Carpet seams can be frustrating. The constant tripping and folding over the edges aren’t only annoying; over time, they can cause damage to the carpet, especially in high-traffic areas. Unfortunately, many carpet installations come with seams, as carpet rolls mostly come in three sizes (12’, 15’, and 13’ 6”). If you’re carpeting large spaces, there will be seams in various places. However, you can minimize the overall impact by hiring a carpet installer for the task.
Why do carpet seams show?
Most of the reasons why carpet seams show are installation issues. Some of these problems include:
Poor sealing of seams post-carpet installation
Overly broad gaps between seams
Unlevel seaming
Seams in high-traffic areas such as hallways
Other non-installation-related reasons are:
Liquid spills and pet accidents that lift the carpet and expose the seams
Pulling at the spots where the seams are bonded
Moisture exposure to the seam area over time
Common mistakes in carpet seams
Here are some of the mistakes in carpet seams:
Seam peaking
This is caused by stretching the carpet perpendicular or across the carpet seam. To avoid this, ensure that the carpet is stretched parallel to the seam.
Seam shadows
If the carpet seam area falls in a place close to open windows where intense lighting can enter, the shadows cast can intensify the seam, making it look more obvious.
Unraveling seams
This occurs when the edges of the seam aren’t correctly sealed. Over time, the seam begins to unravel, which can cause accidents in areas with high traffic.
Tips for hiding carpet seams
While hiding seams entirely is impossible, especially in larger areas where there is more carpeting per square foot, it can be less evident through the following ways:
Avoid installing seams where windows or intense light will make them more obvious
Use consistent carpeting with the same color and style
Position the seams to fall in low-traffic areas to keep the carpet fibers wearing down around the seams.
Caring for and maintaining carpet seams
After a carpet installation, the next step is to vacuum the carpet to help tightly twisted fibers “sprout,” which makes the carpet seam less obvious.
With subsequent vacuuming, the fibers will open and cover the seam with a fuller plushness. However, it’s essential to restretch the carpet over time to avoid peaking. As moisture can also cause this, it’s essential to maintain the proper humidity levels in your home.
Get a consistent carpet flooring installation
Carpet seams are unseemly and ruin the uniform aesthetic of your carpet flooring. While you can’t altogether avoid it, having your carpet installed by a professional can make it less apparent, enhancing the beauty of your flooring. Contact us today for help.