Stretch Fit Installation
Carpet is held in position using carpet gripper which is nailed to the subfloor. Carpet is stretched over the underlay and secured to the grippers.
- Fix gripper to the floor leaving a gap between the skirting and the gripper.
- Lay the underlay (backing side up) and secure the seams with tape.
- Rough cut the carpet into place
- Stretch over the grippers using a knee-kicker.
Advantages
- Carpet can be up-lifted and replaced
- Gripper system does not require smooth clean
Disadvantages
- Stretching a carpet weakens the backing
- Delamination can occur when secondary backed carpets are stretched over too soft an underlay
- Periodic restretching may be necessary in high traffic areas
- Fixing gripper is noisy and can damage subfloor