Carpets deserve the same level of care as bare flooring during refurbishment works. That’s what carpet protection products are for. How they function is quite different from floorboards; for one, they come in film form.
This guide explains what carpet protection films are, their working principle, and what they protect against.
What Are Carpet Protection Films?
Carpet protection films are transparent, back-adhesive films that stick to various carpets. Once applied, they form a clear layer over the carpet, which then keeps anything from reaching the fibres underneath. This includes paint spills, construction debris, dust, and dirt from footwear, to name a few.
Carpet protection films are perfect for carpets that are better left in place rather than rolled up and removed. A great example is the wall-to-wall broadloom, which is often found in many commercial spaces like offices. With the right film, contractors and builders can skip the hassle of carpet removal and get straight to work without worrying about damage.
How Do Carpet Protection Films Work?
The adhesive backing of carpet protection films is designed to adhere to the carpet surface with just rubdown pressure; no taping is needed. Just make sure not to use them on wet or damp carpets. If the carpet is newly installed, wait at least 72 hours before applying the film. You may also do a spot test in a hidden area before applying it to the entire surface to ensure it won’t damage the carpet.
The alternatives
If construction or refurbishment extends beyond 90 days, you might want to explore other reliable surface protection options, such as corrugated boards. Our Floorgard Corry Board is designed for this purpose, offering better impact protection. Its twin-walled structure consists of two layers of plastic separated by ribbed patterns. In return, the gap between the floor and the object above reduces the shock or contact on the floor.
Read this guide, ‘Top FAQs on Floorgard® Corry Board Answered,’ to learn more.
Another great alternative if you want a thicker covering is Tuffcard. It’s made from recycled light kraft paper — a tougher, more durable version of regular cardboard. It’s thick enough to handle medium foot traffic and heavy-duty impacts. This ensures the fibres won’t flatten, tangle, or look worn due to pressure. It also helps avoid potential costs for remedial works if damage occurs.
What Do Carpet Protection Films Protect Against?
Thanks to the tough polyethylene material and strong adhesive used, these films cling nicely to carpet fibres and keep the nasties at bay. Here’s what they protect against:
- Debris like dust, dirt, and small material bits can find their way onto your carpets. Protective films keep such debris from settling into the fibres. This means less hassle for you when cleaning and vacuuming later on.
- Spill accidents can happen, especially when working on paint or glue that can make a mess. Carpet protection films keep those messes from soaking in and causing stains. Once the job’s done, just lift the film, and you can clean up any spills on top without worrying about damaging the carpet underneath.
- Splatters can also ruin carpets in seconds, but the films guard against paint, glue, or other messy substances. You won’t have to deal with those annoying paint drizzle on the carpet. If you’re working for someone, that means a happy customer. If it’s your own carpet, you save time on cleaning and money on repairs.
If you think removing them isn’t necessary, it’s a great idea to cover them instead. You can never go wrong with a quality and long-lasting film like STIXX Carpet Protector. This low-tack, clear adhesive film shields your carpet from dust, spills, and foot traffic while preventing damage to the threads. You can put your trust in this product for up to 90 days, compared to the 30-60 days most standard carpet films offer.
It’s also available in a fire-retardant variant, STIXX FR Carpet Protector, which meets fire safety standards to reduce risks of fire spreading and improve safety.
For inquiries, contact us at hello@s-pgroup.comor call +44 (028) 9442 8611. SP Group is a leading temporary floor protection supplier based in the UK and Ireland.