In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the quick and easy guide to fixing a buckled rug. We’ll be discussing the materials you’ll need, the specific steps to take, and how to care for the rug afterwards.
We’ll also be exploring the reasons why the area rug buckled in the first place and the best ways to prevent this in the future. With this guide, you’ll be able to fix that buckled rug in no time! So let’s get started!
Identifying Causes of Rug Buckle
Have you ever noticed that your rug looks a bit off, like it’s buckling or wrinkling in certain areas? That’s a common occurrence known as rug buckling, and it’s usually caused by an uneven distribution of weight across the rug.
Other common causes of rug buckling are improper installation, furniture being placed on the rug, and incorrect vacuuming.
Check to see if the rug is too small or large for the space
Identifying the causes of rug buckling can be tricky, but one common cause is that the rug may be large or small for the space. This can happen if the rug or space is not properly measured beforehand.
When your area rug is properly installed, the edges should be tacked down to the floor. This helps to keep it in place and evenly distributed. If the rug isn’t installed correctly, it will cause it to buckle and wrinkle in certain areas.
How to Fix:
When selecting a rug, it’s important to make sure it’s the right size for the space. If you find the area rug you love is too small or large, there are a few ways to fix it.
- The most straightforward option is to simply buy a different-size rug!
- If you’ve already invested in the one you have, however, you could also try to trim it down to size. If you decide to try cutting the rug, it’s best to leave that to the professionals. It’s a tricky process, and you don’t want to ruin an expensive rug.
- Or you could return it for a larger or smaller size.
Check the humidity levels of the room
When your rug starts to buckle, one of the first things you should check is the humidity levels of the room.
High humidity levels and excess moisture can be one of the biggest culprits causing a rug to buckle, as the extra moisture leads to the rug fibers expanding.
If your rug is in a room where it is regularly exposed to high humidity levels, it can cause the rug to buckle over time.
How to Fix:
To test the humidity levels of the room, you can purchase a hygrometer, which is a device that measures the relative humidity in the air.
If the humidity levels are too high, there are a few things you can do to help reduce them.
- The first thing you’ll want to do is purchase a dehumidifier to lower the humidity in the space. This will help prevent further buckling from occurring.
- If the buckling is already extensive, try laying the rug out flat and rolling it up in the opposite direction. This will help to even out the buckles.
Inspect the rug's backing
If you notice that the backing is weak, it could be the reason why your rug is buckling. You can also check for signs of wear and tear, such as balding or cracking on the rug, which can lead to buckling as well.
How to Fix:
- If you find that the backing is the culprit, it’s best to replace it or have a professional do it. It’s important to make sure the backing is secure and strong to prevent future buckling and other damage.
- You should also rotate your rug every now and then to spread out the wear and tear.
Inspect the rug pad
Another item to inspect is your rug pad, as it is a common cause of buckling.
If your rug pad is too small for the rug, it won’t provide enough support to keep the rug flat.
If the pad is old or worn, the support it offers may decrease over time.
Additionally, the wrong type of rug pad can also cause buckling. Rug pads come in different types, and some are not designed for use under certain types of rugs. If your rug pad is the wrong type, it could cause the rug to buckle.
How to Fix:
- Make sure that the rug pad is properly secured to the floor. Take a look at the underside of the rug and make sure the pad is properly secured. If it is not, make sure to re-secure it with rug tape, tack strip, or carpet tape. Ensure the rug tape is safe for the type of flooring underneath (such as wood floors).
- Replace your old rug pad with a new one that fits the rug you have.
- Also, be sure to buy the right type of rug pad for your rug.
Check for any signs of water damage
If your rug has been exposed to excessive moisture, it can cause the fibers to expand. This puts pressure on the backing, which can result in buckles. So, if you see any signs of water damage, that may be the source of the buckles.
This could include discolouration, staining, or even a sour smell. If you notice any of these signs, it is likely that your rug has been exposed to water, and that this is the culprit behind its buckling. Additionaly, this can be caused by a variety of things, from leaking pipes or plumbing to an overflowing sink or bathtub. Warped wood or tile underneath the rug can also be a sign of water damage.
How to Fix:
- To fix a rug buckle due to water damage, the first step is to remove the rug from the area where it’s been exposed to water. If you can, hang the rug outdoors on a clothesline or similar surface, and then use a fan to help it dry more quickly.
- Once the rug is completely dry, the buckle should start to dissipate. If it doesn’t, you may need to use a steam cleaner to help remove the moisture from the fibers and get them back into their original shape.
Check for any uneven wear or stretching
Checking for any uneven wear or stretching. If you notice any areas of the rug where the pile has become worn down or stretched out, this could be a major cause of buckling.
If you have a rug in a high traffic area, it’s likely that it will start to buckle over time. This is because the fibers on the bottom of the rug are being compressed more than the fibers on top, which will cause the rug to buckle up.
How to Fix:
- Checking for uneven wear or stretching is the first step to diagnosing the issue.
- You should also look for any weak spots in the rug, such as areas where the fibers are thinning, or spots where the rug seems to be sagging.
- You can try using a steam cleaner to gently steam the rug, which should help to make it more pliable and easier to flatten out. You can also use a rug stretcher to help ease the rug into a flat shape.
- The most effective and reliable method is to take the rug to a professional rug repair service. They will be able to properly assess the damage and know the best way to repair it without causing any further damage.
