Avoid These Mistakes If You’re Replacing Commercial Carpet

It’s time for replacing carpet in your commercial space. Why not go with what was installed before?

Many property managers take this approach because it requires less time and hassle. It’s worked before, why not just keep it in place?

Here’s something to consider: It might not be the best choice for your current situation.

Flooring products have changed a lot over the past few decades. With so many options available for consideration, what if there was something better for your space?

Carpeting plays an important role in commercial spaces. It has to be durable and stand up to the traffic. It should also be attractive to make a solid first impression. How do you ensure your new commercial carpet does all of that?

Common mistakes to avoid when replacing commercial carpet

With any commercial flooring renovation, it’s essential to do your research early. Yes, you can find anything online. There are many options out there that look like a “good deal.” That can lead to costly mistakes.

Mistake #1: Not considering your options

As a property manager, you have opinions about everything. You’ve listened to tenants and visitors talk about the space. Before you invest in new commercial carpet, spend some time listing out your complaints and expectations based on past performance.

• What comments do you hear from tenants and visitors about property conditions?
• How does the current flooring function?
• How long has the existing flooring lasted?
• What is one thing you wish the current flooring had or did?

Maybe you’ve wished for a different color. Or it didn’t need cleaning as much. Or it didn’t look so worn.

These are options you can fix by moving to a different carpet line.

Mistake #2: Choosing commercial carpeting for a commercial setting

Walk into the carpet studio and you’ll find thousands of potential samples. However, not all of them are suitable for your commercial location.

There’s a difference between residential and commercial carpet. Commercial carpet is created for higher traffic situations, and is constructed to be more durable. Residential carpeting typically has a longer pile, which can snag easier, be more of a tripping hazard, and attract dirt, debris, and moisture. This can be especially damaging in open areas with higher traffic situations.

It also allows allergens to be trapped in the fibers, impacting indoor air quality. If you’re attempting to create a cleaner, more sustainable building, paying attention to the type of commercial carpets you’re installing is essential.

Additionally, commercial carpeting is better suited for heavy furniture, large mechanical equipment, and helping control ambient noise.

Mistake #3: Going with inexperienced carpet installers

Commercial carpet comes in rolls or tiles.

There are several issues with commercial carpet rolls. They usually come in large format, and if it isn’t unrolled correctly, it can cause several problems. It’s easy to snag or cause divots. Dips in the fibers could become tripping hazards. You’ll also put the carpet at greater risk of fraying and wearing out before its time. If it’s not unrolled and secured wall to wall, the gaps can cause hygiene and contaminant issues, leaving places for dirt and moisture to accumulate. This can impact air quality.

Tiles are easier to install, and provide options for replacing sections of the building rather than the entire carpet. However, it’s equally important to have a professional install the tiles to ensure a flush fit, blocking out potential tripping hazards and preventing hygiene and contamination issues.

Mistake #4: Choosing the wrong commercial installation team

When trying to save money and stick to a budget, it’s easy to find deals with overinflated promises. If a company doesn’t have experience in commercial carpet installs, you may have varying mistakes that can be costly down the road.

Commercial applications are different from residential. By partnering with someone who has experience, you’ll have a better understanding of the installation process, as well as other impactful decisions.

What about the subfloor? Do you have the proper subfloor in place for longevity?

Are you installing the right carpet for the various businesses in your building?

What about cleaning – do you understand how to clean the carpets throughout the year?

A quality installation team can answer all of these questions and more.

Mistake #5: Not having a big picture view

With residential carpet, most homes are small enough that the carpet is taken from one roll. Not so with commercial carpet. If you have a large area, it might require several rolls to complete the job. The right carpet dealer stands this and is familiar with roll sequencing and lot numbers for modular carpet tiles.

Roll sequencing is where each roll is marked and properly sequenced to help maintain a uniform and consistent appearance when multiple rolls are needed to complete the job. This is especially important in hallways, function rooms, or long corridors where changes in appearance would be noticeable.

Finished jobs are only as good as the installation. If you are replacing commercial carpet now, your goal is to have it last as long as possible. A proper installer should have a good understanding of progressive sequencing, ensuring the seams are adequately joined, and sealing is completed once the carpet is in place.

Replacing commercial carpet – Are you ready?

When done correctly, the carpet will provide a suitable base for all of your needs. It might be placing seams in the right locations to avoid tripping hazards, or to place them away from heavy furniture where they might cause unraveling at the seams. Or strengthening the subfloor for even better performance.

It starts with an understanding, taking into account all interactions within the building. Digging deep before you make your final selection can make a wiser decision.

Ask your questions first and spend time researching different products. Bring in other team members who can help you make the decision. Who will be cleaning it? Who will be maintaining it? They may have ideas you’ve never considered before.

And when you’re ready to finalize your decision, give us a call today. We’ll help you make the right decision for your building needs.