should carpet pad be laid up against the tack strip, or should there be a gap between the new pad and tack str

Answer 1

A small gap won't hurt a thing. In fact, if the padding is extra thick, it is almost essential because the height of the tack strip can be less than the height of the padding. I wouldn't allow a gap of much more than 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch. You might want to ask the retailer that sold you the padding and carpet for their recommendations. If you have had carpet installed and you are worried about small gaps that you noticed as the installers laid the carpet, you probably don't have anything to worry about.

Good luck with your carpet job.

Answer 2

pad goes up to the tack strip