with protective padding (mine had been installed in the 1960s) are laden with dust, allergens, staples, and more, so wear protective gear, including an N95 mask, goggles, and construction gloves to protect yourself. Arm yourself with an array of prying tools and a good set of clippers—preferably a carpet cutter, a tool with an angled blade that cuts smoothly with less effort. I didn’t have a
