Got called out for my seam taping method last month

I was finishing a job in Springfield and the homeowner's dad, who used to install back in the 80s, watched me for a minute. He said, 'Son, you're putting that seam tape down too fast, the adhesive isn't hot enough.' I realized I was rushing and the seams weren't bonding fully. Now I count to ten after I iron each section before I press the carpet down. Has anyone else had an old-timer give them a tip that actually stuck?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_anthony5d ago

Honestly how big of a deal is it really? I've seen guys slap that tape down quick for years and the seams hold fine. Unless you're in some crazy high traffic area or spilling buckets of water, a slightly cooler bond probably won't fail. Feels like one of those things old guys say just to sound like they know a secret.

evahenderson5d ago

Laura Chen's study on seam strength was pretty convincing.

laura_chen415d ago

Read a study from a flooring magazine that tested seam strength. They found a ten second wait time at the right heat gave a bond twice as strong as rushing it. That extra strength matters when furniture gets dragged across the seam or in humid weather. The old guy wasn't just talking to hear himself talk.