“KANGA” Installation Techniques for the Professional Installer

TOOLS

While not required, KangaTOOLS are available and recommended for the installation of Kanga attached cushion carpets. There are two professional models available – a Seam Cutter and a Wall Trimmer. These tools were designed specifically for the installation of attached cushion products. They allow for easier and cleaner cuts to be made and therefore better seams can be achieved with the use of KangaTOOLS. The new cutting blade angle is the key to KangaTOOLS. Due to this “unique” angle, the KangaTOOLS will compress and slice the cushion instead of tearing it. It also allows for longer blade life.

With the use of these tools, it allows the carpet to be cut from the face side just like a standard installation would be done.

 

ACCLIMATION

Allow the carpet to acclimate to the environment in which it is to be installed. This may take anywhere from two to twenty-four hours depending on the style and outside weather conditions. In general, carpet should become acclimated to its environment in approximately two hours. Carpet should be rolled out, face up, into the room it is to be installed in for acclimation purposes. As you know, if carpet has been stored in a cold warehouse or environment or is entering a cold environment (less than 65° F) it will require longer times for acclimation. The environment (rooms, basements, etc.) should be between 65° F and 95° F with humidity levels between 10% and 65% for at least two hours prior to the start of the acclimation time period. (Please see the Carpet and Rug Institute’s “Standard for Installation of Residential Carpet” – CRI 105-2002 for further recommendations) Note: Also follow acclimation procedures for any adhesive or seam sealer required by the manufacturer.

 

INSTALLATION

  1. After acclimation, you may go ahead and cut the Kanga carpet to fit the room. This can be done because no stretching or tack strip is required for the Kanga system. Due to the cushion being attached during the manufacturing process it is a stabilized product that does not require stretching. REMEMBER TO ALLOW AT LEAST TWO (2) INCHES OF OVERLAP FOR SEAMS. DEPENDING ON STYLING OR CONSTRUCTION OF THE CARPET SEAMS MAY NEED TO BE MADE FIRST.
  2. Fold one-half of the carpet back over itself exposing the floor surface. Using a premium
    multi-purpose adhesive apply a nine (9) to twelve (12) inch path of adhesive around the perimeter of the room using a trowel that is recommended by the adhesive manufacturer. (Generally, this is a 3/32” x 3/32” x 3/32” trowel).
  3. Next, apply a path of adhesive from each corner of the room to the middle forming a “V” toward the center of the room. Fold the carpet back into the adhesive smoothing it out from the center toward the walls. Repeat the process for the other half of the room. This will provide full perimeter adhesion and an “X” from corner to corner.
  4. Full spread adhesive can also be utilized with this “Kanga” backing system, however, it will most likely be harder to remove when the replacement time comes.

 

SEAMS

  1. Again, if there is to be a seam in the room you must have at least two (2”) inches of overlap in the seam area. A little more may be preferred.
  2. As you well know, if seams are required it is very important to ensure that the second piece of carpet runs in the same direction as the first piece. (Pile in same direction)
  3. Trim the first piece by row cutting the edge. NOTE: Factory edges may not be straight, (and usually are not – ????).
  4. If the new carpet is a Cut-Pile or Cut-Loop style you will most likely want to row cut the first side of the seam and trace cut the other side of the seam.
  5. If the new carpet is a Straight-Loop or Berber style you will most likely want to row cut both sides of the seam.
  6. It would be preferable to use the multi-purpose adhesive in the seam area. Just run a trowel width of adhesive down the center of the seam. However, if it is necessary, hot melt seaming tape may be used for a seam. The Kanga backing will not melt or break down from the use of seaming irons. The one thing that may happen if an older iron is being used, without a Kool-Top shield, the polyurethane cushion may slightly discolor at the point of contact. Again, no cushion damage should occur with seaming irons.
  7. Don’t forget seam sealer. The “Kanga” attached cushion system allows for the nozzle of the seam sealer bottle to be placed down between the cushions and a good bead of seam sealer applied in the seam area.

NOTE: Our suggestion would be to slightly angle the blade inward toward the carpet at about a 5° (degree) back cut into the cushion to prevent seam peaking.