Cut slots for pipes, fireplace protrusions, andradiators. Trim back the padding to about 2 inches fromthe wall to leave a channel for the carpet hem. Fold thehem under and tack the carpet in place with a tack every5 inches. Be sure the tacks go through the foldWhen installing carpet, use tackless fastening strips,as shown in figure 6-12, view A. Position and trim thepadding (view B) so that it meets the strip at the wall,but does not overlap the strip. Tack it down so it doesnot move. Lay out the carpeting and, using aknee-kicker, stretch the carpet over the nails projectingout of the tackless strip (view C). Trim the carpet,leaving a 3/8-inch overlap, which is tucked into placebetween the wall and the tackless strip (view D). (If youtrim too much carpeting, lift the carpeting off the spikesof the tackless strip and use the knee-kicker to restretchthe carpet [view E]). Protect the exposed edge of thecarpet at doorways with a special metal binder strip orbar (view F). The strip is nailed to the floor at thedoorway and the carpet slipped under a metal lip, whichis then hammered down to grip the carpet edge.Tacks can be used as an alternative to a binder strip.Before tacking, tape the exposed edge of woven carpetFigure 6-12.—Carpet installation using tackless fastenings.to prevent fraying if the salvage has been trimmed off.Cement carpet tape to the backing threads with latexadhesive. Nonwoven or latex-backed carpet will notfray, but tape is still advisable to protect exposed edges.Any door that drags should be removed and trimmed.When installing cushion-backed carpeting, you carteliminate several steps. For instance, you don’t need touse tack strips or a separate padding. Although theseinstructions apply to most such carpeting, read themanufacturer’s instructions for any deviation intechnique or use of material.To install a cushioned carpet, apply 2-inch-widedouble-face tape flush with the wall around the entireroom (fig. 6-13, view A). Roll out and place the carpet.Fold back the carpet and remove the protective paperfrom the tape. Press the carpet down firmly over the tapeand trim away excess (view B). A metal binder strip oran aluminum saddle is generally installed in doorways(view C). If your room is wider than the carpet, you willhave to seam two pieces together. Follow themanufacturer’s recommendations.6-10
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