Removing Your Old Carpets Without Causing Damage

There is a common issue that many homeowners overlook when calculating the total cost of a new carpet installation, which is the cost of carpet removal and disposal. This type of expenses is usually not included in a typical carpet quotation. If you plan to hire professionals to remove your old carpet and install a new one, the cost you will incur might be significant. Alternatively, you can opt to remove and install the carpet yourselves to stay within budget. Here are some of the best tips to keep in mind if you are undertaking a project like this.

Gather the right removal tools

It is pertinent that you have the right equipment on hand to complete the removal project and they will make quick work of the existing carpet. The tools you will need include:

• Floor scraper: You will need this to remove all the carpet pad staples that are found in the subfloor. In some cases, you will be able to pound these staples down with a hammer and then remove them with a screwdriver.
• Pry bar: You will be using this to pull up any existing tack strips as well as remove the baseboard trim. A claw hammer for this task is also an acceptable alternative.
• Twine: If you prefer a natural and green option, you can use a jute twine. On the contrary, a nylon twine is equally strong and cheaper.
• Utility knife: In most cases, a general utility knife will suffice. If you want something stronger, go for a specialized carpet knife.
• PPE: These items include knee pads, dust masks and leather gloves. They are useful tools to wear to prevent pain and injury.

Preparation work

When you have emptied the immediate room, it will be much easier to remove your old carpet. You can consider moving all the furnishings to an adjacent room or onto flooring that will not be replaced. If you need to leave any heavy furniture on linoleum or vinyl floors, you should cut small squares from the old carpet and place them under the feet of the heavy furniture. This way, it will not leave any permanent marks on your precious floors.

Removing the carpet

Before you begin, you might want to contact a recycling center to find out if it accept old carpets. If it does, you can ask for the roll size it needs. Once you have acquired the necessary information, you can proceed to cut up the carpet with your utility knife and make sure what you cut is within the recommended width. To keep your knife sharp for a longer time, you should lift up the carpet when the cut you have made is a few feet long. This way, the blade tip of your knife is not in direct contact with the subfloor beneath.

When you have made all the necessary cuts, you can proceed to remove any remaining tack strips, padding and staples. However, you should be extra careful when you are working with stairs. Ensure that your weight is forward to avoid falling backwards when the carpet can be removed easier than expected.

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