Re: Historic Carpets

[Debbie Lema <dlema@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Rebecca,

I know people who have used a product called Rug Hold and have been very
satisfied with it.  It is a natural rubbery pad that grips the floor and
carpet so that it doesn't skid.  It also provides a cushion that is not
only friendly to people's feet, but is good for the carpet because it
helps retain the carpet's shape.  A side benefit is that padding
underneath a carpet aids vacuuming effectiveness.  This product, or one
like it, might be just what you need.  I don't know how many square feet
you have, but it looks like a good size persian pad runs about $100.  It
might be worth it compared to the time and effort it would take to do
all that sewing!   Plus you wouldn't risk pulling stitches and the
whatnot.
I don't know if it would cost less buying from a distributor or buying
direct, but I looked up Rug Hold's website, which is under construction
currently so it wasn't too helpful, but here's their number for you if
you want to check into it:  800-451-4563.  You could try one on one
carpet before doing all of them to test it and see if you like it.
Another suggestion I will slip in here, as I'm in the carpet cleaning
research business and can't help myself, is that when you replace
whatever gripping system you have, it would be a good time to rotate the
carpet.  Rotating area rugs helps even out traffic wear and keeps them
looking better longer.

The double-sided tape thing makes me cringe.  :-)

Debbie Lema

Rebecca Bunch wrote:

> Hello, this is a follow up question to an inquiry posted March of 2003
>
> I currently work in a historic house setting which sees a great amount of
> visitor traffic.  The buildings themselves are not necessarily considered
> museums because they are lived in by occupants as well as being open for
> tours and functions, however we do have a collection of 6000+ artifacts
> installed in various houses as well as our warehouse.
> My current concern (one of many) deals with several of our asian/persian
> carpets which are placed throughout the houses.  Because they are in high
> traffic areas, many years ago someone came up with the solution of securing
> them to the floor with heavy duty double sided tape to prevent possible
> tripping hazards along the edges. The problem with this is obvious and until
> recently the general attitude has been "it works so leave it" However, I
> would like to change this method to a more suitable one.....
>
>
>
> Part 2
>
> I believe that we have come up with a possible solution to our tripping and
> slipping problem with the carpets.  We are considering using 2" sticky
> Velcro to adhere it to the hardwood floor and the non stick Velcro to be
> sewn to the carpet.  What I propose is to have a band of fabric (unbleached
> cotton ?) sewn to the top and bottom edges of the carpet and then have the
> Velcro sewn to that, I'm hoping that this would minimize any pull on the
> carpet if the piece has to be readjusted.  An under pad will also be placed
> to reduce movement.
> Realizing that this is not an ideal solution, can any one offer any
> suggestions or comments on this option. Unfortunately the option to simply
> leave them be is not there.
> Thanks very much
>
> Rebecca Bunch
> Official Residences
> National Capital Commission
> rbunch@xxxxxxxxxx
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