5 Causes of Wrinkled Carpet
3 pros!
Does your carpet need a good stretch?
If you have carpet that looks loose and wrinkled, don’t despair. It can look like as good as new with a professionally done carpet re-stretch. What a difference a stretch makes – it’s like a facelift for your carpet. It will remove the wrinkles and give your carpet a new and refreshed look.
What are the common causes of carpet wrinkling and rippling? There are several factors that may lead to carpet wrinkling.
1. Improper Installation
If a carpet is not stretched properly during installation, the carpet can loosen and develop ripples and wrinkles. This is one of the major reasons for carpet to wrinkle. The manufacturing of the carpet itself has changed and carpets are stiffer now. This makes utilizing the proper tools and techniques when installing the carpet imperative.
Professionals will utilize a pole or power stretcher. This will stretch your carpet from wall to wall. If your installer is only using the knee kicker to install your carpet, it is not going to be stretched to manufacturers’ specifications.
2. Low Quality or Improper Padding
Low quality carpet and padding may save you some money up front, but in the long run, it can cost you. It is a good idea to check the manufacture’s specifications for padding. This will vary depending on the type of carpet you purchase.
For example, if you are purchasing a cut pile carpet, you will want padding that is no greater than seven-sixteenths of an inch thick and no less than a six-pound density. Again, check with the manufacturer for the specs for your specific carpet. Selecting the improper padding can void the manufacturer’s warranty and lead to your carpet becoming wrinkled and rippled.
3. Over-wetting
This can be the result of improper cleaning, flooding or moisture from beneath the carpet. Over-wetting can be avoided by utilizing a properly trained and certified technician.
4. Delamination
This is when the carpet separates from the backing. This can be the result of a manufacturing problem. In this case, a warranty claim should be made as soon as possible.
Moisture is another reason that delamination occurs. It can be from improper cleaning and over-wetting the carpet or from a flood in the home. It can also be a result of moisture from below. Vapor emissions from a concrete slab can come up through holes in the moisture barrier or lack of a moisture barrier.
Again, adhering to the manufacturer’s specification for carpet installation can save you problems down the road. While this particular problem cannot be resolved by re-stretching, it can be permanently repaired by other methods.
5. Humidity and Temperature
These are two more factors to consider. Humidity at the time of installation can affect the carpet. It is a good idea with all flooring materials to let it acclimate to the environment, which it is going to be installed for at least 24 hours. Another cause for wrinkling can be from a house or room being left closed for an extended period of time in high temperatures (above 85 degrees Fahrenheit).
If you make use of your resources, research what you are buying, follow the manufacturer’s specifications and hire carpet installation professionals for your project, you and your carpet will be happier. If you find your carpet needing a “facelift,” remember that it can be repaired or re-stretched by contacting a carpet repair professional in your area.
About this Experts Contributor: Isaiah Leyva is the owner of New Mexico Carpet Repair and Cleaning, providing carpet repair in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Since 2013, New Mexico Carpet Repair has specialized in the repair of pet damage, carpet bubbles, torn and ripped seams and other carpet problems.
As of September 25, 2015, this service provider was highly rated on Angie's List. Ratings are subject to change based on consumer feedback, so check Angie's List for the most up-to-date reviews. The views expressed by this author do not necessarily reflect those of Angie's List.