How to make carpet seams less visible
Visible seams or seam peaking in carpet installation can be a frustrating problem for both the installer and the customer. Seams in carpet are necessary and frequent. Many consumers expect seams to be invisible, but they cannot be guaranteed. You can't get around seams in carpet, they are there to stay. There are many ways to make a carpet seam less noticeable. Here are some tips on how to make carpet seams less visible.
Seam location
Talk with your installer before the installation. You'll want to make sure seams will be as hidden as possible under furniture or in the least noticeable area of the room. Most carpet is 12 feet wide, so seams will be necessary if your room is wider than 12 feet. With some different shaped rooms, you can purchase less carpet and piece it together if you're willing to have more seams, or you can purchase more carpeting to avoid the need for extra seams. An experienced installer will be skilled at making seams less visible, but it is likely you will be able to see the seam if you look for it, it won't be invisible.
Proper seaming tape
The seaming tape is centered under the two abutting edges with the layer of adhesive facing the carpet backing. A hot seaming iron, or other suitable implement, is used to melt the thermoplastic adhesive and the carpet backing is pushed into the molten thermoplastic adhesive. The adhesive quickly sets, forming a permanent seam.
If you can't carpet your entire room with one piece, you'll have to allow for a seam. Wider seaming tape can reduce but not eliminate seam peaking.
Seaming iron temperature
The setting on the seaming iron that is too hot will cause carpet backings to warp and shrink. When carpet backing shrinks this will accentuate any seam peaking.
Seam edges
Seam edges should be properly sealed. Latex based seam sealer or thermoplastic sealers are great for this. When using latex type seam sealer, it should be applied to edges and smoothed. Also, back rolling the carpet edges before applying seam tape will help reduce any seam peaking.
Pre-stretching
Pre-stretching the carpet parallel to the seam for about 18 inches on both sides of the seam also helps with hiding the seam better. This also relieves some of the stress that the seaming tape must handle.
Lay carpet parallel
Seams are weak spots in the carpet and should not be placed where the traffic flow is heavy. Depending on the kind of carpet you choose the seams are visible, and if possible should be laid away from the main visual focus in the room. Seams are less visible when they run parallel to general light, so place them towards the room's main source of light. This place is usually the wall with windows.
Remember when installing carpet, experienced installers are important so it's best to find a provider with professionally trained installers on staff, as opposed to using sub-contractors. Ask about the store's guarantee on installations in addition to the manufacturer's warrantee.
If you are getting your home re-carpeted make sure you or your installer knows how to keep seams minimal. Seams are going to happen, but if you focus on how to keep carpet seams less visible then you won't have to worry about unwanted seams and you will be happy with the outcome.
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Tags: Making carpet seams less visible less visible carpet seams carpet seams home building remodeling
