Allan and Sons

Carpet Installation Methods

There are three main methods of carpet installation used in the fitting of your carpet.
Below outlines these methods in detail.

Stretch-in Installation:

There are situations in which the specifier will wish to utilise the stretch-in method (gripper & underlay).
Its selection may be for one of the following reasons:

Provides enhanced underfoot comfort, acoustical properties (i.e., higher noise reduction coefficients and
higher impact noise ratings) when installed with separate underlay.
Increases thermal insulation (R-value).
Can be used over floors that are unsuitable for glue-down.
Patterned carpet may be more easily matched.
Corrective measures, such as seam repair, may be easier to perform.
Removal costs usually are less than the removal of an adhered installation.

Stretch-in installations should be avoided:

On ramps and inclines.
Where office systems furniture and demountable partitions are utilised.
Where heavy rolling traffic is likely.
Where there is excessive humidity.
When carpet has a unitary backing or other backing systems designed only for glue-down installation.

Direct Glue-down Installation (carpet only):

Suitable for rolling traffic and ramp areas.
Seams are more durable since there is no vertical flexing.
No restretch situations.
Facilitates access to electrical and telephone lines under floor.
Practically eliminates incidences of seam peaking.
No restrictions to area size.
Intricate border and inlay possibilities.
Usually less expensive.

Direct glue-down installations should be avoided:

If the flooring surface is less than perfect.

Double Glue-down Installation (carpet & underlay):

Combines the stability of direct glue-down carpet with the cushioning benefits of a separate bonded underlay.
Improves carpet appearance retention, foot comfort and overall performance.
Simplifies carpet bordering and inlaying.
Suitable for wheeled traffic areas.
No restrictions to size of area.

Double glue-down installations should be avoided:

If there is a budget to meet due to the additional costs of the adhesive, underlay and carpet.