Like any flooring, carpet isn't a cheap investment, but no one wants to replace it every few years because the seams are coming apart. So what do you do if your seams are coming apart so you can salvage your existing carpet? Not to worry, we can help you with this problem.
Fortunately, there are different methods to fixing the carpet seams yourself. The first option is by using seam tape:
- First, remove the old seam tape from the carpet. There should be a visible line where the old tape was.
- The next step is to cut a piece of seam tape that fits perfectly on the carpet, there should be at least an inch overhang on all sides (so you can fold it over), and make sure if you put your tape up against your wall that 1-2 inches of the tape will be on the wall.
- Once the tape is cut, heat the tape with a steaming iron and place the two carpet pieces on the hot tape.
- Lastly, press the two carpet pieces onto the hot tape and go over the carpet with the steaming iron.
The second method is by using a glue gun. To do this, follow the same steps as above, but press the two pieces of carpet onto the glue instead of using tape. Lastly, put something heavy onto the repaired seams until the glue is dry.
As you can see, your carpet isn't a complete loss if the seams start to split or fray. That's why in this article, we take a closer look at how to fix and maintain carpet seams. In addition, we will discuss and answer other frequently asked questions, so read on!
Carpet Seams Coming Apart - What To Do?
A seam is a section of a carpet connected by the tufting process. The two pieces of material are sewn or glued together under pressure so that when they are pulled at both ends, the seam remains intact.
The most common problems in carpets are seams coming unraveled and fraying. This can happen with all types of carpets, including novelty carpets like shag or furry options. Seams also come unglued if your flooring is too slick or the carpet pile is too thin.
Anyone who has ever bought a flooring carpet knows it can be quite expensive. It doesn't make sense to replace the carpet every few years because it's falling apart, so what do you do?
You can either use seam tape or a glue gun to mend the carpet. Of course, the last thing you want to do is replace your flooring; this way, you will save a little money and still have an intact carpet.
Carpet Seams Repair with Tape
You'll need a good pair of scissors for this job, as well as some seam tape. You can buy the tape in most carpet stores. You might be able to find it at a bigger hardware store such as Lowes or Home Depot.
First, take off the old seam tape. If there is no line where it used to be, that's OK; but if there is a mark where it used to be, that's your clue. The next step is to cut a piece of tape that is large enough for you to mend both pieces while leaving an inch or more on each side.
Heat the iron and place it on the back of each piece of carpet. Press them together firmly, then go over the seam with the steam setting on your iron. The last step is to apply heavy objects to the seam until it dries.
Repairing Carpet with a Glue Gun
Take off any old tape you might have on there with your scissors, then cut a piece of tape large enough for both pieces. You can use colored tape if you want to match the color of your carpet better.
Next, take the glue gun and place a bead of it about an inch in from the edge. Put the two pieces together, then press them to each other so you can't tell where one starts and the other ends. The next step is to put something heavy on top, like a book or two, to keep everything down while it dries.
If you do not want to buy tools, you can also use adhesive glue with a scraper to help the two pieces of carpet stick together.
Sometimes, it is better to purchase seam tape when choosing between options because it will be easier for you if you do not have experience using a glue gun. For example, if this is your first time mending a carpet, you should use seam tape.
If you do not want to buy tools, you can also use adhesive glue with a scraper to help the two pieces of carpet stick together.
Is it Normal to See Carpet Seam?
Yes, it is normal to see a seam in your carpet. In fact, seams hold two or more pieces of carpeting together. You will find the seams on all types of carpeting, including plush and Berber. The only carpets that do not have seams are wall-to-wall carpets and prefiltered carpets.
Do Seams in Carpet Go Away?
Over time, the carpet seams will go away. When you walk on the carpeting, it will flatten out over time. When the carpet is flattened out by feet traffic or furniture, you will stop seeing that seam.
However, keep in mind that you, as the house owner, will notice a seam more than a guest will. For example, if you are the only person to walk on your carpet, it might seem like that seam is noticeable. However, if a guest walks into your home and goes over to that very spot, then they will likely not see or notice that seam.
What Type of Carpet Hides Seams the Best?
Shag carpets are one of the best for hiding seams. They are plush carpets that have long, shaggy fibers. These carpets are soft to the touch and will help conceal carpet seams if you do not take the time to mend them.
However, Berber carpets also hide seams very well. Berber carpet is a soft type of carpeting with short fibers with different levels of pile height. These carpets are easy to maintain and do not show seams easily.
How Can you Tell if the Carpet is Delaminated?
Typically, buckling and rippling are the most common signs that your carpet is delaminating. If the carpet appears to be buckling in one area, it is most likely because water seeped underneath it.
If this does not work, you might need to take up that section of carpet and see if there is a problem with the padding underneath.
If your carpet appears to be rippling, then the issue might be because of furniture and people walking on it. Keep in mind that when you place heavy objects on a flat section of carpeting, it can cause them to buckle inside. If this happens, you might have to replace the carpet.
How much does it cost to seam a carpet?
Several factors go into the cost to seam a carpet. For example, if you have a small area to mend, it will cost less than mending a large area. On the other hand, if the carpet has already been fitted into the room, that costs extra money.
On average, it will cost about $60-$80 an hour to seam carpet from a professional. However, this price can increase depending on the type of seam and whether or not it is a tight carpet.
If you need help knowing how to mend a carpet or if you do not know how long it will take, then think about calling a professional. It's worth shopping around and taking a picture of the affected area. Nowadays, we are lucky to have texting where we can send a picture of the carpet seam. They may be able to give you a ballpark quote over the phone.
If you want to save money, think about repairing yourself. As discussed earlier in this article, using seam tape and gluing the carpet together can work for smaller areas.
Final Thoughts
Carpet seams are a normal part of your carpet. However, if you have had your carpet for a long time, then it might start to come apart. If it is a small affected area, follow this article's steps to fix it.
If your carpet seams are coming apart in several places in your house, then it may be time for new flooring.
For more articles like this one, check out:
How To Fill The Gap Between Carpet And Baseboard