MoreDALTON, Ga. -- To enhance a home's decor when building or renovating, the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) is urging homeowners to consider installed carpet as a fundamental design element.
According to CRI, carpet adds comfort and beauty to a home. It also says that because carpet is an investment, its proper installation and cleaning by carpet professionals is essential for extending its appearance and performance, which can also protect a home's indoor air quality, avoiding excess dust from the old carpet.
According to the CRI, proper installation requires that carpet be power-stretched to minimize the possibility of buckles and wrinkles. Seams should be kept to a minimum, maintaining a uniform appearance, and positioned parallel to traffic areas and toward light sources. It suggests that homeowners determine with the retailer/installer where the seams will be, using a simple drawing of the floor plan with carpet seam locations shown.
In order to ensure a higher standard of service, the CRI also recommends that individuals seek counsel from reputable carpet retailers and professional installers who have attained the CRI "Seal of Approval." Prior to carpet removal, individuals should require their installation contractor to follow the instructions from the carpet manufacturer and/or set forth in the Standard for Installation of Residential Carpet, CRI 105, the accepted industry standard. If the installer is unfamiliar with this basic standard, it is best to find another installer.
To protect your investment and the indoor air quality in your home, CRI recommends following tips when installing new carpet:
1. Complete other remodeling projects intended in the room, such as painting and wallpapering, prior to the installation.
2. Discuss old carpet and cushion disposal options with the retailer/installer.
3. Vacuum the old carpet to avoid the possibility of airborne dust and dirt. After the carpet and cushion are removed, vacuum the sub-floor.
4. Before installation, verify that the carpet's texture, color, and style are correct and no visible defects exist.
5. Install carpet with the HVAC system operational with the temperature maintained above 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degree Celsius).
6. Continue operating the ventilation system at normal room temperature for 48-72 hours after installation.
7. Vacuum the new carpet after installation to remove loose fibers.
Carpet installers and cleaners can also use these tips as educational tools as a means to promote the use of carpeting in homes and businesses.
For more information on carpet installation, visit the Installation Tips & Facts section of the CRI web site at www.carpet-rug.com, and refer to the Standard for Installation of Residential Carpet, CRI 105 or call (800) 882-8846.
