Carpet ripples — wave-like distortions across the carpet surface — are closely related to wrinkles but tend to be smaller and more frequent. Like wrinkles, ripples indicate that the carpet has lost tension and is no longer properly stretched over the tack strip.
Key Takeaways
- Ripples indicate the carpet was not properly power-stretched during installation
- Knee-kicker-only installation (without power stretcher) is a common cause of ripples
- High humidity and temperature fluctuations cause the backing to expand and contract
- Delamination of secondary backing causes structural ripples that cannot be fixed by re-stretching
- A certified inspection checks for proper tack strip placement, seam integrity, and backing condition
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, carpet wrinkles can often be corrected by power stretching. However, if the backing has delaminated, re-stretching won't solve the problem.
Our Standard Flooring Inspection starts at $550 and covers carpet, including installation evaluation, backing assessment, and a written report.
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Independent flooring inspector serving Southern California. Certified as NWFA Certified Inspector (#CP2416122), FCITS Master Inspector (#2031), NALFA Inspector, IFCII Inspector, and CFI University graduate. Specializes in forensic flooring investigations, moisture diagnostics, insurance claims, and expert witness services.
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