Installation Guide

25
Table I
Adhesives – Common Types Used in Carpet Installation
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A. Carpet Floor Adhesives
1. Latex Adhesive: Common name for adhesives used to install broadloom carpets, excluding
those with vinyl backing, either directly to a substrate or over underlayment and cushion. Refer
to carpet manufacturer for adhesive grade recommendation for specific backings and uses.
2. Multi-purpose Adhesive: A latex adhesive designated for use with varying carpet types as well
as non-vinyl backed (mineral-felt backed) resilient sheet goods.
3. Vinyl-Back Carpet Adhesive: Adhesive specifically formulated for permanent installation of
vinyl back carpet.
4. Modular-Carpet Adhesive: Pressure sensitive type adhesive for releasable installation of
modular carpets. Note: Always consult manufacturer for proper type adhesive.
5. Outdoor Carpet Adhesive: Water resistant adhesive for installations of carpet designed for
outdoor use. Refer to adhesive manufacturer for adhesive grade recommendation for specific
backings.
6. Polyurethane Carpet Adhesive: For installing specific polyurethane backings. Refer to
adhesive manufacturer.
7. Contact Adhesive: Used for bonding various carpet edge moldings to a substrate. It can be
used for adhering carpet to difficult or irregular surfaces.
B. Carpet Seaming Adhesives (Seam Sealer)
1. Vinyl-back Seam Adhesive: Solvent-based (chemical weld) or solvent-free (mechanical bond).
2. Latex Seam Adhesive: For applying seaming tapes, reinforcing sewn seams, sealing trimmed
edges prior to “hot melt” seaming, securing binding, etc.
3. Hot Melt Seam Adhesive: A thermoplastic adhesive used for adhesive or stretch-in
applications.