When they first contact us for carpet repair near Denver, many of our customers are curious whether the carpet patches we install will be visible. Our answer is that if the job is done right, the patch should be invisible – in other words, appearing as part of the original carpet. Let’s look at the necessary steps for proper patching.
Step 1: Locate an Exact Match
When replacing a piece of carpet that’s been damaged by a burn, water, or natural wear-out, the first step is to locate an exact match. Ideally, the customer has an extra roll of carpet stored in the basement or attic, which we can easily cut the patch from. If no extra carpet exists, our backup plan is to retrieve the patch from an out-of-the-way spot in the existing carpet, i.e. from a closet or under the bed.
Step 2: Orientation
Once a match is procured, it’s important to examine the carpet around the “replacement area” and determine which way the pile flows. You don’t want a carpet patch whose pile points in the opposite direction of the existing carpet. Often times we’ll tape an arrow to the patch as a reminder.
Step 3: Measuring and Cutting
Once we have a section of carpet to cut the patch from and we’ve confirmed pile direction, we’ll make an exact measurement of the area that requires a replacement. Our tools allow us to easily cut out the exact size and shape of the carpet section to be replaced, and we do the same thing with the replacement piece we take from our section of existing carpet. Of course, we check and double-check our measurements before we put the patch in place. Also, we lay the patch face-down and cut along the underside – this allows for easier, more exact cutting.
Step 4: Gluing
The important thing to remember here is that we apply the adhesive to the empty space and not to the patch itself. Before we insert the patch, we check again to confirm that the pile is lined up correctly. When the patch is put in place, the glue only takes around 15 minutes to dry. Our team works quickly to ensure that the patch is placed well before the adhesive begins drying. Staying ahead of the drying process helps us to get the patch level with the surrounding carpet.
Step 5: Final Steps
With the patch oriented correctly and firmly adhered to the floor, we move on to a couple of final steps that guarantee the patch appears homogeneous with the rest of the carpet. First, we trim away any excess carpet fibers that may have popped up during replacement. Then we use a carpet-seam roller and thoroughly go over the patch and the surrounding carpet, making sure that all of the fibers blend in and conclusively hiding even the smallest visible seam.
Work with an Expert
When done properly, a carpet patch should be invisible – even if you get down on your hands and knees for an up-close look. A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning follows a proven procedure for carpet patching, just like we do with all of our services. If you’re in need of carpet repair, cleaning, or replacement, contact us today. Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”