Carpet stretching is the process of tightening loose or wrinkled carpeting and re-securing it to the tack strips around the perimeter of a room. This process typically involves specialized tools like a power stretcher and knee kicker to remove wrinkles and restore a smooth, taut surface. For instance, a homeowner might choose to stretch their carpet after several years of use, heavy foot traffic, or furniture rearrangement that has caused the carpet to loosen and ripple.
Maintaining a properly stretched carpet offers several advantages. It improves the overall appearance of a room, eliminates tripping hazards caused by wrinkles and buckles, and extends the lifespan of the carpet by reducing wear and tear in high-traffic areas. Historically, carpet stretching was a common practice due to the limitations of older carpet installation methods and materials. While advancements in carpet backing and installation techniques have made new carpets less prone to wrinkling, stretching remains a valuable service for maintaining older carpets or addressing issues that may arise in newer installations.