re-laying carpet: Tips and tricks?

[HardDrive]

We had carpet put in our basement a few years ago. We were rushed (Child being born within days, relatives arriving), and did not put down a good enough moisture barrier. It has to be dealt with.

From what I have read, a compotent carpet guy should be able to re-lay the carpet without to much trouble. Anything I need to know about taking the carpet up? I planned on gently pulling it away from the tack strips and rolling it up.

Anything else I need to know? Potential problems?

[Zeke]

Probably not a big deal. You might have the carpet cleaned and treated for mold while out. When I've run across this, the carpet usually needs to be restretched and trimmed at the walls once again. I think I'd buy new pad.

[azasadny]

Paint DryLock over the floor (primer) before you put in the vapor barrier.

[TerryH]

Also a good time to consider if phone cord, internet cables, speaker wire, etc. need to run under the carpet

[onewhippedpuppy]

If you have transitions between rooms or a big room, it's probably heat-seamed. Be very careful when you cut at these seams. If they aren't perfectly straight, it will be very difficult to get a good invisible seam when re-installing. A good method is to measure to align a straight edge, then hold it down tightly and cut along it. You could also pull up the carpet to the seam, and gently cut along the bottom of the heat seam tape. Then it should seperate along the original seam.

Otherwise it should be easy. Pull it up on the edges at the tack strip and roll it up. Watch the backing, it will easily gouge finished woodwork. Label the rooms to eliminate guesswork. A good installer shouldn't have any problems stretching and trimming to reinstall. Replace the pad, if it's been wet it's shot.