How to Avoid Mistakes in Commercial Carpet Installation
A faulty installation could result in a significant amount of expense. Commercial real estate is responsible for 9.2 million American jobs and contributes over one trillion dollars annually to the overall economy. Renovating and building commercial properties is a major undertaking, and products designed for highly trafficked commercial spaces come at a high price.
Installation of furniture, fixtures, and flooring should not be excluded. As with most things, it is a “pay-for-what-you-get” scenario, and there are some key factors to watch out for that can help you avoid costly mistakes in commercial installations.
With a reputation for providing top-quality commercial flooring for decades, Carpet Cleaning Group in Chicago has seen its fair share of Chicago carpet installation errors for commercial properties when rectifying past mistakes.
The most commonality in each successful carpet installation Chicago project is that it all starts with proper preparation—not just on the installer’s part, but also on your part as an engineer, designer, or architect deciding on the materials to be used in the space. If you’ve read this guide, you’ll better understand the questions to ask an installer and what to check for after the work is done.
The Role of Your Flooring Installer
For any commercial flooring, including carpet installation Chicago, five important elements must be met to ensure success. Having a conscientious and knowledgeable flooring installer is crucial, and this is where your role as a specifier comes into play. Ask your installer if they’ve previously installed this type of flooring. If yes, ask when and where.
Check if they’ve gone through the manufacturer’s installation manuals or contacted the technical service team for advice and best practices. Asking these questions shows whether the installer has taken the time to familiarize themselves with the product and project.
Another consideration when selecting your contractor is whether they provide a warranty for their work. The standard industry practice is around one or two years, but larger installers may offer longer warranties depending on the project’s specifics.
Carpet Cleaning Group in Chicago provides a Limited Lifetime Warranty on most soft-surface flooring products. Some carpets are designed to last decades with proper care, so a short-term installation warranty may not provide enough coverage to address potential issues. If you’re working on an office space leased for a short time or renovating a school that hasn’t been updated in 15 years, choosing an installer with a long-term warranty is more crucial.
The right installation method or adhesive for your project is just as important as the skills of the installer. Carpet Cleaning Group offers various installation techniques and adhesives based on subfloor conditions or issues like moisture. For example, the FreLoc tab system is ideal for modular carpet installation in Chicago, but it may not work well under heavy furniture loads.
Sequencing, Sealing, and Preventing Unraveling
Once you’ve hired a contractor, ensure they understand the manufacturer’s roll sequencing for broadloom carpets or modular carpet tiles.
Roll sequencing involves laying broadloom rolls in order of production to ensure consistency in appearance. This is especially important for large spaces, such as long corridors or function rooms.
A skilled eye might notice slight differences in yarn color, tip shear, or patterns. While these differences are minor and inevitable during production, laying rolls sequentially minimizes noticeable variations.
Seam sealing, or chemical welding, is another critical step in Chicago carpet installation projects. This process joins two carpet sections and prevents unraveling. Improperly sealed seams can lead to fraying over time. Installers must follow the manufacturer’s specifications to avoid such issues, ensuring your carpet remains visually appealing and durable.
Protecting Your Carpet Investment
Once your carpet installation Chicago is complete, taking precautions can help extend its lifespan:
- Use chair mats under desks to protect the carpet from rolling chairs.
- Use furniture sliders or Masonite boards when moving heavy items.
- Apply carpet protection tape and plastic sheets during painting or maintenance work.
Maintenance
Even the best Chicago carpet installation won’t last without proper maintenance. Installers may not always provide detailed cleaning instructions, so it’s your responsibility to ensure facility managers or end-users are aware of how to care for the carpet.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your carpet in great condition. You can find more details about carpet care in Carpet Cleaning Group‘s blog posts.
A Great Installation Is Just the Beginning
By following the tips in this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to hire the best installer and avoid common mistakes in carpet installation Chicago projects. If you have questions about adhesives, installation requirements, or carpet maintenance, the technical support team at Carpet Cleaning Group is ready to assist.