elliotadams•1mo agoTop Commenter

Client pointed out my seams were too tight on a commercial job

Last month I had a big office install in downtown Portland. Thought I was doing fine. Client walked through and said my seams were pulling apart already. I was stretching too hard. Backed off about 10% on the power stretcher next room. No gaps. No complaints. Has anyone else had to adjust their tension for commercial vs residential?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_lee1mo ago

That heated floor thing is actually a bigger factor than people realize. Had a job last winter where the radiant floor was cranked up and I couldn't figure out why my carpet was loosening up overnight. Came back the next morning and the seams were fine again. Commercial spaces with underfloor air systems or radiant heat will make your backing relax way more than residential. Next time check the HVAC setup before you touch the power stretcher.

sageross1mo ago

@the_lee nailed it - heat changes everything with carpet backing.

julia_carter701mo ago

Oh man that's a good point about the HVAC. So here's my question - do you think radiant floors actually affect the glue bond too or just the backing stretch? I had a job with in-floor heating last spring and the glue dried way slower than normal. Seemed to stay tacky for hours longer than usual. Had to tape seams and come back the next day to finish. Client was pissed about the delay but the seams held up perfect. Wondering if the heat kept the adhesive from setting right or if it was just my technique being off.