Carpet Installation
Underlay Requirements
Unique recommends the use of underlay in either conventional stretch-in, or double-stick application. We DO NOT recommend direct-glue installation.
For all broadloom installations we recommend bonded urethane (re-bond) pad either 3/8” or 7/16” thick and a minimum of 8 lb. density. For area rug installation, we recommend our non-slip underlay which can be ordered directly from Unique and cut to fit your exact requirments.
Sisal and Seagrass Installation
Make sure the installation area is climate controlled and remains that way for at least 48 hours after the installation. Humid conditions at the installation site will cause these products to expand or contract prior to the adhesive setting up. These products need to be installed in climate controlled areas only. Natural fibers are dimensionally unstable until the adhesive has time to stabilize the room cuts.
Adhesive should be spread evenly, using a spread rate of approximately 7 square yards per gallon of high quality, multi-purpose adhesive. Use a 1/8” x 1/8” U-notched trowel (minimum size). Getting a good transfer of adhesive is very important. These natural fiber floorcoverings require more adhesive than normal glue down carpets since they react to humid or dry climate conditions to a greater degree. A light coat of adhesive is not a sufficient bond and can break away when the room undergoes a shift in humidity levels.
Install these floorcoverings as you would a hard surface such as resilient vinyl. Cut from the surface of the floorcovering using a straight edge with a slotted razor carpet knife. Change the blades frequently. All the cuts are “net”.
These floorcoverings make good seams, but cross seams may result in a lesser quality. If some cross seams are necessary, make sure they are sealed and placed in non-visible areas. Cross seams need to be minimized, hidden, and sealed.
Tools: 1/8” x 1/8” U-notched trowel, slotted razor knife and blades, straight edge, chalk line.
Adhesive: a premium grade multi-purpose adhesive (low water, quick grabbing).
Surface Prep: Clean, dry, and free of dust, grease, and wax. Concrete floors must be cured and dry. Make sure concrete is free of excess moisture and the cracks are filled. Other surfaces as resilient tile should be checked and patched as needed.
Installation Procedures:
- Properly measure the area to be installed, add 2 to 3 inches to the dimensions.
- Dry fit the pre-cut floorcovering into the room, centering the covering so that the surplus will lap against the walls evenly. Make sure there is enough covering to reach the center of thresholds in doorways.
- Avoid making cross seams. Side seams produce much better results.
- Trim off factory side edge when seaming. Do not double cut seams.
- After seams are matched, make sure the pattern is aligned. Seam cuts should be net cuts.
- Fold the floorcovering back from the seam area to begin the process of applying adhesive. Apply the adhesive by spreading away from the seam line and leave scalloped trowel marks at the seam area.
- Follow the adhesive label instructions for open time.
- Begin laying the floorcovering over the adhesive, working away from the seams toward the wall.
- Secure seams with seam adhesive. With an applicator bottle, apply a bead to the edge in the edge on the backside, not on the face.
- Trim out the floorcovering by making a crease in the covering. At the wall, trim with the razor knife, changing the blades frequently.
Finishing Up: Do not drag heavy furniture and fixtures over the installed material. Permanent compression tracks may occur.
Seam Recommendations for Loop Pile Carpets
Use a double-blade row cutter, such as a Crain 301 Cushion back cutter, to cut the carpet from the top side. Be careful not to cut through the tufts.
Use seam sealing adhesive on both edges that are to be butted together.
Use a six (6”) inch tape on long seams and three (3”) inch on short and doorway seams.
Prior to seaming, fold the carpet under along the edge on both sides to be seamed to help prevent any peaking of the seams. Use a quarter (1/4”) inch thick piece of plywood under the area to be seamed to give solid surface for the tape and seaming iron. This also helps to prevent peaked seams.
Size 1/4” x 1’ x 4’
Make a string sled tie at only one end, to allow you to pull the sled without having to disturb the seam or seaming tape. Use a flat roller for follow up, NOT a carpet tractor.
