Installation Instructions

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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.
Multi-purpose Adhesive: A latex adhesive designated for use with varying carpet
types as well as non-vinyl backed (mineral-felt backed) resilient sheet goods.
3.
Vinyl-Back Carpet Adhesive: Adhesive specifically formulated for permanent
installation of vinyl back carpet.
4.
Modular-Carpet Adhesive: Pressure sensitive type adhesive for releasable
installation of modular carpets. Note: Always consult manufacturer for proper type
adhesive.
5.
Outdoor Carpet Adhesive: Water resistant adhesive for installations of carpet
designed for outdoor use. Refer to adhesive manufacturer for adhesive grade
recommendation for specific backings.
6.
Polyurethane Carpet Adhesive: For installing specific polyurethane backings.
Refer to adhesive manufacturer.
7.
Contact Adhesive: Used for bonding various carpet edge moldings to a substrate.
It can be used for adhering carpet to difficult or irregular surfaces.
B.
Carpet Seaming Adhesives (Seam Sealer)
1.
Vinyl-back Seam Adhesive: Solvent-based (chemical weld) or solvent-free
(mechanical bond).
2.
Latex Seam Adhesive: For applying seaming tapes, reinforcing sewn seams,
sealing trimmed edges prior to “hot melt” seaming, securing binding, etc.
3.
Hot Melt Seam Adhesive: A thermoplastic adhesive used for adhesive or stretch-
in applications.