CUSHION CHOICES Cushion Guidelines for PRE-INSTALLATION ... · gluing cushion to floor. To be...

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Cushion Guidelines for Double Glue Installation of Commercial Carpet CUSHION CHOICES PRE-INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS SITE CONDITIONS FLOOR PREPARATIONS CUSHION LAYOUT GLUING THE CUSHION TO THE FLOOR CARPET LAYOUT GLUING CARPET TO CUSHION INSTALLATION WITH A SPRAY ADHESIVE SYSTEM OTHER INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS DOUBLE GLUE PROCEDURES FOR STAIRS INSTALLING PATTERNED CARPET An informational service of the The double-glue method is an excellent approach to installing cushioned carpet in the commercial setting. The process involves adhering the cushion to the floor, followed by adhering the carpet to the cushion. In both steps, manufacturer-defined adhesives are used, many of which are similar or identical to those used in the installation of direct- glue commercial carpet. This method allows for a choice of carpet and cushion to accommodate various end-use requirements and space con- figurations, while obtaining the usual benefits from cushion in improved comfort, appearance retention and wear-life, sound control and better vacuumability.

Transcript of CUSHION CHOICES Cushion Guidelines for PRE-INSTALLATION ... · gluing cushion to floor. To be...

Page 1: CUSHION CHOICES Cushion Guidelines for PRE-INSTALLATION ... · gluing cushion to floor. To be successful, this method should be performed by a Spray Certified Installation Technician.

Cushion Guidelines forDouble Glue Installationof Commercial Carpet

CUSHION CHOICES

PRE-INSTALLATIONCONSIDERATIONS

SITE CONDITIONS

FLOOR PREPARATIONS

CUSHION LAYOUT

GLUING THE CUSHIONTO THE FLOOR

CARPET LAYOUT

GLUING CARPET TOCUSHION

INSTALLATIONWITH A SPRAY

ADHESIVE SYSTEM

OTHER INSTALLATIONCONSIDERATIONS

DOUBLE GLUEPROCEDURES FOR STAIRS

INSTALLINGPATTERNED CARPET

An informational service of the

The double-glue method is an excellent approach toinstalling cushioned carpet in the commercialsetting. The process involves adhering the cushionto the floor, followed by adhering the carpet to thecushion. In both steps, manufacturer-definedadhesives are used, many of which are similar oridentical to those used in the installation of direct-glue commercial carpet. This method allows for achoice of carpet and cushion to accommodatevarious end-use requirements and space con-figurations, while obtaining the usual benefits fromcushion in improved comfort, appearance retentionand wear-life, sound control and better vacuumability.

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CUSHION CHOICE

The starting point in commercial applications ischoosing an appropriate carpet cushion for aparticular application. Many cushion manufacturersoffer several products designed for double-glueinstallation. These recommended cushions mayhave an increased density, special surfacepreparation or other appropriately engineeredfeatures to meet the needs of demandingcommercial applications. You should speak withyour chosen carpet cushion suppliers about theirdouble-glue products and become familiar with theparticular installation instructions they recommend.These guidelines are an overview of the methodsand knowledge needed for successful installations.There is no substitute for good communicationbetween users, certified installers and carpet,adhesive and cushion suppliers to ensure thelasting benefits of double-glue installation inyour facility.

PRE-INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

Regardless of whether a concrete slab is new oraged, the potential for installation performanceproblems exists if excess moisture or alkalinity ispresent, causing degradation of the adhesive.When installing over a concrete slab, confirm thatthe moisture and alkalinity are within acceptablelimits. A calcium chloride moisture test kit for thispurpose is commonly available from installationproduct suppliers.

With careful use, this test can produce reliableresults. Note that proper planning is critical, as thetest requires 60-72 hours to conduct.

As a general guideline, a moisture emission rate of3-lbs/1000 sq. ft./24 hours and a ph between 5 and9 are acceptable for most carpets. Beyond theselimits, the risk of moisture or alkalinity relatedproblems increases. Corrective measures may beneeded if limits are exceeded. Consult theindividual carpet and cushion manufacturers todetermine the acceptable limits for particularproducts and corrective measures.

Additionally, with the great variety of carpets,cushions and adhesives available for commercialinstallations, confirm that the products of interestare recommended by the manufacturers forinstallation by the double-glue method.

SITE CONDITIONS

The space in which the carpet is to be installedneeds to have adequate temperature and humiditycontrol to facilitate proper installation. Beginning 48hours before the in-stallation and continuingat least 72 hours fol-lowing the completion ofthe installation, thetemperature needs to bemaintained between 65and 95 degrees F. andthe relative humidity be-tween 10 % and 65 %. Toachieve the best pos-sible installation, accord-ing to The Carpet & Rug Institute’s CRI 104 (2002)Installation Standard, all materials should beacclimated 48 hours prior to installation. If installingover concrete, the slab temperature should not beless than 65 degrees F. The completed installation

Carpet installation should be performed by professional installers with specifictraining in commercial double-glue installations. Certified installers can be found

through the Floor Covering Installation Contractors Association or throughCertified Floorcovering Installers.

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needs to be maintained at aminimum of 55 degrees F.

FLOOR PREPARATION

The floor should be free ofholes and loose tiles orboards. Repairs should be

made as necessary toprovide a smooth surface forcarpet and cushion instal-lation. The floor should be dryand dust free. All con-taminants that may preventgood adhesion need to beremoved. Floors should bevacuumed, mopped if necessary, and otherwisecleaned prior to carpet installation. Excessive useof water for cleaning is not recommended, thoughmopping with a slightly dampmop is useful to remove dustfrom the floor surface.Architectural tack strip, properlyspaced and secured, may beused to hold the carpet edges inplace. Setting cove base on topof carpet will also secure edges.

CUSHION LAYOUT

The cushion should be laid out in the longestlengths possible. Addi-tionally the cushionseams should runperpendicular to thecarpet seams. If theseams cannot be atright angles to the

carpet seams, the cushion seams should be kept atleast 6 inches from the carpet seams. Cushionseams need to be butted without compression,leaving no gaps. Any excess along the perimeterwalls should be trimmed and tightly fitted.

GLUING THECUSHION TOTHE FLOOR

Once the entirecushion has been laid out, fold it back and applyadhesive to the floor. Do not staple. Direct specialattention to spreading the adhesive adjacent to thewalls (cut-in) to prevent edge curling. Apply theadhesive with a u-notched trowel measuring 1/16 x1/16 x 1/16 inches, or according to the adhesivemanufacturer recommendations. Applying theadhesive with a paint roller can result in an

inconsistent application.Consult the adhesive manu-facturer for the best appli-cation technique. For bond-ing, the cushion should belaid into the adhesive while ina “tacky wet” condition. Forpressure sensitive adhesives,

this point is often identified when the adhesiveturns clear from its original opaque appearance.Smooth the cushion into the adhesive, workingtoward the seams. Trim in, eliminating any bubblesor wrinkles so that the seams are tight withoutoverlapping.

CARPET LAYOUT

As the first step, cut the carpet to the proper lengthand spread it out in the area to be carpeted. Thecarpet should be 3-4 inches longer than the areameasurement. Where applicable, allow for patternrepeat. Carpet seams should be at a right angle tocushion seams or offset at least 6 inches to eitherside. Align all carpet breadths to their properposition and trim seams.

GLUING CARPET TO CUSHION

It is imperative that the installer use the propertrowel notch and a premium multi-purposeadhesive formulated specifically for double-glueinstallation.

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Spread the floor adhesive uniformly over thecushion with the appropriate U-notched trowel,leaving ridges of sufficient height to achieve full andcomplete coverage of the cushion and carpetbacking, including penetration into the backing’sdeepest recesses.

Confirm amount and placement of adhesive byinstalling a small area, then lifting the carpet, notingadhesive transfer and coverage into the backstitchof the carpet. If insufficient coverage is seen,increase notch size and recheck.

Once the adhesive has beenspread for a given section, laycarpet according to the adhesivemanufacturer’s recommendationfor open time to allow evendistribution and penetration ofadhesive on all areas of backing.

Proper open time considerations are critical for asuccessful installation. Installing carpet intoadhesive without sufficient open time may result ininstallation failure. The use of fans will reduce therequired open time and promote tackiness.However, be aware that excessive moving of the airwill accelerate the drying time and may not achievea transfer of adhesive to the backing of the carpet.

Using an appropriate carpet roller, roll in bothdirections to promote complete adhesion of carpetto cushion. Rolling should be performed with thelightest roller that provides for proper transfer of theadhesive into the carpet back. Refer tomanufacturer recommendation for roller weight.Eliminate any bubbles by pressing straight downprior to full adhesive set up time. Do not rollbubbles to edge. Woven carpet should be rolled asecond time about 3 to 12 hours after initial rollingto make sure a strong bond is established.Generally, a 35-50 lb. roller is suggested. Due todimensional instability, double-glue installation ofcarpet with a unitary backing is not recommended.

Prevent all traffic over carpeted area for a minimumof 24-48 hours after installation. Failure to do somay create areas where inadequate adhesionbetween carpet and cushion can lead to futureperformance problems.

INSTALLATION WITH A SPRAY ADHESIVE

SYSTEM

Double-glue installation using a properly specifiedspray adhesive system should be performed bytrained, skilled installers certified in this method.

Installation with a pressure sensitive sprayadhesive system is an acceptable method forgluing cushion to floor. To be successful, thismethod should be performed by a Spray CertifiedInstallation Technician. A firm cushion that isdesigned for double-glue installation is required forsuccessful performance. Similarly, use of apressure sensitive adhesive warranted by themanufacturer for spray application isrecommended.

Use of a spray system for gluing carpet to cushionis a demanding operation. It is critical that a multi-purpose adhesive warranted for such use by themanufacturer is used. A pressure sensitive adhe-sive is not acceptablefor adhering carpet tocushion. It is necessaryto spray both the top ofthe cushion and theback of the carpet. Theadhesive must besprayed uniformly andin sufficient amount to achieve full and completecoverage of the cushion and carpet backing,including penetration into the backing’s deepestrecesses.

OTHER INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

The first 30 days following installation is a criticalperiod. During this time, the adhesive is under-

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