How to Install Foam Backing for Carpet
The most common term used to refer to the foam backing used under carpet is carpet pad. Carpet pad can be installed in many ways, but the easiest way is to use a carpet pad adhesive to do the job. Carpet pad adhesive is formulated specifically to work with foam products. Carpet pad adhesive spreads easily, thins easily and dries in a short amount of time. Carpet can be installed very soon after the carpet pad makes contact with the carpet pad adhesive. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Broom
- Dust pan
- Shop vac
- Carpet pad adhesive
- Utility knife or carpet knife
Instructions
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1
Prepare the subfloor to receive carpet pad by removing dust, dirt, debris, staples that were used to hold a previous carpet pad installation in place, and anything else that will get in the way of a good installation. Instead of cleaning debris up with only a broom and a dust pan, use a shop vac to completely remove the debris from the area.
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2
Cut the carpet pad so it is ready to glue into place without having to cut the pad on the floor with carpet pad adhesive underneath it. Carpet pad cuts easily with a sharp utility knife or a carpet knife. This will help make the process move faster.
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3
Remove the lid from a bottle of carpet pad adhesive and remove the inner seal covering the bottle opening. Replace the lid. Run a bead of adhesive 4 inches from the walls and 4 inches from the seams between sections of pad. Use a small piece of scrap pad to smear the bead down to a thin coat.
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4
Allow the adhesive to set up for 10 to 15 minutes before laying the carpet pad over the adhesive. Lay the pad in place over the adhesive and walk over the seams and along the wall (wherever the adhesive was laid on the subfloor) to apply pressure to the pad. This will set the pad into the glue and create a good bond.
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Tips & Warnings
If you do not have access to carpet pad adhesive, use solvent free carpet glue to install the carpet pad. Adhesives with solvents in them will dissolve the carpet pad almost immediately, which will ruin the carpet pad. Spread the carpet glue with a grooved wall base spreader.
