Queensland Flooring Centre

QLD Flooring Centre | Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
QLD Flooring Centre | Caloundra, Sunshine Coast
What causes ripples in my carpet!?
26th April 2023

Today, we’re here to talk about one of the most common and annoying problems homeowners face: rippled carpets!

 

Nothing beats a cozy and welcoming home filled with soft carpets, making every step feel like walking on clouds. But what happens when those fluffy floors start to look more like waves of the sea, rather than a solid foundation for your feet? That’s right; carpets start to ripple! And while it may seem like a minor inconvenience at first, it can lead to severe issues in the long term if left unchecked.

 

So what causes carpets to get ripples? 

 

Firstly, when carpets are first installed, they are stretched and tacked down tightly to the floor. However, over time, due to changes in temperature and humidity, the carpet fibers start to expand and contract. The constant shifting causes the carpet to loosen from the tacks, and areas can become wavy or rippled.

 

Secondly, inadequate installation can lead to rippled carpets. Getting a professional installer will ensure that carpets are properly aligned to fit the room’s dimensions, reducing the chances of rippling down the road. More often than not, carpet requires the use of a power stretcher to achieve maximum stretch. Make sure your professional installer is using the right tools for the job!

 

Thirdly, heavy foot traffic, moving furniture, or dragging items across the carpet can also cause temporary waves or ripples. It’s essential to move furniture carefully, preferably lifting rather than dragging, to avoid carpet deformation over time.

 

Lastly, old or worn-out carpet underlay can cause small ripples on the surface of the carpet. If your carpet continues to ripple despite frequent stretching or carpet maintenance, it may be time to replace the underlay.

 

In conclusion, while rippled carpets can indeed be an unfortunate occurrence, they’re entirely preventable! Just remember to be mindful of temperature and humidity changes, opt for professional installations, move furniture with care, and replace worn-out underlay. By doing these easy carpet maintenance steps, you can keep your cozy carpets looking wave-free for years to come!