How to Repair Carpet
Before we look at how to repair carpet, we need to specify
what kind of damage we are repairing. Carpet that has frayed
at the edges and pulled away from a wall, for example, will require
re-stretching and re-attachment. Small burns can sometimes be
repaired easily by snipping out the burnt fibers and gluing a
few new strands in their place. See the page on Carpet
Burns for more on that.
Now, for general types of damage to small areas, let's look
at a basic repair procedure. First, you will need to have a piece
of matching carpet to replace the damaged spot. If you don't
have leftovers from the time of installation, your other alternative
is to find a closet with the same carpet and cut a piece from
the backside of that. In fact, if the damage is obvious, you
might be better off removing the carpeting in the closet to use
for repairs, and laying down tiles, rather than re-carpeting
larger rooms.
To be sure that the new piece fits the spot you cut out, used
something to mark the carpet. A plastic cup with a relatively
sharp top can work for this, as can a coffee can for larger repairs.
Push the cup onto the carpet, being sure it covers the damaged
area, Twist a little to leave a circle. Cut along the circle
carefully with a carpet knife to remove the damaged spot. Use
the same cup or other marking device to mark and cut out the
replacement piece.
Place the new piece into the hole where the repair is to be
done, and turn it until you have the nap of the fibers lined
up with the nap on the surrounding carpet. If it is placed in
the wrong direction the shading will be different and the carpet
repair will be noticeable. Remove the piece and lay it alongside
the hole being careful to maintain the direction in which it
will be laid.
In the hole, placed carpet tape carefully, cutting and placing
a couple pieces if necessary to cover most of the space. Press
it down firmly and then remove the backing to expose the other
adhesive side. Place your new piece in the hole carefully and
press firmly. If the direction looks right and the fibers at
the edges are blending well, you have a good repair--but you're
not done yet.
Sometimes there will be fibers that are higher than the surrounding
ones. With small scissors, trim these down so they are level
with the rest. Look at the spot from several angles to be sure
you have it right.
Place a heavy weight on the spot for a couple days, to be
sure that the adhesive holds well. You can use a stack of books
or a gallon jar full of water (but be sure the outside is dry)
for this. Your final test will b when you take the weight off,
fluff up the fibers to see that the spot blends in with the surrounding
carpet--and then vacuum.
That's how to repair carpet that is damaged in a small area.
The circular cut works especially well for hiding the repair,
by the way, although it may be more difficult than cutting and
placing a square piece.
Related Pages:
Repairing Bleach Stains
Remove Asphalt Stains
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