Why Is My Carpet Wrinkling?

If your carpet started wrinkling just a year or two after installation, in many cases, it's the installer’s fault. When carpet isn’t power-stretched properly during install, it will almost always ripple or come loose over time.

But poor installation isn’t the only reason. Here are the most common causes we see:

• Dragging or moving heavy furniture
• High foot traffic in certain areas
• Humidity and moisture fluctuations
• Aging or worn carpet backing

Any of these can lead to ripples, buckling, or soft spots. The good news? Carpet stretching can fix most of these issues by re-tightening the carpet and restoring that smooth, finished look without the cost of replacement.

What Is Carpet Stretching?

Carpet stretching is a service that pulls your carpet tight using professional tools and re-secures it to the tack strips around the room. It eliminates wrinkles, makes your carpet look better, and helps prevent tripping hazards. Realtors and property managers often request this service before showings or move-outs because it makes a big visual difference fast.

When Should You NOT Stretch Carpet?

Before we start any stretching job, we inspect the condition of the carpet. If we notice delamination, when the carpet backing is separating from the front we’ll let you know. No amount of stretching will hold in delaminated areas AND may even cause tearing. In that case, replacement is the better option.

Now How to Prepare for Carpet Stretching!

To get the best results, a little prep on your end helps us work efficiently:

1. Is the Home Occupied or Vacant?

This is the first question we ask.

• Vacant homes: Easier and faster! Just tell us which rooms need attention. It's also the best time to bundle carpet cleaning and stretching together.
• Occupied homes: We’ll need to talk about access and layout. More setup time may be needed depending on how much furniture is in the way.

2. What Needs to Be Moved?

• Please remove breakables, electronics, and personal items ahead of time.
• We can assist with lighter furniture while you're present.
• Heavy furniture (king beds, large sectionals, etc.) will typically stay in place, we’ll stretch around them where possible.
• If major moving or disassembly is needed, extra fees may apply.

3. Hallways & Stairs

It’s a common misconception that hallways or staircases should cost less to stretch. After all, they look smaller and usually don’t have furniture to move. But these areas often require more time, precision, and effort than a regular room.

Hallways typically have more seams, tight corners, and connection points to other rooms, which means we often need to carefully stretch or reseal them to eliminate wrinkles and prevent future damage. Staircases involve detailed handwork, multiple surfaces, and sometimes even special tools to get into every corner. If your hallway or stairs have wrinkles or issues, please let us know in advance.

4. Combine with Carpet Cleaning

Carpet fibers stretch best when slightly humid, another reason we often recommend cleaning before stretching. You’ll get better results, and your floors will look refreshed and feel softer too. We offer both services and can bundle them for your convenience.

How Much Does Carpet Stretching Cost?

We typically charge $100-$200 and up per area, depending on size, layout, and how much prep work is involved. Hallways, stairs, or unusually wrinkled areas may cost more, but stretching is still a fraction of the price of new carpet.

We’re happy to provide a preliminary estimate over the phone. But for the most accurate estimate, we recommend texting or emailing photos. Prefer an in-person quote? We can book an appointment for just $60. When you move forward with the service, we’ll credit that amount back to your total.

Final Thoughts

Carpet stretching is one of the best ways to improve the safety and appearance of your home without a big investment. We’ve helped homeowners, property managers, and realtors across Greensboro, High Point, Burlington, and Winston-Salem restore their carpets and avoid premature replacement.

📞 Call us at 336-292-0331 or Book Online at www.HernandezCarpetCleaning.com/schedule-online

SOURCES:

https://www.supershinecc.com/is-carpet-stretching-worth-it-what-you-need-to-know/#:~:text=Have%20you%20noticed%20your%20carpet,and%20your%20floors%20last%20longer.

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/flooring/22379917/how-to-stretch-carpet#:~:text=Start%20by%20removing%20all%20furniture,side%20to%20complete%20the%20job.

https://www.flooringwarehouseaustin.com/blog/articles/what-is-carpet-stretching-and-why-does-your-home-need-it