Info And Care Advice

Avoid Carpet Tiles Popping Up

Carpet tiles have made installing carpets in small, or large areas easier. Unlike traditional wall-to-wall carpet, carpet tile does not strongly adhere to the subfloor. Instead, you install individual tiles by interlocking them, sometimes using small adhesive squares, dots or pressure sensitive glue to affix them to one another. This technique works well to protect the subfloor, but can result in carpet tile shifting and occasionally curling or popping up. You can reduce the risk of this problem by preparing the subfloor properly and installing the carpet tile correctly.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pencil
• Cardboard
• Sharp carpet knife
• Double-sided adhesive tape or carpet tape
• Medal ruler

1. Ventilate the room in which you plan to install carpet tile. Open windows and doors, use a fan or, if necessary, a dehumidifier to ensure the room does not have excess moisture.
2. Prepare the subfloor. Remove tack strips, tape or other things that make the floor uneven. Sweep the floor and either dry or wet mop it, depending on the subfloor material. If a timber or wooden floor nail down only loose flooring.
3. Read the instructions on your specific brand of carpet tile to ensure that you have prepared the environment and subfloor according to all specifications. Some carpet tiles tile brands may specify that they work better in dry conditions, while others function fine in bathrooms, entryways and basements.
4. Apply the carpet tile, either working from the center of the room for wall-to-wall formats or from an edge for runners and area rugs. Check the back of the tiles to see if there are arrows indicating the proper direction for laying the carpet tile. Otherwise, follow the nap of the carpet or the pattern to make sure you only need to apply the carpet tile once.
5. Adhere carpet tiles next to one another with the recommended adhesives.
6. Cut carpet tile to fit the perimeter of the room. Measure with a solid ruler rather than flexible measuring tape to ensure exact measurements. Trace and cut a guide on cardboard before trimming carpet tiles with a sharp Stanley knife. Your perimeter tiles should make the carpet tile fit tightly together, but not so tightly that it causes the material to buckle.