If you have carpeting in your home, you may benefit from having your carpet stretched. Carpet stretching is a process that involves pulling the carpet tighter and resecuring it to the anchor strips located along the perimeter of the room.
In most cases, if a carpet is professionally installed, it will be tightly secured against these strips initially, but over time it loosens. Stretching can extend the life of your carpet and take away potential hazards.
Why stretch your carpet
Like anything, carpets change as they age. In high traffic areas, the carpet can pull away from the tacking strips that anchor it to the subfloor. In some cases, seams between strips of carpeting may also come apart. Sometimes the tacking strips can become damaged and no longer perform as well as when it was new. And as it ages, carpet fibers wear out, stretch, and loosen. While it might not be worn out, it can reduce the aesthetic appeal of your room. It can also increase the safety concerns and make certain areas of the room more prone to tripping.
Does your carpet need stretching?
There are some obvious signs a carpet should be stretched. You may notice that your carpeting appears to be wrinkled, rippled, or lumpy in spots. Carpet should lay flat and smooth across any floor. You may also notice that it’s pulled up along the edges of the room. It should have a tucked in appearance without carpet fibers poking up along the baseboards.
Why timing is everything
When carpets show signs of needing stretching, timeliness is everything. The more wrinkled or relaxed it becomes, the more of a tripping hazard it creates. That can be especially dangerous for active houses, or homes where elderly live. If carpeting doesn’t lay flat, it may also snag and develop other signs of damage. It can wear unevenly and decrease the lifespan of your carpet.
If you believe your carpets need stretching, the best way to move forward is to contact a professional carpet installer. They can help you determine if stretching is necessary or beneficial. They can determine which methods will correct the problem best. For example, reseaming a carpet may be all that is required.
Remember, carpet restretching takes on a considerable amount of strength and energy. It also requires the right tools for the job.