Why Does Carpet Ripple? Here’s What You Need to Know
Ever walked into a room and noticed your carpet has developed bumps, waves, or ripples? It’s more common than you think—and it’s not just a cosmetic issue. Carpet ripples can become worse over time and even turn into safety hazards if left unaddressed.
What Causes Carpet to Ripple?
There are a few key reasons your carpet may start to ripple:
1. Poor Installation
This is the #1 cause. If your carpet was installed using a knee kicker only (instead of a power stretcher), it likely wasn’t stretched tightly enough. Over time, it starts to loosen and ripple.
2. Humidity and Temperature Changes
Carpet backing materials can expand and contract with shifts in humidity or temperature. This can loosen the carpet and lead to visible waves, especially in seasonal climates or areas with high moisture.
3. Dragging Heavy Furniture
Sliding furniture across the carpet can pull and shift it, creating slack that leads to ripples.
4. Heavy Foot Traffic
Daily wear and tear in high-traffic areas can slowly stretch the carpet away from its anchor points, especially in hallways, stairs, and entryways.
5. Old or Worn-Out Padding
The pad under your carpet helps it stay cushioned and properly supported. When the padding wears down, the carpet loses its structure and may buckle.
Comments
Post a Comment