Carpet instalation – remove the tiles underneath it?
Want to install the carpet myself. After removing the old carpet and underpad, I saw old tiles glued on the concrete floor. These tiles are really old, probably 30 years or more. I already broke some pieces when I pulled out the tackleless strip. Should I leave the tiles alone? The previous owner didn’t bother to remove them. If I remove it, how do I lay the underpad? I cannot staple it anymore. I don’t think I can staple the pad to the concrete, can I? Thanks for your help.
I would remove any loose tiles, but not pull up any that are secured. If these tiles are vinyl, then I wouldnt even bother with a filler or floor leveler. If they are ceramic, then yes, you’d need to either apply floor leveler, or remove all the tiles.
The pad can be adhered to the floor with a foam adhesive. You dont need to cover the entire floor with the glue, just apply a spot here and there. Another option would be double sided tape. Use duct tape along the seams of the carpet pad to help prevent it from overlapping the joint, if there is any movement of the pad.
As ‘Bandit’ stated in his answer, you can secure carpet tack with either a concrete nailer, or you can buy carpet tack made for concrete, and spend time hammering it in place, hehehe. When Ive only got to replace a piece or two of carpet tack, I buy the nailed version…when I have to do a whole room, I rent a nailer.
Good Luck
CRI 105 Carpet Installation Guidelines Part 1 of 2