The unsightly swelling and bulging on your carpet are the signs of carpet rippling and buckling. They not only detract from your carpet’s appearance but also increase the chances of tripping and falling.
In this article, we will discuss the various reasons behind carpet ripples and the correct way to fix them. It will help you get rid of carpet rippling and buckling for a better-looking carpet.
Causes Of Carpet Ripples
⇒ Improper Installation
One of the major reasons for ripples and wrinkles on your carpet is improper and hasty installation. It happens when the installer doesn’t stretch your carpet tightly enough, leading to ripples.
⇒ Dragging Heavy Items Across the Carpet
Another common reason we have noticed for carpet buckling is dragging heavy items like furniture across the carpet surface. The dragging causes the carpet to scratch and creates unsightly ripples on your carpet. It can also create indentation, which is one of the most common carpet problems.
⇒ High Humidity
Carpet rippling happens more frequently during the summer months in Castle Rock. It’s because there is a high amount of moisture in the air, which penetrates the carpet and causes it to swell. Severe buckling and rippling on the carpet due to humidity require re-stretching to fix.
⇒ Over Wetting
Overwet carpets are more at risk of getting ripples, wrinkles, and buckling. This is because excess water on the carpet can have a similar effect to moisture in the air, resulting in carpet wrinkles.
⇒ Delamination
Lastly, there may be ripples in your carpet due to delamination. It is where the carpet’s primary backing detaches from the secondary one due to the adhesive holding them breaking down. It can happen due to wet carpets or can be a manufacturing defect.
Also read: How to repair carpet delamination
Steps To Fix Carpet Ripples
Knowing the reasons behind carpet rippling will help you prevent that in the future. But if there are existing ripples on your carpet, here is how to fix them.
⇒ Move Furniture
Start by removing the heavy furniture and other items from the area (without dragging). It will give you an open area to stretch your carpet and give better results. Also, vacuum the space to remove dirt and debris before proper stretching.
⇒ Let It Dry
If your carpet is overwet or there is a high amount of moisture in the air, we recommend you dry it properly before stretching to prevent any future ripples. Turn on the fans and open the windows to make your carpets dry faster. You can also invest in a dehumidifier to lower the humidity and ensure thorough drying.
⇒ Stretch The Carpet
- Start by freeing the carpet from the tack strip with pliers. Free the corners of your carpet from three sides and leave the 4th side as an anchor.
- Remove all the older staples and tacks. You must wear gloves during the process to avoid injuries.
- You’ll need a power stretcher for the next step. You can rent it from your nearest rental store or Home Depot.
- Place the pointing end of the stretcher near the edge of your carpet. Place it tooth side down.
- After the carpet is in place, push the lever to increase the pressure on the carpet. If you have to apply too much pressure on the lever, the stretching is too tight, and if there is no resistance, then it is too loose. Adjust the stretcher until you have the perfect stretch.
- Pushing the lever will straighten the carpet ripple.
⇒ Trim The Excess
Finally, cut out the excess carpet with a utility knife. But ensure that you leave enough parts to tuck under the baseboard.
Let Us Handle The Stress
Restretching the carpet is a rewarding project for DIY enthusiasts. But it requires lots of time, effort, and specific tools. Our skilled repair technicians at Kings Of Steam have the proper equipment and skills to fix any rippling or buckling on the carpet. By doing so, we restore your carpet to its former glory and ensure it looks best.
