When sealing a seam, what is applied to adhere the primary and secondary backing?

The application of a bead of adhesive to seal a seam is a common and effective practice in the carpet installation process. Adhesive serves to bond the primary and secondary backings together, ensuring that the carpet sections align properly and remain securely attached to each other. This is crucial, as a strong bond prevents the seams from peeling apart over time due to wear, foot traffic, or environmental factors.

Using a bead of adhesive in this context is particularly important because it establishes a durable link that can withstand the stresses exerted on the carpet. Additionally, it provides an extra layer of protection against moisture, which can help in maintaining the integrity of the carpet installation.

While the other options may refer to different materials related to carpet installation, they don’t accurately describe the standard method for adhering the primary and secondary backings at a seam. For instance, seam sealant typically prevents fraying at the edges of the seams but is not the primary agent used for bonding the backings together. Hence, the bead of adhesive is the appropriate choice for this application.