RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
DIRECT GLUE DOWN-PATTERNED CARPET
Carpet Installation Check Off List
NOTE: Asbestos containing floor tiles, any adhesive possibly containing asbestos or other asbestos containing floor coverings require special preparation, handling and removal procedures. Consult appropriate local or state authorities or the Resilient Floor Covering Institute before disturbing any suspected asbestos containing material.
Pile Direction
Woven Velvet- will have two ends of false colored selvage on each side. The wire side will have two different colors and shuttle side two ends of same color. Karaloc- will have a red line on back running 4 inches from selvage along one side of the carpet. Tufted- will have arrows on back and/or a colored yarn tufted on one side.
Lengthwise Cuts
Bend the carpet along the length to expose the two backing yarns between the lines of the pile. Part or trace the pile with a screwdriver along the length of the proposed cut. Start the cut by making a small incision on the edge with a carpet knife. Insert the top cutter between the backing yarns and cut along the face of the carpet. The top cutter should always be inserted so that the blade marked "close" is against the carpet edge to be seamed.
Widthwise Cuts
Follow the same procedure as for lengthwise cutting with the top cutter inserted with the blade closest to the seam edge. All cut edges must be sealed with a thin coating of Nu Broadlokª Edge Sealer by pressing latex into the base of the pile and backing.
Pattern Matching It must be understood that carpet is a textile and cannot be made to exact specifications. All pattern carpet is subject to certain manufacturing tolerances, therefore, a perfect pattern match cannot be guaranteed. Tolerances for Patterned Carpet Are: Bow: 1-1/2 inch across the 12 foot width Skew (Bias): 1-1/2 inch across the 12 foot width Pattern Elongation: 2 inches in 12 feet in the length If you are having trouble matching a pattern "stop" and call the Hotline number @1-800-553-6045 Extension 62347 at once.
NOTE: Pattern installation instructions and diagrams shipped in each roll of carpet.
Roll Sequencing:
Rolls of patterned carpet must be sequenced so the longest pattern is installed first and the roll with the next longest pattern can be stretched to match the longer one. This procedure is critical in that it is impossible to shrink a longer pattern to match a shorter pattern. This will require that each roll be measured for pattern repeat prior to installation.
Equipment Recommendations
For stretch in installation and for stretching to match pattern on glue down installation a Senior Power Stretcher and a Crab Stretcher are required to obtain suitable matches. Knee kickers should only be used to position the carpet. The same procedures should be used for Double Glue Down Installations.
*A dead man and pull boards are required for obtaining suitable stretch on longer breadths.
Corrective Steps for Bow and Skew
For direct glue, cut a breadth at one end on the pattern and spread adhesive allowing room to make a seam. Push the short corners to the wall and stretch the excess carpet created by the bow or skew to the opposite wall using a power stretcher and crab stretcher. Use stay nails to hold the pattern in place until the adhesive sets. Follow this procedure throughout the installation.
Trueness of Edge
After trimming and sealing the edges, carpet should be dry laid with the short edge overlapping till the void disappears. Working from a chalk line, fold carpet back 4 to 6 foot on each breadth, spread Nu Broadlok Adhesive and allow adhesive to tack up. The breadth that overlaps must be compressed to form the seam, forcing the excess carpet away from the seam. It may be necessary to stay nail along the seam until adhesive cures. The fullness/excess carpet should be dispersed into surrounding areas by rolling away from the seam.
Pattern Elongation
All rolls should be dry laid and the pattern repeat measured to establish the correct roll sequence. The longest pattern must be installed first, then the next longest, etc..this allows stretching of shorter pattern to longer pattern and keeps the closest pattern repeats together. After the roll sequence is established, glue half of the long pattern and half of the shorter pattern lengthwise. Stretch the shorter pattern to match the longer pattern by starting in center of the seam and stretching toward the ends. Stay nails will be needed to secure the pattern match as adhesive sets.
Applying Approved Adhesive for Direct Glue Down
Nu Broadlok ª is the only approved adhesive for use in Direct-Glue Down installations. The use of Nu Broadlok Adhesive is vital in assuring optimum results. Applying an improper adhesive can result in an installation failure for which Mohawk cannot be held responsible. Substitutions must be approved by Mohawk Field Services. To make certain that the proper amount of adhesive is transferred to the back of the carpet, a 1/8" x 1/16" x 1/8" V-Notched trowel must be used. This will result in a spread rate of 10 to 12 yards per gallon.
Proper Open Time
Proper open time is critical for adhesive to develop proper tack. Open time will usually range from
Installation
Double Bond Procedures Available Upon Request
Suggested Tools and Material Needed
These items may be purchased from a local carpet workroom supplier.
This information based upon Mohawk Industries engineering testing and field experience is offered as a customer service. It is intended for use by persons having installation experience and must be employed at their own discretion and risk. We do not guarantee results and we assume no liability in connection with its use.