Seam Tape and Glue Guns for Carpet: What to Know

carpet

Walk into any carpet supply shelf and you will see a lot of tape, glue sticks and glue guns that look alike. They are not all interchangeable. Here is a plain guide to what each one does, how to choose, and what to check before you buy. If you want the full step-by-step seaming process, read our guide on how to seam carpet. This article is about the supplies themselves.

What hot melt seam tape does

Hot melt seam tape is a strip with a heat-activated adhesive on one side. You lay it under the seam, melt the adhesive with a seaming iron, and press the two carpet edges into it. As the adhesive cools it bonds the backing together. It is the standard way to join broadloom carpet when seaming.

How to choose seam tape

  • Width. Seam tape is sold in different widths, commonly in the 3 inch to 6 inch range. Wider tape gives more bonding area, and the carpet manufacturer or the job may call for a certain width. We carry 3 inch, 4 inch and 6 inch Powerhold options.
  • Carpet type. Heavier or more demanding carpets may need a stronger or wider tape. Check the carpet manufacturer's installation instructions, since some specify the tape or even the brand.
  • Tape color. White and amber versions both exist. Tape color is mostly a preference unless the product instructions say otherwise.
  • Brand and grade. Powerhold and Orcon both make a range of grades. Compare the product descriptions for the carpet backing they are made for, such as the Powerhold 330 Premium Carpet Seaming Tape or the Orcon XK-50 Wide Carpet Seam Tape.

Browse all of them in our carpet seam tape collection.

Use fresh tape and store it well

Old or damaged tape can fail to bond. Keep rolls in a clean, dry place out of heat and moisture, and do not use any that has been crushed, dirty or exposed to dust. If a seam ever lets go, the tape and the iron temperature are the first things to check.

What glue guns are used for

A hot melt glue gun is a different tool from a seaming iron. Installers use it for small jobs where an iron would be awkward, like sealing cut edges so they do not fray, securing loose areas, or a quick repair. Heavy-duty flooring glue guns take larger sticks than craft guns, so the gun and the sticks need to match.

Double-stick tape is a different product

Double-stick tape holds two surfaces together with adhesive on both sides. It is not a substitute for hot melt seam tape. Powerhold carries several widths, such as the 1-1/2 inch Double Stick Power Tape. Read the product description to see what surfaces and uses it is intended for before you put it on a job. See the rest of our flooring tapes.

Do not skip the iron and the tools

Tape only works as well as the iron that melts it. A seaming iron needs to heat evenly, and you need row finders, a seam cutter and weights to keep the seam tight while the adhesive sets. See our carpet seaming irons and tools for the rest of the kit.

Common mistakes to avoid

Most seam failures come from a short list of problems: tape that is too narrow for the carpet, an iron that is too cool or moved too fast, dirty or damp backing, and seams that are not weighted while they cool. Slow down, keep the work area clean, and give the adhesive time to set before anyone walks on the seam.

Quick checklist before you buy

  1. Read the carpet manufacturer's seaming instructions.
  2. Pick a tape width and grade that matches them.
  3. Make sure your iron and glue gun are in good working shape.
  4. Buy enough tape and sticks to finish without running out mid-seam.
  5. Test on a scrap piece of the same carpet if you can.

Not sure which tape or gun fits the carpet you are installing? Contact us and we will help you sort it out.

Tags: Carpet, Glue guns, How-to, Seam tape