[Mike Osbourne]

Got a call to do a quote and the first thing she said was it will need stretching. Got there synthetic back with local ruffles about 6 inches in diameter.

Is this de lamination and should I bother with it. I don't have a freindly C fitter either at this point.

Also got a job booked which requires replacing a carpet tile. Any pitfalls with this? Plan is to use a spray adhesive for carpet tile leave 10 minutes and HWE tiles around it. It also needs cutting to fit up against a wall.

[Dave_Lee]

Mike,
Local ripples are almost certainly delamination and restretching will not solve the problem, as the top fabric of the carpet has separated from the secondary backing. When a fitter stretches a carpet, its the secondary backing that he is trying to stretch, not the top fabric. Attempting to stretch the top fabric will make the situation worse.
Only stick the tile down if the rest of them are. Often they are completely loose laid. If you must stick it, use a bit of copydex or other latex adhesive, only a few light blobs will do. Avoid spray adhesive as it may over soften any bitumen tile backing and bring brown stains to its surface.
Cut the tile with a Stanley knife or similar. Simply scribe a line on the tile backing,
with the blade where it needs cutting and bend, so as to crack the back. Then just re run the blade along the line to cut through, and position.
Dave.

[Mike Osbourne]

Thanks Dave,

Good advice. Would have used a spray on adhesive otherwise. Customer was well happy, I think they would have paid £50 just for the tile change, but gave it a good clean elsewhere.

The delaminated carpet. Rang up lady said no one will touch it and you will have problems even if you stretch. She said someone is doing it at the weekend for her and can I do the carpet the following week. I said wouldn't be interested but if she insisted and I got a complete waiver I'd think about it. Am I silly? Going round tomorrow night to deliver a BW rug I picked up when I quoted. Charged £30 for a 5x8 probably worth £70 when new.