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It is required that tack-strips be a minimum of 1 inch (25 mm) wide and 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick (Refer to Table III – Tack Strip at the end of this document).  Architectural strips, 1 ¾ inches in width (50mm) with 3 rows of pins, or 2 conventional strips with 2 rows of pins each, are required for stretching areas exceeding 30 feet to provide secure attachment of the carpet and additional shear strength.  To prevent possible injury to occupants, it is required that the pins on tack-strips not protrude through the carpet being installed.

 

Additional tack-strip installation specifications include:

•Securely fasten tack-strips to maintain the tension provided by power stretching. Nailed or stapled tack-strips are required to have a minimum of 2 fasteners per piece.

•Place tack-strips with the pins angled toward the vertical abutment.

•The gully, or distance between the tack-strips and vertical abutments, is required to be slightly less than the thickness of the carpet but not exceed 3/8 inch (9 mm).

•Avoid installing tack-strips across door openings and/or sills. Cut tack-strips to follow the contour of door casings and other irregularly shaped abutments.

•Do not staple carpet to tack-strips.

•On radiant-heated floors, use manufacturer’s approved adhesive to secure tack-strips.  To prevent damage to the heating system, do not use nails or screws.