How to Glue Carpet to Asphalt
Gluing carpet to asphalt is a common practice when installing Astroturf or green carpet to mimic a grass field. This type of carpeting also has application in residential fields. For example, if you live in a climate where grass is difficult to grow, you can opt for carpet or Astroturf in place of grass. When choosing a carpet for outside areas, select one graded for marine applications so the carpet can handle the elements. Select the highest quality carpet you can afford. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Garden hose
- Wire brush
- Indoor-outdoor carpet glue
- Notched trowel
- Carpet roller
- Utility knife
Instructions
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1
Hose off the asphalt surface to remove any dirt buildup. Scrub the surface of the wet asphalt with a wire brush and rinse with the hose. Allow 24 hours of drying time.
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2
Lay the carpet over the asphalt at one end of the area and roll up one-half of the carpet.
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3
Apply a thin layer of indoor-outdoor carpet glue on the exposed half of the asphalt, using the notched trowel. Directions will differ, but in most cases you must let the glue sit for a specified period--usually 15 minutes. Consult the label on the glue for the proper wait time.
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4
Roll the carpet over the glue, pressing out air bubbles with your hands.
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5
Roll up the other side of the carpet to expose the other half of the asphalt. Lay down the glue, wait the specified amount of time, then roll the carpet over the asphalt.
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6
Repeat the process with any additional pieces of carpet to install to complete the installation. If you must lay down two or more rolls of carpet, overlap the ends of each roll by 2 inches. With the knife cut down the length of the carpet, directly in the center of the overlap, to create a uniform joint. When installing the carpet, lay it end to end and line up the joints.
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Roll over the surface of the carpet with a 50-lb. carpet roller. Start at one end and roll in straight rows. Overlap each row by 50 percent to ensure you roll over the entire carpet and force the glue into the carpet, increasing adhesion.
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Tips & Warnings
Cut all of the necessary seams before you glue down the carpet so you don't get adhesive all over the carpet.
