Bulletin-1006

OUTDOOR CARPET AND SYNTHETIC TURF

INSTALLATION BULLETIN

These are general recommendations. Specific instructions should be obtained from the carpet manufacturer. Outdoor installations offer conditions quite different from those encountered indoors. Both carpet and adhesives are subjected to extremes of weather and traffic, and installation surfaces will be much more varied and often uneven. The carpet to be installed outdoors should be of the construction and type of synthetic face yarns and backings recommended for outdoor use.

Note: For indoor installation of outdoor carpet, follow the procedures outlined in Installation Bulletin WFT-1002 Direct Glue Down, except where outdoor conditions may also exist, such as indoor swimming pools, health spas, and indoor-outdoor patios.

SITE CONDITIONS AND SUBSTRATE PREPARATION

All installation surfaces must be clean, dry, sound, cured, smooth, and have adequate drainage.

Concrete: Surfaces must be clean, dry and free from alkali. They must be cured for a minimum of 60 days or longer, depending on weather conditions. All wax must be removed and painted surfaces should be sanded thoroughly and cleaned before installation.

Wood: Painted wood surfaces should be sanded and sealed with an appropriate outdoor sealer. Slotted wood surfaces should be covered with an outdoor grade plywood and sealed. Wax or oiled wood surfaces present special problems that will require resurfacing.

Metal: Surfaces must be cleaned of grease, oil, dirt and rust. Painted metal surfaces must be rough-sanded and loose paint removed.

Terrazzo, Ceramic, and Marble: Should be clean and dry with all wax finishes removed.

Slate and Brick: These surfaces may be too rough and uneven for most outdoor installations and may require refinishing and leveling before installation.

Asphalt: Asphalt must be clean, dry, free from excessive oil and grease, and in good condition. New asphalt must be cured for at least 30 days, or longer, dependent upon weather conditions. Old asphalt may require resurfacing before installing carpet.

Swimming Pools: Regardless of the surface encountered, indoor swimming pools must be drained and dry before installing outdoor carpet. Outdoor pools must not be used during installation. Any fungus or algae must be removed from the surface to be covered. Indoor pool areas must be ventilated, to reduce excess humidity.

LAYOUT

Outdoor carpet should be unrolled and allowed to relax at least one hour prior to installation. The temperature should be between 55°F and 95°F, and the relative humidity between 10% and 65%. Pre-cut the carpet for the area to be covered, allowing for any required trimming. Seams should be kept to a minimum and run with the traffic pattern whenever possible. Where seams are required, be certain that the pile lay runs in the same direction.