All quality carpets are manufactured with a primary and secondary backing, which are laminated together. When delamination occurs, these two backings become separated, which can affect the stability and appearance of the fibers on the uppermost layer. As Arvada carpet repair specialists, we are able to fix delaminated carpets and restore them to their former condition but we always recommend taking preventative measures if at all possible. In the following guide, our carpet repair team explores common causes of carpet backing delamination, prevention tips, and recommendations for carpet backing that has already started to separate.
What Causes Carpet Backing to Delaminate?
Understanding the top causes of carpet backing delamination can help you prevent this issue. Here are some of the primary factors:
Poor Installation
If the carpet is not installed properly, it can lead to stress on the backing, causing it to separate over time. This includes not allowing the carpet to acclimatize before installation, which can result in improper stretching and fitting. Moreover, inadequate adhesive application or incorrect seam placement can contribute to the premature failure of the carpet.
Inferior Materials
Low-quality carpets or underpads are more susceptible to delamination because they are not built to endure prolonged use and stress. These materials often lack the necessary durability and resilience, leading to quicker degradation. Investing in higher-quality materials can significantly extend the lifespan of the carpet and prevent delamination issues.
Heavy Traffic
Constant heavy foot traffic can cause the backing to wear down and separate, especially if the carpet is not designed to withstand such use. Areas such as hallways, entryways, and commercial spaces are particularly prone to this type of damage. Over time, the repeated pressure and friction can lead to visible wear patterns and eventual delamination.
Moisture
Excessive moisture from spills, cleaning, or high humidity can weaken the adhesive that binds the carpet backing layers together, leading to delamination. Over time, this consistent exposure to moisture can cause the carpet to lose its structural integrity. Additionally, mold and mildew growth can further exacerbate the damage to the carpet and the subfloor beneath it.
Improper Cleaning
Using too much water or harsh chemicals during cleaning can damage the backing and cause it to separate from the carpet fibers. Over-wetting the carpet can lead to prolonged drying times, increasing the risk of mold and mildew growth. It's important to follow recommended cleaning guidelines and use appropriate products to maintain the carpet's condition.
Pet Damage
Pet urine can seep into the carpet fibers and backing, breaking down the adhesive and causing delamination. The acidic nature of urine can further deteriorate the materials, leading to unpleasant odors and potential health hazards. Regular and thorough cleaning is essential to mitigate the impact of pet damage on the carpet.
Ways to Prevent Carpet Backing Delamination
Some of the following tips only apply to brand new installations whilst others are general maintenance suggestions. All of them have proven to be effective in the prevention of carpet delamination, in our professional experience:
Acclimatization
If you are having new carpeting installed in your home, make sure that it is left to acclimatize to your house's humidity level before it is laid. By doing so, you will help to prevent delamination due to different rates of shrinkage or expansion between the various layers.
"Before adding new flooring of any kind to a room, make sure it has at least 24 hours to adjust to the temperature and humidity. Unwrap the carpet, but keep it rolled, and leave it in the room for a full day before you start the installation process."
—Paige Bennett, Angi
Quality Underpad
A quality underpad will not only make your new carpeting feel more luxurious underfoot, it will also help to prevent the backing from stretching and the individual fibers from deteriorating and coming loose. It does this by absorbing shock (from footfalls and other impacts).
Each type of carpet padding has unique characteristics that can affect its performance and suitability for different environments. Before installing new carpeting, review the following comparison of four popular underpad options.
| Type of Carpet Padding | Description | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonded Foam Carpet Pad | Made from recycled foam pieces bonded together | Durable, provides good support, environmentally friendly | Can compress over time, may not be as comfortable as other types |
| Synthetic Fiber Carpet Pads | Made from synthetic materials such as nylon or polyester | Resistant to mold and mildew, hypoallergenic, good for high-traffic areas | Can be less comfortable, may not provide as much cushioning |
| Memory Foam Carpet Pads | Made from memory foam, similar to memory foam mattresses | Extremely comfortable, excellent noise reduction | More expensive, may compress over time and lose support |
| Felt Pads | Made from recycled fibers such as wool or synthetic blends | Very durable, good for high-traffic areas, environmentally friendly | Can be more expensive, not as soft as foam pads |
SOURCE: Flooring, Inc.
Careful Furniture Moving
It's a good idea to move heavy furniture every now and then, to stop it leaving permanent indentations in your carpets. However, you must be careful when you do so as dragging heavy tables and cabinets across carpets can cause the backing to tear and begin delaminating at a very fast pace.
Professional Steam Cleaning
All carpets should be cleaned every now and then, to keep them in good condition. However, if your carpeting becomes too wet during the cleaning process, this can encourage the process of delamination or accelerate it if it is already happening. Because of this, we urge you only to use professional carpet cleaning services, even if they may cost a little more than the alternatives.
Well House-Trained Pets
Pet urine that soaks into carpet fibers can eventually cause delamination. For this reason, we always recommend that our clients only allow pets to frequent carpeted rooms in their homes after they are fully house-trained.
Take all of these precautions and you can minimize the chances of delamination affecting your home carpeting.
Fixing Delaminated Carpeting
If the primary and secondary backing of your carpets have already started to delaminate, there are a couple of ways in which you can fix this issue:
DIY
If you want to try a DIY carpet repair on your delaminated carpeting, you will need a power stretcher, knee kicker, pry bar, rubber mallet, carpet cutter, staple gun and decent working gloves. You will also need a flat-head screwdriver and a pair of needle-nose pliers. Once you have gathered all these tools together, you can refer to one of the many delamination repair guides to be found online.
Hiring Carpet Repair Professionals
Delamination repairs are quite involved and, as you can see, require you to possess a number of specialized tools. With this in mind, we normally recommend engaging the services of local professionals instead. Some of the local carpet cleaning companies in your area may also provide delamination repair services so don’t hesitate to get in touch with them to ask for assistance.
Carpet Backing Delamination FAQs
Carpet backing delamination occurs when the primary and secondary backings of a carpet separate. This can compromise the carpet's stability and appearance.
Signs of delamination include visible separation of the carpet layers, wrinkles, buckling, or a loose feel underfoot.
Delamination can often be repaired by professionals, though severe cases might require replacing the affected sections or the entire carpet.
Some carpet warranties cover delamination, but it depends on the terms of the warranty and the cause of the issue. Always check the warranty details.
Clean the affected area immediately to prevent urine from soaking into the backing. Consider professional cleaning and, if necessary, repair services.
It's recommended to have your carpet professionally cleaned at least once a year to maintain its condition and prevent issues like delamination.
Yes, high humidity can lead to moisture build-up in the carpet, which can weaken the adhesive and cause delamination.
A high-quality, dense underpad can absorb shocks and reduce stress on the carpet backing, helping to prevent delamination.
By following these prevention tips and understanding the causes of delamination, you can keep your carpets in excellent condition and avoid the inconvenience and expense of major repairs.
If you have a problem with carpet delamination in the Arvada area, call or message Steve's Carpet Care & Restoration for fast and affordable assistance. In addition to our carpet and rug cleaning services, we also offer a professional carpet repair service to local residents and businesses.