Category: Carpet Flooring

Carpet Flooring

How to Repair Carpet Damage by Pets

Pets are one of flooring’s worst enemies, and carpet is one of the most susceptible types of flooring to pet damage. Carpet’s absorbent nature makes it vulnerable to toilet-training accidents. Sharp claws can also damage the carpet’s fibers. 

Removing Pet Stains from Carpet

If your pet has a toilet accident on the carpet, it can cause numerous problems. With wet stains, moisture sinks into the fibers. If you can’t get it dry, it may become absorbed into the pad beneath the carpet. 

Although the moisture from one accident shouldn’t cause too many issues, the ammonia from the urine can create complications. As the moisture evaporates, it leaves behind this noxious chemical, which can emit lingering odors. The smell tells your pet that the spot is an ideal location for future elimination. Therefore, it’s important to clean and dry the area thoroughly.

When pets continue to soil the same area, the moisture will likely seep through the carpet and carpet pad, leaching into the subfloor. Once it penetrates this layer, it is very difficult to remedy. 

Even if you dry the spot adequately, you might have trouble eliminating the odor. Urine salts that remain in and underneath the carpet absorb moisture from the air. As that moisture evaporates, ammonia gas emanates from it, causing a noxious scent. 

Therefore, it’s vital to clean the area thoroughly, dry it out properly and eliminate stains and rings.

Dealing With Wet Stains

It’s essential to attend to a urine stain as soon as possible. As urine interacts with the oxygen in the air, it can stain the carpet fibers. This color change may become permanent if it is not cleaned immediately.

Take the following steps to handle pet stains quickly:

  • Soak up the excess liquid by blotting the carpet with a clean, absorbent cloth. 
  • Mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts hot water in a spray bottle. 
  • Spray the soiled area with the solution.
  • Blot with a damp rag.
  • Use a dry cloth to remove all traces of moisture from the carpet.

If the urine hasn’t saturated the base of the carpet, don’t introduce too much water when cleaning. You don’t want to push the urine salts into the fibers. Instead, blot as you go. Consider aiming a fan at the spot to dry it completely once you have removed all of the urine. 

Managing Odor

Odors can set in when urine compounds become trapped beneath the carpet. If you have lingering odor or moisture problems from your pet’s accidents, you may need to replace the carpet pad. 

This is a more complex solution that requires the following steps:

  • Pull up the affected area of carpet.
  • Cut out the soiled pad.
  • Place an absorbent cloth under the affected area of carpet.
  • Lay the carpet back down.
  • Slowly pour boiling water through the damaged spot on the carpet without saturating it too much.
  • Blot the excess moisture from above.
  • Lift the carpet again and clean the underside.
  • Treat the carpet and underlayment with an enzyme cleaner. 
  • After the carpet and flooring dry, replace the carpet pad
  • Re-stretch the carpet.

In extreme cases, the urine may saturate the underlayment. If it is completely dry, you may wish to apply an odor barrier to prevent any lingering scents from making their way into your space. You should replace the underlayment if it shows signs of rot or mold growth.

Eliminating Stains

Some pet accidents are messier than others, creating unsightly stains. When cleaning up after your pet, remove solid messes without pushing them into the fibers. After you have removed as much waste as possible, use the following methods to eliminate stains:

  • Sprinkle baking soda on the stained area.
  • Spray the spot with a solution of 50:50 vinegar and water. 
  • It will become foamy; allow the solution to sit for 15 minutes.
  • Blot the area with a damp cloth until you have removed all traces of baking soda.
  • Dry the carpet with an absorbent towel.

Fixing Snagged Fibers

Cats are notorious for using carpets as scratching pads. Dogs with long nails can snag the fibers as they run and play. It’s frustrating when you notice that a patch of carpet looks rough. If the problem is serious, you’ll notice long, floss-like strands emanating from the pile.

Here are some methods for fixing a snagged carpet:

  • If one or two loops stand taller than the rest of the carpet but are still intact, try pushing them down at the base using a narrow tool, like a screwdriver. Use a small dab of hot glue to keep them in place.
  • If a loop has become torn and is sticking straight out of the pile, trim it flush with the rest of the carpet using sharp scissors.
  • If the damage is extensive and long, plastic-like threads are dangling out of the carpet, you may need to patch the rug. Trim the strands or the time being, and follow the instructions in the next section for patching the area.

Sometimes, the snag occurs at the seam. You should be able to correct it by following these guidelines for hiding carpet seams.

When a pet has created more damage than a simple snag, you may need to patch a section of carpet. Installers often leave behind scraps for this purpose. 

  • Using a sharp utility knife, cut away the damaged part of the carpet.
  • Place the section that you removed on a piece of paper or newsprint. Alternatively, you can place it on the missing section of carpet.
  • Trace the edges of the area that needs to be repaired.
  • Cut out the template. Place it on the new carpet, and trace around the edges.
  • Cut the new carpet to the correct shape.
  • Clean the area beneath the carpet, if necessary.
  • Apply double-sided carpet tape to the underlayment, and adhere the new carpet segment to it.

Dos and Don’ts for How to Repair Carpet Damage by Pets

As you tackle the job of repairing pet-related carpet damage, follow the guidelines below for the best results.

Do: 

  • Vacuum after cleaning and drying the carpet to remove lingering soil or cleaning product
  • Vacuum before cleaning dried pet stains to remove solid waste
  • Rub the carpet gently, using linear movements, for stubborn stains
  • Use enzyme cleaners to combat the compounds in pet fluids that cause odors
  • Consider installing carpet tiles, which can be replaced easily if they become soiled
  • Provide scratching posts for cats so that they don’t claw the carpet
  • Place something heavy over the towel that you use to blot the carpet dry

Don’t:

  • Use a steam cleaner — Heat sets the stain and locks in odors
  • Scrub the carpet with too much pressure to avoid damaging the nap
  • Soak the carpet with water unless you’re lifting it and can dry the area underneath
  • Use commercial spot removal products that are not intended for pets. These may lock in the stain, making it permanent.
  • Use a carpet cleaner until you have blotted away as much of the mess as possible

Sometimes, old pet stains can reappear even though you have cleaned them. This usually happens because some of the liquid or mess became trapped in the lower fibers or pad of the carpet. In these cases, it’s best to replace the carpet or repair that section. If you have pets, you might think about replacing your carpet with an easy-to-clean, water-resistant flooring, such as laminate or tile.

Carpet Flooring, Flooring Types, Tile Flooring

What You Need to Know About Carpet Tiles for Basements

Having a basement as part of your property can mean one of two things. Either it’s a storage area for the junk you’ve accumulated over the years, or it’s an opportunity to take advantage of a potential extra room. Whether you’re building a man cave or making a serviceable utility area, it’s important to make sure you choose the right flooring.   

Carpet tiles for basement flooring are increasingly popular. They’re versatile, cost effective, and have insulating properties. In the current market, there is also a growing range of styles and materials available.

So what do you need to consider when deciding whether carpet tiles are the right choice for your basement project? We’re going to give you an overview of the key areas for focus, along with some practical guidance on their effective use. 

What Are the Different Types of Carpet Tile?

When it comes to aesthetics, your design options can stretch beyond monochromatic or checkerboard patterns that were popular in the past. These modular panels come in triangular, diamond, rhomboid, and even herringbone shapes, among others — allowing you to be more creative in the patterns you can arrange them in.  

One of the key choices you’ll also need to make is about the backing. While this is not the visible part of the carpet tiles that you’ll see every day, it certainly makes a difference to their feel and performance. In most instances, you’ll need to decide between three options:

Hard Backed Tile

In this instance, the carpet fibers are attached directly to a thin base of PVC. One one hand, this can make for a sensation of stability and security underfoot, and tends to be the lower-priced option. However, these are not always the most suitable choice for basements as there is no insulating layer to protect against the cold, or against rising moisture.

Closed Cell Cushion Tile

This option has a similar PVC backing to the hard backed variety, but is separated from the carpet fibers by a layer of compressed foam. This adds some insulating properties to the carpet tile, and the potential for shock-absorption extends the lifespan of the carpet. 

Open Cell Cushion Tile

Like the closed version, this type also has a foam layer sandwiched between the carpet fibers and the PVC backing. The key difference in this case is that the cells in the foam cushioning are not as densely packed. The core’s ability to inflate after being compressed underfoot means that it is a more comfortable, durable, and insulating carpet tile for basement floors. 

How Much do Carpet Tiles Cost? 

The cost of carpet tiles for basement floors generally comes down to these factors:

Cushioning

The more comfortable and insulated the tiles are, the higher the price tends to be. Hardback tiles can cost as low as $0.94 per square foot, while the open cell variety averages at around $3.20 per square foot.    

Locking

For additional stability, there is also the option for tiles that interlock. Some of these have a visible “jigsaw” appearance, others lock beneath the surface. These come in at around $2.80 per square foot. 

Sealant

When installing carpet tiles for basement refurbishment projects, it’s important to bear in mind that these rooms can be subject to greater degrees of cold and damp than other areas of your home. As such, it’s advisable to seal the floor with an epoxy concrete sealant before laying the tiles. A gallon of this can add around $26 to your budget. 

Adhesive

Many carpet tiles come with peel-and-stick adhesives already applied to the back, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, if your basement is particularly susceptible to damp climate or moisture, it’s important to apply your tiles using a moisture resistant adhesive. A gallon comes in at around $17.

Assuming that you have various accessories such as carpet knives, tape measures, trowels, and paint rollers already to hand, the average cost of carpet tiles for basement projects measuring 100 square feet is around $300. 

How to Install Carpet Tiles 

Basements can be notoriously tricky to remodel, but the good news is that carpet tiles are one of the more simple options when it comes to installation. Depending on the condition and shape of your basement, there can be some preparation involved, and if you have ambitious pattern plans it is essential to plan ahead.

For the most part, though, you’ll find installing carpet tiles for basement floors runs as follows: 

  • Remove Old Flooring — if you previously had full carpets, ceramic tiles, or vinyl you’ll need to remove this first. Use a scraper or pry bar to pull up all pieces of glued down materials. 
  • Make Repairs — assess the state of your basement floor; are there any cracks, holes, or dips? If so this could affect both the finish and safety of your carpet tiles. Use concrete filler or floor leveller to create a smooth, stable surface. 
  • Sweep and Clean — make sure that the area is free of dirt and dust that could interfere with the solid bonding or curing of your sealants and adhesives. Make sure the cleaning surfaces are entirely dry before beginning your installation. 
  • Apply Sealant — follow the manufacturer’s instructions, but this is usually applied by using a paint roller to spread evenly about the surface. Avoid walking on the wet sealant, and make certain the room is well ventilated while you’re occupying the space. 
  • Test Your Placement — if you’re using a complex pattern, it’s helpful to place the tiles as intended before committing to gluing them down. This way you can assess where adjustments need to be made. 
  • Install the Tiles — it’s advisable to start from the center point of the room and work your way out toward the edges. Work patiently, applying adhesive to one tile at a time, and press the tile firmly in place on the floor. Remember that until the adhesive has cured, the tile can still be subject to shifting, so be careful as you place the other tiles that you’re not inadvertently nudging others out of position.

Conclusion – Why Carpet Tiles?

The reason to choose carpet tiles for basement flooring is more than a simple budget-friendly consideration. Today, cushioned cores can help create a cosy underfoot feel, as well as insulate from cold and damp conditions. They’re easy to install, which makes them not only ideal for DIY enthusiasts, but also cuts down on labor costs. The variety of designs available means that you don’t just have to settle for drab squares, you can make your floor a key feature in your creative remodeling plans.