RESIDENTIAL CARPET 1 STANDARD For INSTALLATION of RESIDENTIAL CARPET CRI 105 – Sept 2015
Copyright © 2015 by the Carpet and Rug Institute, Inc. Originally published 1982 with revisions issued 1984, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 2002 and 2015. All rights reserved. Disclaimer The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) is the national trade association of carpet and rug manufacturers and suppliers to the industry. The expertise of CRI’s membership comes together to provide unbiased technical, educational, and scientific information about carpet and rugs.
Contents FOREWORD .......................................................................................................................................... 6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................................... 7 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................................. 8 1.0 Applicable Documents and References ...........................................
8.10 Chemical Adhesive Removers and Abatement Chemicals .................................................15 8.11 Sweeping Compounds .........................................................................................................15 9.0 Product Acclimation .............................................................................................................. 15 Broadloom Carpet .....................................................................................................................
14.0 Attached Cushion Install .................................................................................................... 26 14.1 Carpet Layout ......................................................................................................................26 14.2 Floor-Applied Adhesive Installations .................................................................................26 14.3 Installation Procedures ...................................................................................
FOREWORD Products have unique characteristics and each installation project should be carefully evaluated to determine proper application of this standard. In circumstances not addressed in this document, contact the product manufacturer for specific guidance. The CRI requires that the services of professionally trained and qualified floor covering installers be obtained for all Residential carpet installations.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This Standard was prepared under the direction of the Installation Subcommittee of the Carpet and Rug Institute and in cooperation with numerous experts in the carpet installation and related fields. CRI INSTALLATION TASK GROUP CHAIRMAN Woody Belflower, Shaw Industries Group, Inc. CRI INSTALLATION TASK GROUP PROJECT COORDINATOR Pat Jennings, The Carpet and Rug Institute, Inc. CRI INSTALLATION TASK GROUP MEMBERS: Mark Berndt – Bentley Mills Inc.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 1.0 Applicable Documents and References 1.1 Carpet and Rug Institute References: The Carpet Primer * Carpet Maintenance and Troubleshooting* 1.2 Most recent ASTM Standards: ASTM F-710 – Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete to Receive Resilient Flooring ASTM F-1869 – Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Calcium Chloride ASTM F-2170 – In-situ Relative Humidity Testing 2.
5.0 Development of wrinkles and bubbles Pile reversal Pile crushing Creases Pattern Distortion Measuring and Planning All aspects of the installation should be coordinated. Correct measurements and a detailed diagram is essential before the installation can be professionally planned, estimated, or completed.
thickness where no transition molding exists. For broadloom where no transition molding is used, apply a minimum of 1/8” bead of seam sealer to the edge of the carpet along the entire transition. Wall base - when vinyl or rubber wall base is used in a direct glue or double glue carpet installation, cove base or base-with-toe is highly recommended. 5.5 Carpet over carpet In the absence of manufacturer’s specific recommendations to the contrary, carpet should not be installed over existing carpet. 6.
6.2 Relative Humidity (RH) Testing Testing for internal relative humidity of concrete slabs must be conducted in accordance with the current version of ASTM F-2170, not to exceed manufacturer’s requirements (ASTM F2170 - Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using In-Situ Probes). 6.
7.3 Ventilation During installation, maintain air circulation by operating the HVAC system. NOTE: For acceptable indoor air quality, fresh air ventilation in residential spaces is recommended to conform to current guidelines specified in ASHRAE Standard 62 published by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (www.ashrae.org). 8.
NOTE: Any concrete floor, even when adequately cured and dry, can allow moisture vapor to pass through to its surface. Depending upon the type of carpet and method of installation, the moisture emission rate greatly influences the long-term success of an installation. The use of a properly installed, uncompromised, approved moisture membrane is essential in preventing moisture migration into and through a concrete slab. (Ref. ASTM F 710) 8.1.
NOTE: Some sheet vinyl, resilient tile and cut-back asphalt-based adhesive may contain asbestos and/or crystalline silica. Recommended work practices prohibit sanding, dry scraping, bead-blasting or mechanically pulverizing resilient flooring, backing or lining felt. Do not use powered devices that create asbestos dust when removing “cutback” or asphalt-based adhesives.
Painted surfaces may be suitable for adhesive application; however, bond tests are recommended. Glossy surfaces must be abraded prior to installation. Contact the adhesive manufacturer for requirements. 8.9 Primers Using primers on floor surfaces generally is not required except for sanded wood sheet products and dusty, porous or acoustical concrete surfaces. Primers are not designed to reduce moisture vapor emissions and should not be used for that purpose.
Broadloom Carpet 10.0 Carpet Seaming All seams must be properly prepared in strict compliance with carpet manufacturer recommendations. 10.1 Trimming Carpet seams must be trimmed using tools and techniques best suited for the carpet style (e.g., loop-pile, cut-pile, cut-and-loop pile). Refer to the Tools and Materials table in the appendix of this standard. Trim edges far enough into the material to maintain the structural integrity of the carpet and to seam without gaps or overlaps.
Figure 1 10.3 Seaming Methods The seaming method depends upon carpet construction and backing type. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for seaming. Seaming methods include hot-melt tape and hand sewing. 10.3.1 Hot Melt Seaming A seaming tape pre-coated with a thermoplastic adhesive is centered beneath the seam. Tape is heated by a seaming device which melts the adhesive, laminating the carpet backing to the tape. Seams should be made over a hard, flat surface (i.e. seaming board).
10.4 Proper Seam Characteristics With any seaming method, a properly constructed seam: has cleanly trimmed edges properly secured with edge/seam sealer has tightly abutted edges without gaps or overlaps maintains reasonable pattern match where applicable will not be invisible 11.0 Stretch-in Installation This method involves installing carpet under tension over a separate cushion, using tack-strips fastened at all walls and other vertical abutments around the perimeter of the area. 11.
11.2 Separate Cushion Selection It is required that the cushion conform to carpet manufacturer recommendations for the specific product being installed. Failure to follow these recommendations for cushion may void manufacturer warranties. These recommendations may differ, depending on the style and construction of specific carpet. Cushion thickness for Residential carpet installations should not exceed 7/16 inch (11 mm).
Figure 2: Stretch Diagram for Tufted Carpet In the absence of carpet manufacturer stretch recommendations, use this diagram. D Step 6 C Step 5 Step 7 Step 4 Step 2 Step 3 Step 1 B A For Woven Carpets, contact manufacturer for stretch-in requirements.
NOTE: Size and shape of the room will determine corner designation. Red arrows denote use of a power stretcher and blue arrows denote use of a knee kicker. Step 1: Hook onto tack strip approx. 3 ft. in both directions along corner A. Step 2: Power stretch at approx. 15° angle from wall AC and hook onto tack strips at corner B. Step 3: Hook & secure onto tack strip with knee kicker along wall from A to B. Step 4: Power stretch at approx. 15° angle from wall AB and hook onto tack strip at corner C.
11.6 Transition Molding Refer to Section 5.4 12.0 Direct Glue Down 12.1 Layout Refer to Section 5.3. Lay out the carpet according to the seaming diagram. Where applicable, allow for pattern repeat. Dry lay and align all carpet breadths/widths to their proper position; and then trim seams. 12.2 Floor Adhesive Application 12.2.
12.2.3 Open/Tack Time Appropriate open time varies depending upon environmental conditions, substrate porosity, backing system and adhesive type. Refer to the adhesive and/or carpet manufacturer for requirements regarding open/tack time. 12.2.4 Working Time Working time (also referred to as slip time) is the length of time after covering the adhesive with carpet to make adjustments or manipulate the carpet without negatively impacting the permanent bond. 12.
Restrict carpet exposure to water from cleaning or other sources for a minimum of 30 days. 12.7.2 Materials for Protection It is recommended that carpet installation be the last trade on any job site. However, if it is required to protect the finished floor covering from soil or paint, or if additional work is required to be done after the installation, the carpet should be covered with a non-staining, breathable building material paper.
manufacturer. If recommendations are not available, refer to the general minimum guidelines in Table II. 13.4 Cushion to Substrate Installation Spread adhesive uniformly over the substrate with the specified trowel or other application procedure. After sufficient open time, the cushion is to be installed into the adhesive in a manner that minimizes air pockets. Proper open time is critical for a successful installation.
13.9 Rolling Rolling carpet to cushion is required. Refer to Section 12.5. 13.10 Post Installation Protection is required for double glue installations. Refer to Section 12.7. 14.0 Attached Cushion Install 14.1 Carpet Layout Refer to Section 5.3. 14.2 Floor-Applied Adhesive Installations Use the carpet adhesive and seam adhesive recommended by the carpet or adhesive manufacturer. 14.2.1 Trowel Notch Size Refer to the general minimum guidelines in Table II. 14.2.2 Open Time Refer to Section 12.2.3.
14.3.1 Seam Sealing (Attached Cushion Products) Apply a bead of seam adhesive to the cut edge of one side only in sufficient quantity to seal both trimmed edges. Ensure the bead thickness is sufficient to cover the primary and secondary backing (above the cushion) without contaminating face yarns (See Figure 3). In order to bond the seam edges together, join the edges while the seam adhesive is still transferrable. Figure 3 14.
NOTE: When staples are used in upholstering carpet on stairs, take care to separate pile yarns to avoid trapping yarns, resulting in visible distortion. If the edges are exposed, they must be edge sealed. Upholstery work needs to have no raw edges exposed. Any seams or joints must be sealed. Carpet seams need to be split in the direction of the balusters/spindles. 15.3 Glue-down Installation Install carpet on stair treads and risers using recommended adhesive.
16.3 Seaming Diagram It is required that the seaming diagram reflect the desired pattern direction. 16.4 Pattern Sequence/Roll Sequence Sequencing information may be available from the carpet manufacturer. In the absence of sequencing information from the carpet manufacturer, sequence carpet cuts working from the longest measured repeat gradually down to the shortest repeat within the dye lot. NOTE: Patterned carpet requires additional material for proper pattern matching. 16.
Residential Carpet Tile 17.0 Residential Carpet Tile Installation Due to the variation in tile size, shape, backing and installation methods (monolithic, ashlar, quarter turn, etc.) follow the carpet manufacturer’s recommendations. 17.1 Layout Refer to Section 5.3. To ensure straight-square installations, apply at least two perpendicular chalk lines onto the substrate (at a 90 degree angle to each other). These chalk lines should extend the entire length and width of the area to be covered.
17.5 Rolling Refer to manufacturer recommendation for roller weight. Rolling, if required, should be performed to press the tile into the adhesive. 17.6 Post Installation Refer to Section 12.
Appendices Definition of Terms Adhesive – A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by surface attachment. Applying adhesive to the floor normally is accomplished with a trowel, airless spray, or roller. Adhesive transfer – The degree of coverage and penetration of the applied adhesive into the back of carpet while still maintaining full coverage of the floor. The degree of coverage may be influenced by adhesive type, method of installation, open assembly time and other factors.
Edge Ravel – A condition of yarn loss in installed carpet when the edges begin to fray. Gully – The distance between the tack strip and the wall. A gully should always be slightly less than the thickness of the carpet and not exceeding 3/8 inch. HVAC – Acronym for “heating, ventilating, and air conditioning” referring to indoor climate control systems. High Moisture Carpet Adhesive – This is an adhesive that will work in a high moisture environment, however it does not act as a moisture barrier.
Seam peaking – The slight elevation of the taped seams which is a (usually renders the seam more visible) result from power stretching of the carpet. For additional information, refer to CRI Technical Bulletin “Peaking Seams in Stretch-In Carpet Installations”. Seam sealing/Edge sealing – Common term used to describe the application of seam adhesive to secure and protect cut edges of carpet to be seamed from edge raveling and delamination. Seaming tape – tape used for joining two sections of carpet.
Tufted carpet – Carpet manufactured by the process of inserting pile yarns into a primary backing fabric through needles. Unitary carpet – Carpet back-coated with a compound intended to increase physical properties normally without the addition of a secondary backing. Working time (may be referred to as slip time) – The length of time available after covering the adhesive with carpet to make adjustments or manipulate the carpet. Woven carpet – Carpet produced on a loom.
Table I – Tools & Materials Tools A. 1. 2. 3. B. 1. C. 1. 2. Tape Measure (Metal) 25 ft. (7.6 m) 50 ft. (15.2 m) 100 ft. (30.5 m) Straight Edge Rigid Chalk Line White Chalk Red or Blue (Substrate Only) K. 1. 2. L. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. D. Knives and Cutters 1. Carpet Knife 2. Utility Knife 6. M. 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. E. 1. 2. F. 1. 2. G. 1. 2. H. 1. I. 1 2 3 J. 1. 2. 3. 2. N. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.
Materials: A. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Metal and Vinyl Moldings Flat Metal Cap Molding (T-track) Stair Nosing Accent Molding Tap-Down (Gripper Bar or Flat) Access Panel Molding Z-Bar B. Seaming Tape 1. 2. C. 1. 2. Hot Melt Latex Seam Sealer Liquid Seam Sealer Thermoplastic sticks and applicator D. Tack Strip 1.
Table II – Trowel Size Minimum Guidelines FLOOR COVERING/SUBSTRATE Broadloom Carpet: rough back, woven, double stick carpet to cushion Broadloom Carpet: Action Bac®, unitary back, jute Broadloom Carpet: smooth back, attached cushion, needle punched, cove base Vinyl back broadloom carpet, carpet pad to floor double stick, cork tile and underlay Vinyl back broadloom carpet, carpet pad to floor double stick, cork tile and underlay Carpet tile APPROXIMATE SPREAD RATE feet² / gal.
Table III – Tack Strip 39
Table IV – Adhesive Types / Definitions Adhesives – Common Types Used in Carpet Installation A. Carpet Floor Adhesives 1. Latex Adhesive: Common name for adhesives used to install broadloom carpets, excluding those with vinyl backing, either directly to a substrate or over underlayment and cushion. Refer to carpet manufacturer for adhesive grade recommendation for specific backings and uses. 2.
Table V – Dew Point HOW TO USE THIS CHART: If the air temperature is 80°F and the RH is 65%, the dew point is 66°F. No coating should be applied unless the surface temperature of the slab is 71°F or higher. DEW POINT: Temperature at which moisture will condense on the surface of an object. No coatings should be applied unless surface of the concrete slab is a minimum of 5 degrees above this point. Ambient temperature must be maintained during curing, or can be falling, but never rising.
CRI Members Contact Information MANUFACTURER Advanced Adhesive Technologies Atlas Carpet Mills Beaulieu Group, LLC Bentley Mills, Inc. Bloomsburg Carpet Industries.Inc. Constantine-Milliken Daltonian Flooring, Inc. The Dixie Group, Inc. Engineered Floors, LLC Godfrey Hirst USA HB Fuller Construction, Inc. Interface, Inc. J+J Flooring Group Mannington Mills, Inc. Mapei Corporation / APAC Masland Carpets & Rugs Millennium Weavers, LLC Milliken & Company Modulyss Mohawk Industries, Inc.
