Questions from Homeowners: Why Carpet Buckles and How to Prevent It

“Hi VCF! I had another company install carpet about ten years back, and it’s really starting to buckle. Yikes! What can I do?” -Eric L.

As homeowners, we all want our homes to look their best, so when you notice your carpet starting to buckle, it can be quite a shock. But don’t worry! In this guide by Virgin Carpets and Flooring, we’ll explain why this happens and how you can prevent it from happening.

1. Improper Installation

One of the most common reasons why carpet buckles is because it wasn’t installed properly to begin with. Here are some common errors in installation that create buckling:

Stretching

If the carpet isn’t stretched tight enough during installation, it will start to buckle and ripple over time as people walk on it. This is especially common in rooms that get a lot of foot traffic, like living rooms and hallways.

If the carpet was improperly installed, it could be because the installer did not stretch the carpet correctly. The carpet needs to be stretched taut in order to avoid wrinkling and buckling. If the installer did not do this step correctly, it will eventually lead to buckling as the carpet relaxes over time.

Adhesion

Another common installation error that causes buckling is not using the proper adhesive. This can happen if the installer uses an adhesive that isn’t meant for carpet, or if they don’t use enough adhesive. Either way, this will cause the carpet to come loose from the floor over time, which will eventually lead to buckling.

To avoid this, make sure you hire a professional carpet installer who knows what type of adhesive to use and how much of it is needed.

2. Humidity

Another reason your carpet may be buckling is because of changes in humidity levels. When there’s too much moisture in the air, the carpet backing can swell and cause the carpet to buckle. This is more likely to happen in areas of your home that are prone to dampness, like basements or bathrooms.

To prevent this, make sure you keep the humidity levels in your home at a comfortable level. You can do this by using a dehumidifier or running a fan in humid rooms.

3. Dragging Heavy Furniture

If you’ve ever moved heavy furniture, you know that it’s not always easy to carry it without dragging it across the floor. Unfortunately, this can damage your carpet and cause it to buckle.

To avoid this, try using furniture sliders or a dolly when moving heavy pieces around. This will help you move them without damaging your carpet.

4. Improper Maintenance

Carpet that isn’t properly maintained can also start to buckle over time. This is because dirt and dust build up in the carpet fibers, causing them to break down. When this happens, the carpet loses its ability to bounce back into shape, which eventually leads to buckling.

To avoid this, vacuum your carpets regularly and have them professionally cleaned every 12-18 months. This will help remove dirt and dust before it has a chance to damage the carpet fibers.

And if you spill something on your carpet, be sure to clean it up right away. The longer a spill sits, the more likely it is to cause damage.

5. My Carpet is Already Buckled!

First off, don’t panic! Carpet buckling can be reversed, but we do recommend sticking with the professionals when it comes to fixing it. Why? Because if not done correctly, you could end up making the problem worse!

Avoid Carpet Buckling by Choosing a Good Carpet and Installation Team!

You never have to worry about carpet buckling again if you choose a durable carpet and a good installation team. At Virgin Carpets and Flooring, we offer a wide range of high-quality carpets that are designed to withstand heavy traffic and wear and tear. And our team of experienced installers will make sure your new carpet is installed correctly, so you can enjoy it for years to come.

Contact us today to learn more about our products and services or to schedule a free consultation. We’re available during standard business hours at 412-653-3424 or reach out online.