selvages are not to be trimmed. Contact carpet manufacturers
for specific recommendations.
12.2 Sealing Edges – Regardless of installation method, most carpet requires an
edge protective material be introduced between the edges to be joined. This
material can be a liquid or thermoplastic and can be applied using various
procedures and techniques. Consult the manufacturer of the products for specific
sealing procedures.
12.3 Proper Seam Characteristics – With any seaming method, a properly
constructed seam:
• has cleanly trimmed edges properly secured with seam sealer, if applicable
• has tightly abutted edges without gaps or overlaps, maintains pattern integrity
• will not be totally invisible
13. Direct Glue-Down Installation
13.1 Relaxation/Conditioning Carpet – Refer to Section 10.
13.2 Additional Substrate Requirements – It is required that substrates be clean,
structurally sound, dry, and with no cracks, existing adhesives and surface
irregularities that might show through the finished installation or cause premature
wear and be free from contaminants that may interfere with adhesion. Substrate
temperatures below 65 °F are unsuitable for adhesive application.
CAUTION: Carpet, when bonded with an adhesive, follows every contour of a substrate,
imperfections can become very obvious after the carpet is installed. Joints, cracks,
depressions and protrusions that are not on an even, flat plane may be unsightly and
cause premature wear. Soil, dust, wax, oil, grease, moisture, alkalinity and other
contaminants can prevent or otherwise destroy adhesion causing localized or
widespread failure.
CAUTION: Failure to properly prepare seam edges often results in:
• edge ravel
• edge delamination
• tuft loss
• seam separation
• safety concerns