 | Patrick Goebel has been involved in the home improvement industry for over 10 years and is currently director of retail flooring of the Flooring & Decorating Division of Star Lumber & Supply Co., Inc. You may contact Patrick by email at pgoebel@starlumber.com or by phone at (316) 942-2221. |
Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering
2004-10-01 15:07:00
The carpet forum - continued
: We've just noticed a rust strain on the carpet under a plastic carpet protector (used to allow a chair to roll freely). When we lifted the protector we smelled a moldy odor and the carpet felt slightly damp. Our house sits on a slab. Any ideas?
ANSWER: Yes.. don't put down any more plastic. Typically for basements, but for your home as well since it is on a slab. You should never put down a carpet, pad or other covering which does not breathe; let the moisture through. Concrete can hold a lot of moisture and can absorb it through the ground, especially with the amount of rain we have had this year. If you trap it, as you found, it will lead to mold and mildew. Typically ignoring moisture or signs of moisture such as rust is not a good thing. It is very important to determine the source and remedy it as quickly as possible. If significant mold or mildew is present it is highly advisable to bring in a professional cleaner or mold Remediation Company. They are trained on the proper techniques for removing mold and many times can help pin point its source. QUESTION: I am in the process of trying to remove old carpet. I believe it is tacked on, and I would like to know the best way to remove it. ANSWER: Actually, I have found just finding a loose or semi-loose edge and ripping it up works best. Carpet is typically only attached at the wall edges, often only with a sort of toothed board, or tack strip, which grabs and holds it in place. Once you get it started, it should come up easily. QUESTION: How do I make a stair runner turn around a corner? ANSWER: You will need to piece it together. You can hide the seams in the bottom inside corner of a step. You can't bend the carpet around a corner, nor would you want to. Simply cut a 45 degree and piece it together across the landing. Hide the seam in the step.
