CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends...
Transcript of CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends...
1
CARPETS
Carpet is soft floor coverings The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of
manufacture but also on how well the carpet is made the fibres used quality of fibre
and the density of pile A good quality carpet should be able to withstand wear from
constant footfalls spillages cigarette ash and grit and also have the ability to recover
from the effects of heavy or sharp furniture Its shape and color should be stable even if
deep-cleaned or constantly exposed to sunlight The pile should be dense and made from
strong fibres held firmly in position
Carpets are used extensively in all types of establishments because of their appearance
the safety factor warmth and sound insulation Durability appearance and ease of
maintenance are the major concern when choosing carpet and floor There are many
carpets from which to choose with a wide price range and carpet performance may be
judged by
Durability depends on-
Resistance to wear
Resistance to abrasion
Good construction with tufts well held
Appearance depends on-
Resistance to flattening
Soil and stain resistance
Color fastness to sunlight water shampoo and rubbing
Safety depends on-
Flame resistance
Comfort depends on-
No build-up of static electricity
Length and softness of pile
COMPOSITION-
Carpets primarily have three components- an underlay a backing and a face or pile The
pile is held to the backing with knots (in case of woven carpet) or with adhesive As
underlay is essential if a carpet is to be laid
UNDERLAY BACKING -
Underlay or lsquounder-feltrsquo acts as shock absorber
between the carpet backing and any un
evenness in the sub-floor which could cause
pile to wear out It tends the carpet to feel softer
and more luxurious as well as helps to absorb
pressure from furniture provide increased
sound and heat insulation
An underlay may also be attached beneath the
carpet backing when it is referred to as the
secondary backing or it may be installed separately
2
BACKING ndash The primary backing is the one in which pile of the carpet is anchored It may be made of
natural material such as jute hemp or cotton or synthetic material such as polypropylene
nylon various resins or synthetic rubber or of a combination of natural and synthetic
materials Normally the primary backing
has bonding material that may be of rubber
latex plastic synthetic adhesive which
holds the fibre in place A secondary
backing sometimes laminated to the
primary backing provides additional
stability improve shape and resilience and
more secure installation These are not
necessary for woven carpet
PILE ndash Also called the lsquofacersquo of the carpet this is the part which is seen on the surface and walked on Hence it should be strong and resilient The pile may be made of a blend of
fibres or exclusive synthetic or natural fibre (such as wool and cotton silk is used in very
expensive luxurious carpet) The blends used are typically of wool and rayon wool and
cotton wool acrylic and rayon and so on The synthetic fibres usually are polypropylene
polyester and acrylic The pile fibre density height twist and the weave affect the
carpetrsquos resilience and durability
Different types of pile are-
HARD TWIST PILE-
This is a cut pile with heavy
twist built into the yarn
giving it a pebble look It is
used mainly in plain carpets
but it can be combined with
other types of pile to give a
textured effect Hard-twist
pile does not show shading
and tacking(shading is the
twisting of pile caused by
footfalls or the moving of
heavy furniture and shows
up as dark patches Tracking
is the smoothing down of the
carpet in heavily used area)
3
LOOPED PILE ndash
The pile is uncut and is made up of a continuous series of loops It can give various
textures from a thick and knobby pile to the closely curled low-loop pile that is like an
irregular cord carpet Looped pile is used in Wilton and Tufted carpets
CUT PILE-
The loops of the pile are cut is such carpets Tufted and woven carpets are produced in
cut pile Axminster carpets it is the only type of pile produced
SHAG PILE-
This can be produced on a tufting machine or on a Wilton or Axminster loom The pile is
long and shaggy and has luxurious look
TYPES AND CHARACTERISTIC-
TYPES OF NON-WOVEN CARPETS-
These carpets are produced by attaching the surface pile to a pre-fabricated
backing
TUFTED CARPET-
Tufted carpets account for about 95 of
the total carpet production in the world
These are available plain or patterned and
are usually made of synthetic fibre
blended with wool The tufts are needled
into a backing- usually made of
polypropylene in sheet form but
sometimes made of hessian The tufts are
locked into place with latex along the
back Then either the foam layer or a
secondary backing of woven jute or
polypropylene is added If a foam backing is used an
underlay is not required The pile is either looped or
cut Tufted carpets do not fray
Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored
tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile
can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear
They are hard to maintain too since the long pile
hides a lot of dust
BERBER CARPETS- These carpets have short nubby tufts
The pile is dense and looped characteristic made from
natural un-dyed sheeprsquos wool They are available in natural
neutrals such as white off-white fawn beige etc
4
BONDED CARPETS- These carpets are
neither woven nor tufted The one feature
that distinguished bonded carpets are that
the materials used are glued heat fused
or in some other way bonded together
They are all therefore typically
manufactured from manmade fibres A
well bonded carpet is bonded and
economical
BONDED PILE CARPET- These
generally have a pile of nylon or polypropylene which is stuck to a PVC backing These
are also available tile form
ELECTRO STATICALLY FLOCKED CARPETS- Bonding is also used for flocked carpet
which have thousands of small fibres electro statically bonded to an adhesive-coated
backing
NEEDLE PUNCH CARPET- Another method
of bonding is needle punch or needle loom A
mixture of fibres is punched by needles and
entangled through a backing fabric
KNITTED CARPETS- These carpets are produced by
interlacing yarns in a series of connected loops as in woven
carpets the pile and the backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace the pile
backing and stitching yarns together in one operation
TYPES OF WOVEN CARPET-
Some of the highest quality carpets are made by the weaving method The pile and the
backing are woven together here so that the pile is locked into position The weave
consist of warp and weft yarns interwoven to form the face pile and backing at the same
time The pile may be cut or uncut Woven carpets may be of three types ndash Wilton
Axminster and Oriental Wilton and Axminster are name of the loom on which these
types of carpets are woven The main difference is that the Axminster loom allows any
5
number of colors as the threads are cut off and reintroduced according to the
patterndesign
WILTON CARPETS-
Wilton is the most expensive weave
used for carpet manufacturing These
may be produced as patterned Cord
Brussels or Plain
PATTERNED WILTON- these carpets are woven on a type of loom known as a jacquard
loom This is an apparatus that produces pattern from colored yarns A perforated card
contains the pattern design These carpets give added warmth and resilience Once the
carpet is done the pile is cut and closed No more than 5 colors are used
PLAIN WILTON ndash These carpets are made without adding the jacquard apparatus to the
loom They have extra jute threads called lsquostuffersrsquo added to the backing to compensate for the lack of the spare colored yarns as filling
CORD- These carpets are plain Wilton carpets with an uncut pile
BRUSSELS- these carpets are patterned Wilton carpets that have an uncut pile
AXMINSTER CARPETS-
An Axminster-type power loom is capable of weaving high quality carpets with many
varying colours and patterns These carpets
are woven is such a way that the pile is
almost entirely on the surface Each pile
tuft is individually inserted into the
backing leaving no dead threads to
reinforce it The pile is less close and
longer than in Wilton carpets The backing
is very durable There are three types of
Axminster carpet-
SPOOL AXMINSTER- This is the most
popular Axminster carpet and single piece
can have an unlimited color in the pattern
The carpet is woven in such a manner that
the pattern is visible on reverse side also
GRIPPER AXMINSTER- This carpet is similar to spool Axminster carpet the only
difference being the use of a maximum of eight colors due to its method of creation
CHENILLE AXMINSTER- in French chenille means lsquocaterpillarrsquo The threads the distinctly visible in the finished carpet giving a segmented look like a caterpillar These
carpets are soft and thick and made in many colors
and pattern
ORIENTAL CARPET-
These hand woven carpets from the Middle East
Indian subcontinent and far East are available in a
variety of sizes pattern and color Based on the
country of origin they are called Chinese Indian
Afghan Persian carpets and rugs
6
Floral pattern dominate in India and Persia
Chinese carpets are easily recognized by pattern that includes dragon monsters etc a fine
oriental carpet will have more than 500- 100 knots per square inch
SELECTION OF CARPET ndash
The responsibility of daily and periodic cleaning and maintenance lies on Executive
Housekeeper Once the types of carpet is decided on a specification sheet needs to be
prepared for the dealer so that the right good id delivered Selection criteriarsquos are-
SIZE-
BODY OR STRIP CARPETING ndash the narrow width of carpeting is known as body
width and this is either 27rdquo or 36rdquo This has no border so that the pattern can be matched when the strips are joined
BROADLOOM CARPETING- carpets are available in a width wider than body strips
width The most common width are 9ft 12ft 15ft and some as wide as 18ft Tufted
broadloom carpets are made in widths of 9ft 105inches or 13ft 105inches These are best
CARPET SQUARE ndash These are loose carpet quadrangle with all edges neatened The
advantage of carpet square is that they can be turned to even out the wear They are not
exactly square Sizes vary ndash 6ft9inches X4ft or 9ftX12ft rectangular
CARPET TILES- These range from 9inches square to 20 inches square A popular size is
12inches square They are sold in packs of nine which can be stuck down Some have
self adhesive that make it easy to lay
STAIR CARPET- these come in a width of 18inches and 225inches they may be palin
or patterned
RUGS AND MATS- these are normally oblong and should be less than 6ft9inchesX4ft
Rugs can be placed in areas of heavy use
PURPOSE
They may broadly be classified in six
categories-
LIGHT DOMESTIC USE- Meant for
bedrooms at home which are not walked upon
much
LIGHT CONTRACT USE- at hotel bedrooms
with less usage
MEDIUM CONTRACT USE- may be used in
hotel bedrooms and public areas
GENERAL CONTRACT USE- these are for
living room halls stairs public areas and
restaurants etc
HEAVY CONTRACT USE- mainly used in
public areas or shops with heavy footfalls
LUXURY- these are better quality not meant
for general use- for eg
For hotel lobby ndash good quality and hard
wearing like Axminster made of 80wool
7
and 20 nylon is suitable
For lounge- a plain Wilton or Tufted carpet is suitable
For dining areas- an acrylic pile carpet is practical as stains can be removed easily
For staircase- cord or needle felt is suitable as these are more hard wearing and incurs
low cost
CONSTRUCTION-
The surface pile and the type of backing are important selection criteria
PILE DENSITY AND WEIGHT-
How well the carpet performs is mainly a matter of the density of the pile pile with
characteristic ndash gauge pitch pile height stitches pile weight and yarn size Average pile
density is the weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet
36Xface weight
Average pile density -------------------------
Pile height
Yarn or face weight refers to the amount of fibre (per square yard) that is the face of
carpet Face weights normally range from 20-70 ounces I
Carpet density ranges from 1000-7000 Carpet density rating 2000 is considered average
for mild usage
Twist Level
The number of twists in a one inch strand of carpet is its twist level Carpet with fewer
twists can unravel The number of twists is sometimes overlooked but is an important
factor for carpet durability Too low of twists may be very disappointing in an otherwise
high quality carpet On the other hand a carpet with a high number of twists can
compensate for a lower density
The shorter the tighter the twist the denser the better the carpet The short tight twist
carpet is called a frieze This is the best wearing style of carpet that is not a loop pile ie
commercial carpet A frieze with a longer pile and a little less density is a style called
textured plush This style is still excellent for wear and has a elegant look
A textured plush with even less yarn creates a style called a textured Saxony This style
is still going to perform well but in the very heavy traffic areas some crushing will be
noticeable
Removing even more yarn while keeping the same longer pile will create a shag carpet
Shags are casual and if tightly twisted using a nylon fiber can give years of service
Shags will crush but will recover with a good vacuuming
SHEARING OR FINISHING
If the fiber is not crimped as in the above textures and the
carpet is sheared several times the carpet will look like
velvet in super dense construction a plush in less dense
construction and a Saxony in even less dense
construction
8
Velvets are super formal and tend to show the most footprints vacuum marks and traffic
Velvets are also the most difficult carpets to seam well If you have a desire for a super
elegant carpet and do not mind footmarks etc on the carpet then you will love a velvet
carpet
Plush carpets are very similar to velvets except for a slightly coarser look and a less
dense pile Also the twist in the fiber is not as tight as a velvet construction Plush carpets
are elegant and are often thick so as to feel good when felt by the hand or foot Like
velvet carpets plush carpets show seams and footprints Both velvets and plush usually
come in solid colors Solid colors are elegant but do not hide soil
PILE HEIGHT AND STYLE-
The length thickness and ply of the pile yarn affect the weight of the carpet and
ultimately help in determining its wear Pile height is the measurement (usually in
fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet from the base of the primary backing to the tip
of yarn
Why does pile height matter Pile height affects a rug in a number of important areas
including durability ease of cleaning and cushioning
Advantages of Shorter Pile (Less than 12 inch) Carpets and Rugs with shorter piles
tend to last a bit longer and are considered more durable than rugs with longer piles
Along with this increased durability a lower pile is less likely to catch an object and be
pulled Furthermore a short pile rug can be vacuumed thoroughly A shorter pile allows a
vacuum to reach dirt at the very bottom of the rug without the risk of ruining it
Advantages of Longer Pile (Greater than 12 inch) Rugs with longer piles are
considered more luxurious and soft on the feet Although generally not as durable as rugs
with a shorter pile long pile rugs provide plusher cushioning and with proper care can
still last for generations
PILE FIBRE
Wool is dominant fibre for carpet pile Wool is soft and resilient resist abrasion and
soiling has natural flame retardant properties feels warm retain its appearance well if
maintained properly
Though wool is expensive and suffers high static generation Presently many manmade
fibres blends have become popular The blends used are ndash
Wool and nylon- 8020
Polypropylene and acrylic-5050
RESILIENCE -
It refers to the ability of the pile to recover its original appearance and thickness after
being walked upon In a guest room warmth and comfort are important for the guests
walking on bare feet or light slippers
DYEING-
There are two classifications of dyeing residential carpets pre-dyed yarns (dyed before
tufting) and post dyed yarns (dyed after the tufting is stitched) There are numerous
methods of pre-dye and post dye mdash all can affect carpet performance and stain
resistance Additional types of dyeing include skein stock dyeing yarn dyeing space
9
dyeing extrusion dyeing beck dyeing continuous dyeing and print dyeing If the colors
must last for a longer period lsquodope dyeingrsquo is ideal Problems related to dyeing in carpets are crocking and bleeding Crocking refers to the
color rubbing off as a result of improper dye penetration Bleeding is a loss of color when
carpet is wet due to improper dyeing
AESTHETIC-
This refers primarily to the color texture and pattern of the carpet A spacious lobby
should have larger bold pattern than those of smaller area
BACKING-
a good carpets should have firm backing The secondary backing gives the carpets
dimensional stability so that it resists stretching from foot traffic or from carts being
pulled across it Foam backing of 18 to frac14 inch thickness may be added to the primary
backing to serve as a self cushion and to eliminate the need for separate padding
UNDERLAYPADDING-
If comfort and luxury is desired one must choose a proper underlay An ideal underlay
properly installed with a quality carpet and good backing can prolong the carpetrsquos life by
softening the intensity of abrasion Underlay also provides extra insulation against
extremes of heat and cold and acts as a acoustic-dampening layer It is important to
select a moth and mildew proof underlay
REPUTATION OF DEALER-
The guarantee of quality and durability should range from 5-10years It is preferred to
that a reputed dealer manufacturer and installer should be appointed for carpet selection
and installation
INSTALLATION OF CARPET-
Laying the Under pad
When a carpet is not stuck down a carpet underlay made of felt rubber or synthetic foam
is essential in order to-
1 Eliminate any slight unevenness in the floor
2 Retard crushing and creeping
3 Provide an extra layer of heat and sound insulation
4 Make the carpet feel soft and luxurious
5 Take the strain of feet and lengthen the life of the carpet
6 Rubber or synthetic underlay mat be fixed to some non-woven carpets
7 The underlay should be of same size as the carpet
The installation methods are semi-permanent or temporary-
LAYING OF CARPETS TOOLS
Tackless strips
Stapler
Hammer
Utility knife
Chalk line
Knee kicker
Power stretcher
Seam cutter
Seaming iron
Seam tape
Wall trimmer
Strip cutter
Seam roller
Knee pads
10
Measuring tape
Rolling pin (or rental seam roller)
Work gloves
Safety glasses
SEMI-PERMANENT METHODS-
Stretch-in ndash Carpets is stretched over a
separate underlay onto narrow tackless strips
pr grippers of wood with protruding tacks
The strips have two or three rows of nails
angled upwards to which carpets backing are
attached during installation
Turn and tuck - the edges of the carpets is turned under like a
hem and then tacked into position Unless well fitted this method
can cause unevenness which traps dust
Sunken- This method may be used where there is a change in
floor level The carpet is placed into the lower level of floor
and fixed hence the floor level becomes even
Glued down- this is more permanent method than the other methods It is usually used
with rubber or foam backed carpets It may direct glue-down or double glue down In the
direct glue-down method the carpet is adhered directly to the floor In the double glue-
down method the underlay is adhered to the floor first and then the carpet is glued to the
underlay
The glue-down method is suitable-
For most areas including ramps and heavy-traffic areas
The seams are durable (but difficult to repair)
Special design and border can be installed
There is no restriction on the size of the area to be carpeted
TEMPORARY METHOD-
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These usually involve the addition of tape sewn round the edges of the carpet This tape
may contain pegs hooks press studs or Velcro strips Which attach themselves to
corresponding sockets loops or hooks affixed to the floor surface beneath the carpet
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARPETS-
A regular maintenance programme is a must for carpets since they are easily soiled or
damaged Good maintenance increases the life of carpet
Most new carpet shed fluff for the first few weeks During this period carpets should be
lightly brushed After a month carpets should be vacuumed once a week
To even out wear furniture should be moved occasionally Avoid dragging heavy
furniture over carpet as this damages the fibre
ROUTINE CARE-
This involves daily removal of dust from the carpet Dust is usually removed using dry-
suction vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper Care should be taken to clean the surrounding
areas corners and edges Inspection is a regular duty of a housekeeper to ensure there is
no pest infestation
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE-
This involves deep cleaning of the carpet Housekeeper should prepare a periodic
schedule for this When the dirt is visible deep cleaning should be done Many properties
carpet cleaning is contracted out because of the specialized equipment and skill required
Three different methods of deep cleaning are ndash
Shampooing ndash carpet shampooing machine can use either liquid or dry foam Shampoos
are anionic synthetic detergent and should be used in correct dilution Liquid shampoo
very little foam Dry-foam shampoos are actually also liquid but they leave a dry foam
on the surface of the carpet Foam loosens the dirt holding the soil on the surface of the
carpet which is removed through suction cleaners
Hot-water extraction ndash This is done by a hot-water extraction machine The machine
uses a shampoo solution that does not form foam It injects the solution under high
pressure through the pile to the back of the carpet where it emulsifies and loosens dirt
and grease Simultaneously the machine sucks up the solution along with the now
suspended dirt and grease After the cleaning process the carpet is left slightly damp and
requires a very short drying time
Dry powdering- a powder containing absorbents such as sawdust solvents and drying
agents is sprinkled on the carpet and left for several minutes The powder absorbs the
grease and dirt and it is removed with the help of a dry suction cleaner This is usually
used for spot removal from carpet
12
CARPET PROBLEMS To keep carpet as attractive and clean as possible housekeeping staff in charge of carpet
cleaning should learn to recognize and remedy the following common carpet problems
Pile distortion
Shading
Fading
Wicking
Mildew
Sheddingpilling
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
Pile distortion
Fibers can become twisted
pilled crushed or flared and
matted
1 Heavy foot of
equipment traffic
2 Improper cleaning
methods
May be impossible to remedy in high-
traffic areas Mats runners and
furniture glides can help prevent
crushing Regular vacuuming or using
a pile lifter or pile brush on high-
traffic areas will help to pick up
crushed pile while removing gritty
soil which can damage the carpets
Shading
Dark and light areas appear
Pile in the carpet is brushed
in two different directions
the dark and light areas
appear
Vacuuming or pile lifting the carpet in
one direction can help but not
eliminate it
Fading Natural aging wear n tear
cleaning can combine to
accelerate color loss
Premature fading may occur
due to improper cleaning or
spot removal
Can be dyed Always pretest carpet
before using aggressive Spot-removal
techniques
Wicking Occur when the backing of
the carpets becomes wet
and the face yarn draw or
wick the moisture and color
of the backing to the surface
of the carpet
Occurs most frequently in
jute backed carpet that has a
light ndashcolor face fiber
Can be prevented by promptly
attending to spills and by following
proper cleaning procedure that avoid
over wetting the carpet
Vinegar or synthetic citric acid
solution used in post cleaning
treatments or added to certain
cleaning chemicals can help prevent
or cure browning
Mildew
Forms when moisture
allows molds in the carpets
to grow Causes staining
odor and rotting
All carpets should be kept dry and or
treated with an antibacterial to prevent
the problem Proper cleaning
procedure that avoid
Over-wetting that carpet can help
prevent mildew from forming
13
Glossary of Carpet Terms
There are many technical terms used in the carpet industry This glossary of carpet
terms can help you navigate the jargon and learn more about the product choices
Adhesive A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by
surface attachment
Anchor Coat A latex or adhesive coating applied to the back of tufted carpet to lock
the tufts and prevent them from being pulled out under normal circumstances
Antimicrobial A chemical treatment added to carpet to reduce the growth
of common bacteria fungi yeast mold and mildew
Antistatic A carpet lsquos ability to dissipate an electrostatic charge before it reaches a
level that a person can feel
Attached Cushion Adhering a cushioning material (foam rubber urethane PVC
etc) to the back of carpet
Average Pile Density The weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet It
is calculated by multiplying the pile weight by 36 then dividing that product by the
pile height (in inches) A calculation used primarily in the commercial
carpet industry
Average Pile Yarn Weight Mass per unit area of the pile yarn including
unexposed portions of the pile yarn In the US it is usually expressed as ounces per
square yard
Axminster A type of carpet where the pile is inserted one row of tufts at a time
each row representing a section of the overall pattern The tufts are Ushaped and are
anchored at the bottom into the primary backing that is simultaneously woven The
backing may have a synthetic starch or latex finish applied to it Axminster weaving
has been traditionally used mostly for creating multicolored patterned carpets
Backing (Primary and Secondary) Backing is fabric (in tufted carpet) that makes up
the back of the carpet as opposed to the carpet pile or face
In tufted carpet Primary backing is the material that the yarn is stitched through
Secondary backing is added in the finishing process (after dyeing) and serves to add
strength (dimensional stability) to the carpet and insures the individual tufts are
locked in place
In woven carpet the backing is the combination of the ldquoconstruction yarns ldquo which
are interwoven with the face yarn
14
Back Seams Installation seams made with the carpet turned over or face down
Opposite of ldquoface seams rdquo made with the carpet face up Both are on the back of the weaving or tufting operation
BCF See Bulked Continuous Filament
Berber A carpet constructed with coarse yarns having randomly spaced flecks of
color against a background of base color Currently this term has expanded
to describe many level or multi level loop carpet styles
Binding A band or strip sewn over a rug or carpet edge to protect strengthen or
decorate the edge
Bleeding-Transfer of fiber dyes from carpet or other fabrics by a liquid usually
water with subsequent re-depositing on other fibers
Blend A mixture of two or more fibers or yarns
Breaking Strength The ability or capacity of a material to withstand the ultimate
tensile load or force required for rupture
Broadloom A term used to denote carpet produced in widths wider than 54 inches
Broadloom is usually 12 feet wide
Burns Burns occur when the carpet yarn is exposed to an errant heat source and the
fibers are melted or scorched Burns should be addressed immediately First snip off
the damaged fibers then use a soap less cleaner and sponge with water If the
damage is extensive see a professional about repairs
Cable A yarn made by twisting two or more plied yarns together Typically a large
regular yarn
Carding In staple yarn manufacture a process to remove impurities and
short unusable fibers The fiber is cleaned and aligned to form a continuous
untwisted string called a sliver
Carpet Any textile floor covering that is not designated as a Rug
Carpet Modules Carpet packaged as squares generally 18 inches by 18 inches (457
x 457 mm) with or without attached cushion backing Also referred to as carpet tiles
Colorfastness The measure of a carpet or yarnrsquo s resistance to fading Cord A carpet where the pile hasrsquot been cut in lines giving it a ribbed look
Crocking A term used to describe excess color rubbing off as the result of improper
dye penetration fixation or selection
Cross Section The shape of an individual filament or fiber when cut at right angles
to its axis Manufactured fibers used for carpet may have various shapes including
round trilobal and pentalobal as well as hollow varieties
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
2
BACKING ndash The primary backing is the one in which pile of the carpet is anchored It may be made of
natural material such as jute hemp or cotton or synthetic material such as polypropylene
nylon various resins or synthetic rubber or of a combination of natural and synthetic
materials Normally the primary backing
has bonding material that may be of rubber
latex plastic synthetic adhesive which
holds the fibre in place A secondary
backing sometimes laminated to the
primary backing provides additional
stability improve shape and resilience and
more secure installation These are not
necessary for woven carpet
PILE ndash Also called the lsquofacersquo of the carpet this is the part which is seen on the surface and walked on Hence it should be strong and resilient The pile may be made of a blend of
fibres or exclusive synthetic or natural fibre (such as wool and cotton silk is used in very
expensive luxurious carpet) The blends used are typically of wool and rayon wool and
cotton wool acrylic and rayon and so on The synthetic fibres usually are polypropylene
polyester and acrylic The pile fibre density height twist and the weave affect the
carpetrsquos resilience and durability
Different types of pile are-
HARD TWIST PILE-
This is a cut pile with heavy
twist built into the yarn
giving it a pebble look It is
used mainly in plain carpets
but it can be combined with
other types of pile to give a
textured effect Hard-twist
pile does not show shading
and tacking(shading is the
twisting of pile caused by
footfalls or the moving of
heavy furniture and shows
up as dark patches Tracking
is the smoothing down of the
carpet in heavily used area)
3
LOOPED PILE ndash
The pile is uncut and is made up of a continuous series of loops It can give various
textures from a thick and knobby pile to the closely curled low-loop pile that is like an
irregular cord carpet Looped pile is used in Wilton and Tufted carpets
CUT PILE-
The loops of the pile are cut is such carpets Tufted and woven carpets are produced in
cut pile Axminster carpets it is the only type of pile produced
SHAG PILE-
This can be produced on a tufting machine or on a Wilton or Axminster loom The pile is
long and shaggy and has luxurious look
TYPES AND CHARACTERISTIC-
TYPES OF NON-WOVEN CARPETS-
These carpets are produced by attaching the surface pile to a pre-fabricated
backing
TUFTED CARPET-
Tufted carpets account for about 95 of
the total carpet production in the world
These are available plain or patterned and
are usually made of synthetic fibre
blended with wool The tufts are needled
into a backing- usually made of
polypropylene in sheet form but
sometimes made of hessian The tufts are
locked into place with latex along the
back Then either the foam layer or a
secondary backing of woven jute or
polypropylene is added If a foam backing is used an
underlay is not required The pile is either looped or
cut Tufted carpets do not fray
Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored
tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile
can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear
They are hard to maintain too since the long pile
hides a lot of dust
BERBER CARPETS- These carpets have short nubby tufts
The pile is dense and looped characteristic made from
natural un-dyed sheeprsquos wool They are available in natural
neutrals such as white off-white fawn beige etc
4
BONDED CARPETS- These carpets are
neither woven nor tufted The one feature
that distinguished bonded carpets are that
the materials used are glued heat fused
or in some other way bonded together
They are all therefore typically
manufactured from manmade fibres A
well bonded carpet is bonded and
economical
BONDED PILE CARPET- These
generally have a pile of nylon or polypropylene which is stuck to a PVC backing These
are also available tile form
ELECTRO STATICALLY FLOCKED CARPETS- Bonding is also used for flocked carpet
which have thousands of small fibres electro statically bonded to an adhesive-coated
backing
NEEDLE PUNCH CARPET- Another method
of bonding is needle punch or needle loom A
mixture of fibres is punched by needles and
entangled through a backing fabric
KNITTED CARPETS- These carpets are produced by
interlacing yarns in a series of connected loops as in woven
carpets the pile and the backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace the pile
backing and stitching yarns together in one operation
TYPES OF WOVEN CARPET-
Some of the highest quality carpets are made by the weaving method The pile and the
backing are woven together here so that the pile is locked into position The weave
consist of warp and weft yarns interwoven to form the face pile and backing at the same
time The pile may be cut or uncut Woven carpets may be of three types ndash Wilton
Axminster and Oriental Wilton and Axminster are name of the loom on which these
types of carpets are woven The main difference is that the Axminster loom allows any
5
number of colors as the threads are cut off and reintroduced according to the
patterndesign
WILTON CARPETS-
Wilton is the most expensive weave
used for carpet manufacturing These
may be produced as patterned Cord
Brussels or Plain
PATTERNED WILTON- these carpets are woven on a type of loom known as a jacquard
loom This is an apparatus that produces pattern from colored yarns A perforated card
contains the pattern design These carpets give added warmth and resilience Once the
carpet is done the pile is cut and closed No more than 5 colors are used
PLAIN WILTON ndash These carpets are made without adding the jacquard apparatus to the
loom They have extra jute threads called lsquostuffersrsquo added to the backing to compensate for the lack of the spare colored yarns as filling
CORD- These carpets are plain Wilton carpets with an uncut pile
BRUSSELS- these carpets are patterned Wilton carpets that have an uncut pile
AXMINSTER CARPETS-
An Axminster-type power loom is capable of weaving high quality carpets with many
varying colours and patterns These carpets
are woven is such a way that the pile is
almost entirely on the surface Each pile
tuft is individually inserted into the
backing leaving no dead threads to
reinforce it The pile is less close and
longer than in Wilton carpets The backing
is very durable There are three types of
Axminster carpet-
SPOOL AXMINSTER- This is the most
popular Axminster carpet and single piece
can have an unlimited color in the pattern
The carpet is woven in such a manner that
the pattern is visible on reverse side also
GRIPPER AXMINSTER- This carpet is similar to spool Axminster carpet the only
difference being the use of a maximum of eight colors due to its method of creation
CHENILLE AXMINSTER- in French chenille means lsquocaterpillarrsquo The threads the distinctly visible in the finished carpet giving a segmented look like a caterpillar These
carpets are soft and thick and made in many colors
and pattern
ORIENTAL CARPET-
These hand woven carpets from the Middle East
Indian subcontinent and far East are available in a
variety of sizes pattern and color Based on the
country of origin they are called Chinese Indian
Afghan Persian carpets and rugs
6
Floral pattern dominate in India and Persia
Chinese carpets are easily recognized by pattern that includes dragon monsters etc a fine
oriental carpet will have more than 500- 100 knots per square inch
SELECTION OF CARPET ndash
The responsibility of daily and periodic cleaning and maintenance lies on Executive
Housekeeper Once the types of carpet is decided on a specification sheet needs to be
prepared for the dealer so that the right good id delivered Selection criteriarsquos are-
SIZE-
BODY OR STRIP CARPETING ndash the narrow width of carpeting is known as body
width and this is either 27rdquo or 36rdquo This has no border so that the pattern can be matched when the strips are joined
BROADLOOM CARPETING- carpets are available in a width wider than body strips
width The most common width are 9ft 12ft 15ft and some as wide as 18ft Tufted
broadloom carpets are made in widths of 9ft 105inches or 13ft 105inches These are best
CARPET SQUARE ndash These are loose carpet quadrangle with all edges neatened The
advantage of carpet square is that they can be turned to even out the wear They are not
exactly square Sizes vary ndash 6ft9inches X4ft or 9ftX12ft rectangular
CARPET TILES- These range from 9inches square to 20 inches square A popular size is
12inches square They are sold in packs of nine which can be stuck down Some have
self adhesive that make it easy to lay
STAIR CARPET- these come in a width of 18inches and 225inches they may be palin
or patterned
RUGS AND MATS- these are normally oblong and should be less than 6ft9inchesX4ft
Rugs can be placed in areas of heavy use
PURPOSE
They may broadly be classified in six
categories-
LIGHT DOMESTIC USE- Meant for
bedrooms at home which are not walked upon
much
LIGHT CONTRACT USE- at hotel bedrooms
with less usage
MEDIUM CONTRACT USE- may be used in
hotel bedrooms and public areas
GENERAL CONTRACT USE- these are for
living room halls stairs public areas and
restaurants etc
HEAVY CONTRACT USE- mainly used in
public areas or shops with heavy footfalls
LUXURY- these are better quality not meant
for general use- for eg
For hotel lobby ndash good quality and hard
wearing like Axminster made of 80wool
7
and 20 nylon is suitable
For lounge- a plain Wilton or Tufted carpet is suitable
For dining areas- an acrylic pile carpet is practical as stains can be removed easily
For staircase- cord or needle felt is suitable as these are more hard wearing and incurs
low cost
CONSTRUCTION-
The surface pile and the type of backing are important selection criteria
PILE DENSITY AND WEIGHT-
How well the carpet performs is mainly a matter of the density of the pile pile with
characteristic ndash gauge pitch pile height stitches pile weight and yarn size Average pile
density is the weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet
36Xface weight
Average pile density -------------------------
Pile height
Yarn or face weight refers to the amount of fibre (per square yard) that is the face of
carpet Face weights normally range from 20-70 ounces I
Carpet density ranges from 1000-7000 Carpet density rating 2000 is considered average
for mild usage
Twist Level
The number of twists in a one inch strand of carpet is its twist level Carpet with fewer
twists can unravel The number of twists is sometimes overlooked but is an important
factor for carpet durability Too low of twists may be very disappointing in an otherwise
high quality carpet On the other hand a carpet with a high number of twists can
compensate for a lower density
The shorter the tighter the twist the denser the better the carpet The short tight twist
carpet is called a frieze This is the best wearing style of carpet that is not a loop pile ie
commercial carpet A frieze with a longer pile and a little less density is a style called
textured plush This style is still excellent for wear and has a elegant look
A textured plush with even less yarn creates a style called a textured Saxony This style
is still going to perform well but in the very heavy traffic areas some crushing will be
noticeable
Removing even more yarn while keeping the same longer pile will create a shag carpet
Shags are casual and if tightly twisted using a nylon fiber can give years of service
Shags will crush but will recover with a good vacuuming
SHEARING OR FINISHING
If the fiber is not crimped as in the above textures and the
carpet is sheared several times the carpet will look like
velvet in super dense construction a plush in less dense
construction and a Saxony in even less dense
construction
8
Velvets are super formal and tend to show the most footprints vacuum marks and traffic
Velvets are also the most difficult carpets to seam well If you have a desire for a super
elegant carpet and do not mind footmarks etc on the carpet then you will love a velvet
carpet
Plush carpets are very similar to velvets except for a slightly coarser look and a less
dense pile Also the twist in the fiber is not as tight as a velvet construction Plush carpets
are elegant and are often thick so as to feel good when felt by the hand or foot Like
velvet carpets plush carpets show seams and footprints Both velvets and plush usually
come in solid colors Solid colors are elegant but do not hide soil
PILE HEIGHT AND STYLE-
The length thickness and ply of the pile yarn affect the weight of the carpet and
ultimately help in determining its wear Pile height is the measurement (usually in
fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet from the base of the primary backing to the tip
of yarn
Why does pile height matter Pile height affects a rug in a number of important areas
including durability ease of cleaning and cushioning
Advantages of Shorter Pile (Less than 12 inch) Carpets and Rugs with shorter piles
tend to last a bit longer and are considered more durable than rugs with longer piles
Along with this increased durability a lower pile is less likely to catch an object and be
pulled Furthermore a short pile rug can be vacuumed thoroughly A shorter pile allows a
vacuum to reach dirt at the very bottom of the rug without the risk of ruining it
Advantages of Longer Pile (Greater than 12 inch) Rugs with longer piles are
considered more luxurious and soft on the feet Although generally not as durable as rugs
with a shorter pile long pile rugs provide plusher cushioning and with proper care can
still last for generations
PILE FIBRE
Wool is dominant fibre for carpet pile Wool is soft and resilient resist abrasion and
soiling has natural flame retardant properties feels warm retain its appearance well if
maintained properly
Though wool is expensive and suffers high static generation Presently many manmade
fibres blends have become popular The blends used are ndash
Wool and nylon- 8020
Polypropylene and acrylic-5050
RESILIENCE -
It refers to the ability of the pile to recover its original appearance and thickness after
being walked upon In a guest room warmth and comfort are important for the guests
walking on bare feet or light slippers
DYEING-
There are two classifications of dyeing residential carpets pre-dyed yarns (dyed before
tufting) and post dyed yarns (dyed after the tufting is stitched) There are numerous
methods of pre-dye and post dye mdash all can affect carpet performance and stain
resistance Additional types of dyeing include skein stock dyeing yarn dyeing space
9
dyeing extrusion dyeing beck dyeing continuous dyeing and print dyeing If the colors
must last for a longer period lsquodope dyeingrsquo is ideal Problems related to dyeing in carpets are crocking and bleeding Crocking refers to the
color rubbing off as a result of improper dye penetration Bleeding is a loss of color when
carpet is wet due to improper dyeing
AESTHETIC-
This refers primarily to the color texture and pattern of the carpet A spacious lobby
should have larger bold pattern than those of smaller area
BACKING-
a good carpets should have firm backing The secondary backing gives the carpets
dimensional stability so that it resists stretching from foot traffic or from carts being
pulled across it Foam backing of 18 to frac14 inch thickness may be added to the primary
backing to serve as a self cushion and to eliminate the need for separate padding
UNDERLAYPADDING-
If comfort and luxury is desired one must choose a proper underlay An ideal underlay
properly installed with a quality carpet and good backing can prolong the carpetrsquos life by
softening the intensity of abrasion Underlay also provides extra insulation against
extremes of heat and cold and acts as a acoustic-dampening layer It is important to
select a moth and mildew proof underlay
REPUTATION OF DEALER-
The guarantee of quality and durability should range from 5-10years It is preferred to
that a reputed dealer manufacturer and installer should be appointed for carpet selection
and installation
INSTALLATION OF CARPET-
Laying the Under pad
When a carpet is not stuck down a carpet underlay made of felt rubber or synthetic foam
is essential in order to-
1 Eliminate any slight unevenness in the floor
2 Retard crushing and creeping
3 Provide an extra layer of heat and sound insulation
4 Make the carpet feel soft and luxurious
5 Take the strain of feet and lengthen the life of the carpet
6 Rubber or synthetic underlay mat be fixed to some non-woven carpets
7 The underlay should be of same size as the carpet
The installation methods are semi-permanent or temporary-
LAYING OF CARPETS TOOLS
Tackless strips
Stapler
Hammer
Utility knife
Chalk line
Knee kicker
Power stretcher
Seam cutter
Seaming iron
Seam tape
Wall trimmer
Strip cutter
Seam roller
Knee pads
10
Measuring tape
Rolling pin (or rental seam roller)
Work gloves
Safety glasses
SEMI-PERMANENT METHODS-
Stretch-in ndash Carpets is stretched over a
separate underlay onto narrow tackless strips
pr grippers of wood with protruding tacks
The strips have two or three rows of nails
angled upwards to which carpets backing are
attached during installation
Turn and tuck - the edges of the carpets is turned under like a
hem and then tacked into position Unless well fitted this method
can cause unevenness which traps dust
Sunken- This method may be used where there is a change in
floor level The carpet is placed into the lower level of floor
and fixed hence the floor level becomes even
Glued down- this is more permanent method than the other methods It is usually used
with rubber or foam backed carpets It may direct glue-down or double glue down In the
direct glue-down method the carpet is adhered directly to the floor In the double glue-
down method the underlay is adhered to the floor first and then the carpet is glued to the
underlay
The glue-down method is suitable-
For most areas including ramps and heavy-traffic areas
The seams are durable (but difficult to repair)
Special design and border can be installed
There is no restriction on the size of the area to be carpeted
TEMPORARY METHOD-
11
These usually involve the addition of tape sewn round the edges of the carpet This tape
may contain pegs hooks press studs or Velcro strips Which attach themselves to
corresponding sockets loops or hooks affixed to the floor surface beneath the carpet
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARPETS-
A regular maintenance programme is a must for carpets since they are easily soiled or
damaged Good maintenance increases the life of carpet
Most new carpet shed fluff for the first few weeks During this period carpets should be
lightly brushed After a month carpets should be vacuumed once a week
To even out wear furniture should be moved occasionally Avoid dragging heavy
furniture over carpet as this damages the fibre
ROUTINE CARE-
This involves daily removal of dust from the carpet Dust is usually removed using dry-
suction vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper Care should be taken to clean the surrounding
areas corners and edges Inspection is a regular duty of a housekeeper to ensure there is
no pest infestation
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE-
This involves deep cleaning of the carpet Housekeeper should prepare a periodic
schedule for this When the dirt is visible deep cleaning should be done Many properties
carpet cleaning is contracted out because of the specialized equipment and skill required
Three different methods of deep cleaning are ndash
Shampooing ndash carpet shampooing machine can use either liquid or dry foam Shampoos
are anionic synthetic detergent and should be used in correct dilution Liquid shampoo
very little foam Dry-foam shampoos are actually also liquid but they leave a dry foam
on the surface of the carpet Foam loosens the dirt holding the soil on the surface of the
carpet which is removed through suction cleaners
Hot-water extraction ndash This is done by a hot-water extraction machine The machine
uses a shampoo solution that does not form foam It injects the solution under high
pressure through the pile to the back of the carpet where it emulsifies and loosens dirt
and grease Simultaneously the machine sucks up the solution along with the now
suspended dirt and grease After the cleaning process the carpet is left slightly damp and
requires a very short drying time
Dry powdering- a powder containing absorbents such as sawdust solvents and drying
agents is sprinkled on the carpet and left for several minutes The powder absorbs the
grease and dirt and it is removed with the help of a dry suction cleaner This is usually
used for spot removal from carpet
12
CARPET PROBLEMS To keep carpet as attractive and clean as possible housekeeping staff in charge of carpet
cleaning should learn to recognize and remedy the following common carpet problems
Pile distortion
Shading
Fading
Wicking
Mildew
Sheddingpilling
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
Pile distortion
Fibers can become twisted
pilled crushed or flared and
matted
1 Heavy foot of
equipment traffic
2 Improper cleaning
methods
May be impossible to remedy in high-
traffic areas Mats runners and
furniture glides can help prevent
crushing Regular vacuuming or using
a pile lifter or pile brush on high-
traffic areas will help to pick up
crushed pile while removing gritty
soil which can damage the carpets
Shading
Dark and light areas appear
Pile in the carpet is brushed
in two different directions
the dark and light areas
appear
Vacuuming or pile lifting the carpet in
one direction can help but not
eliminate it
Fading Natural aging wear n tear
cleaning can combine to
accelerate color loss
Premature fading may occur
due to improper cleaning or
spot removal
Can be dyed Always pretest carpet
before using aggressive Spot-removal
techniques
Wicking Occur when the backing of
the carpets becomes wet
and the face yarn draw or
wick the moisture and color
of the backing to the surface
of the carpet
Occurs most frequently in
jute backed carpet that has a
light ndashcolor face fiber
Can be prevented by promptly
attending to spills and by following
proper cleaning procedure that avoid
over wetting the carpet
Vinegar or synthetic citric acid
solution used in post cleaning
treatments or added to certain
cleaning chemicals can help prevent
or cure browning
Mildew
Forms when moisture
allows molds in the carpets
to grow Causes staining
odor and rotting
All carpets should be kept dry and or
treated with an antibacterial to prevent
the problem Proper cleaning
procedure that avoid
Over-wetting that carpet can help
prevent mildew from forming
13
Glossary of Carpet Terms
There are many technical terms used in the carpet industry This glossary of carpet
terms can help you navigate the jargon and learn more about the product choices
Adhesive A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by
surface attachment
Anchor Coat A latex or adhesive coating applied to the back of tufted carpet to lock
the tufts and prevent them from being pulled out under normal circumstances
Antimicrobial A chemical treatment added to carpet to reduce the growth
of common bacteria fungi yeast mold and mildew
Antistatic A carpet lsquos ability to dissipate an electrostatic charge before it reaches a
level that a person can feel
Attached Cushion Adhering a cushioning material (foam rubber urethane PVC
etc) to the back of carpet
Average Pile Density The weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet It
is calculated by multiplying the pile weight by 36 then dividing that product by the
pile height (in inches) A calculation used primarily in the commercial
carpet industry
Average Pile Yarn Weight Mass per unit area of the pile yarn including
unexposed portions of the pile yarn In the US it is usually expressed as ounces per
square yard
Axminster A type of carpet where the pile is inserted one row of tufts at a time
each row representing a section of the overall pattern The tufts are Ushaped and are
anchored at the bottom into the primary backing that is simultaneously woven The
backing may have a synthetic starch or latex finish applied to it Axminster weaving
has been traditionally used mostly for creating multicolored patterned carpets
Backing (Primary and Secondary) Backing is fabric (in tufted carpet) that makes up
the back of the carpet as opposed to the carpet pile or face
In tufted carpet Primary backing is the material that the yarn is stitched through
Secondary backing is added in the finishing process (after dyeing) and serves to add
strength (dimensional stability) to the carpet and insures the individual tufts are
locked in place
In woven carpet the backing is the combination of the ldquoconstruction yarns ldquo which
are interwoven with the face yarn
14
Back Seams Installation seams made with the carpet turned over or face down
Opposite of ldquoface seams rdquo made with the carpet face up Both are on the back of the weaving or tufting operation
BCF See Bulked Continuous Filament
Berber A carpet constructed with coarse yarns having randomly spaced flecks of
color against a background of base color Currently this term has expanded
to describe many level or multi level loop carpet styles
Binding A band or strip sewn over a rug or carpet edge to protect strengthen or
decorate the edge
Bleeding-Transfer of fiber dyes from carpet or other fabrics by a liquid usually
water with subsequent re-depositing on other fibers
Blend A mixture of two or more fibers or yarns
Breaking Strength The ability or capacity of a material to withstand the ultimate
tensile load or force required for rupture
Broadloom A term used to denote carpet produced in widths wider than 54 inches
Broadloom is usually 12 feet wide
Burns Burns occur when the carpet yarn is exposed to an errant heat source and the
fibers are melted or scorched Burns should be addressed immediately First snip off
the damaged fibers then use a soap less cleaner and sponge with water If the
damage is extensive see a professional about repairs
Cable A yarn made by twisting two or more plied yarns together Typically a large
regular yarn
Carding In staple yarn manufacture a process to remove impurities and
short unusable fibers The fiber is cleaned and aligned to form a continuous
untwisted string called a sliver
Carpet Any textile floor covering that is not designated as a Rug
Carpet Modules Carpet packaged as squares generally 18 inches by 18 inches (457
x 457 mm) with or without attached cushion backing Also referred to as carpet tiles
Colorfastness The measure of a carpet or yarnrsquo s resistance to fading Cord A carpet where the pile hasrsquot been cut in lines giving it a ribbed look
Crocking A term used to describe excess color rubbing off as the result of improper
dye penetration fixation or selection
Cross Section The shape of an individual filament or fiber when cut at right angles
to its axis Manufactured fibers used for carpet may have various shapes including
round trilobal and pentalobal as well as hollow varieties
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
3
LOOPED PILE ndash
The pile is uncut and is made up of a continuous series of loops It can give various
textures from a thick and knobby pile to the closely curled low-loop pile that is like an
irregular cord carpet Looped pile is used in Wilton and Tufted carpets
CUT PILE-
The loops of the pile are cut is such carpets Tufted and woven carpets are produced in
cut pile Axminster carpets it is the only type of pile produced
SHAG PILE-
This can be produced on a tufting machine or on a Wilton or Axminster loom The pile is
long and shaggy and has luxurious look
TYPES AND CHARACTERISTIC-
TYPES OF NON-WOVEN CARPETS-
These carpets are produced by attaching the surface pile to a pre-fabricated
backing
TUFTED CARPET-
Tufted carpets account for about 95 of
the total carpet production in the world
These are available plain or patterned and
are usually made of synthetic fibre
blended with wool The tufts are needled
into a backing- usually made of
polypropylene in sheet form but
sometimes made of hessian The tufts are
locked into place with latex along the
back Then either the foam layer or a
secondary backing of woven jute or
polypropylene is added If a foam backing is used an
underlay is not required The pile is either looped or
cut Tufted carpets do not fray
Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored
tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile
can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear
They are hard to maintain too since the long pile
hides a lot of dust
BERBER CARPETS- These carpets have short nubby tufts
The pile is dense and looped characteristic made from
natural un-dyed sheeprsquos wool They are available in natural
neutrals such as white off-white fawn beige etc
4
BONDED CARPETS- These carpets are
neither woven nor tufted The one feature
that distinguished bonded carpets are that
the materials used are glued heat fused
or in some other way bonded together
They are all therefore typically
manufactured from manmade fibres A
well bonded carpet is bonded and
economical
BONDED PILE CARPET- These
generally have a pile of nylon or polypropylene which is stuck to a PVC backing These
are also available tile form
ELECTRO STATICALLY FLOCKED CARPETS- Bonding is also used for flocked carpet
which have thousands of small fibres electro statically bonded to an adhesive-coated
backing
NEEDLE PUNCH CARPET- Another method
of bonding is needle punch or needle loom A
mixture of fibres is punched by needles and
entangled through a backing fabric
KNITTED CARPETS- These carpets are produced by
interlacing yarns in a series of connected loops as in woven
carpets the pile and the backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace the pile
backing and stitching yarns together in one operation
TYPES OF WOVEN CARPET-
Some of the highest quality carpets are made by the weaving method The pile and the
backing are woven together here so that the pile is locked into position The weave
consist of warp and weft yarns interwoven to form the face pile and backing at the same
time The pile may be cut or uncut Woven carpets may be of three types ndash Wilton
Axminster and Oriental Wilton and Axminster are name of the loom on which these
types of carpets are woven The main difference is that the Axminster loom allows any
5
number of colors as the threads are cut off and reintroduced according to the
patterndesign
WILTON CARPETS-
Wilton is the most expensive weave
used for carpet manufacturing These
may be produced as patterned Cord
Brussels or Plain
PATTERNED WILTON- these carpets are woven on a type of loom known as a jacquard
loom This is an apparatus that produces pattern from colored yarns A perforated card
contains the pattern design These carpets give added warmth and resilience Once the
carpet is done the pile is cut and closed No more than 5 colors are used
PLAIN WILTON ndash These carpets are made without adding the jacquard apparatus to the
loom They have extra jute threads called lsquostuffersrsquo added to the backing to compensate for the lack of the spare colored yarns as filling
CORD- These carpets are plain Wilton carpets with an uncut pile
BRUSSELS- these carpets are patterned Wilton carpets that have an uncut pile
AXMINSTER CARPETS-
An Axminster-type power loom is capable of weaving high quality carpets with many
varying colours and patterns These carpets
are woven is such a way that the pile is
almost entirely on the surface Each pile
tuft is individually inserted into the
backing leaving no dead threads to
reinforce it The pile is less close and
longer than in Wilton carpets The backing
is very durable There are three types of
Axminster carpet-
SPOOL AXMINSTER- This is the most
popular Axminster carpet and single piece
can have an unlimited color in the pattern
The carpet is woven in such a manner that
the pattern is visible on reverse side also
GRIPPER AXMINSTER- This carpet is similar to spool Axminster carpet the only
difference being the use of a maximum of eight colors due to its method of creation
CHENILLE AXMINSTER- in French chenille means lsquocaterpillarrsquo The threads the distinctly visible in the finished carpet giving a segmented look like a caterpillar These
carpets are soft and thick and made in many colors
and pattern
ORIENTAL CARPET-
These hand woven carpets from the Middle East
Indian subcontinent and far East are available in a
variety of sizes pattern and color Based on the
country of origin they are called Chinese Indian
Afghan Persian carpets and rugs
6
Floral pattern dominate in India and Persia
Chinese carpets are easily recognized by pattern that includes dragon monsters etc a fine
oriental carpet will have more than 500- 100 knots per square inch
SELECTION OF CARPET ndash
The responsibility of daily and periodic cleaning and maintenance lies on Executive
Housekeeper Once the types of carpet is decided on a specification sheet needs to be
prepared for the dealer so that the right good id delivered Selection criteriarsquos are-
SIZE-
BODY OR STRIP CARPETING ndash the narrow width of carpeting is known as body
width and this is either 27rdquo or 36rdquo This has no border so that the pattern can be matched when the strips are joined
BROADLOOM CARPETING- carpets are available in a width wider than body strips
width The most common width are 9ft 12ft 15ft and some as wide as 18ft Tufted
broadloom carpets are made in widths of 9ft 105inches or 13ft 105inches These are best
CARPET SQUARE ndash These are loose carpet quadrangle with all edges neatened The
advantage of carpet square is that they can be turned to even out the wear They are not
exactly square Sizes vary ndash 6ft9inches X4ft or 9ftX12ft rectangular
CARPET TILES- These range from 9inches square to 20 inches square A popular size is
12inches square They are sold in packs of nine which can be stuck down Some have
self adhesive that make it easy to lay
STAIR CARPET- these come in a width of 18inches and 225inches they may be palin
or patterned
RUGS AND MATS- these are normally oblong and should be less than 6ft9inchesX4ft
Rugs can be placed in areas of heavy use
PURPOSE
They may broadly be classified in six
categories-
LIGHT DOMESTIC USE- Meant for
bedrooms at home which are not walked upon
much
LIGHT CONTRACT USE- at hotel bedrooms
with less usage
MEDIUM CONTRACT USE- may be used in
hotel bedrooms and public areas
GENERAL CONTRACT USE- these are for
living room halls stairs public areas and
restaurants etc
HEAVY CONTRACT USE- mainly used in
public areas or shops with heavy footfalls
LUXURY- these are better quality not meant
for general use- for eg
For hotel lobby ndash good quality and hard
wearing like Axminster made of 80wool
7
and 20 nylon is suitable
For lounge- a plain Wilton or Tufted carpet is suitable
For dining areas- an acrylic pile carpet is practical as stains can be removed easily
For staircase- cord or needle felt is suitable as these are more hard wearing and incurs
low cost
CONSTRUCTION-
The surface pile and the type of backing are important selection criteria
PILE DENSITY AND WEIGHT-
How well the carpet performs is mainly a matter of the density of the pile pile with
characteristic ndash gauge pitch pile height stitches pile weight and yarn size Average pile
density is the weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet
36Xface weight
Average pile density -------------------------
Pile height
Yarn or face weight refers to the amount of fibre (per square yard) that is the face of
carpet Face weights normally range from 20-70 ounces I
Carpet density ranges from 1000-7000 Carpet density rating 2000 is considered average
for mild usage
Twist Level
The number of twists in a one inch strand of carpet is its twist level Carpet with fewer
twists can unravel The number of twists is sometimes overlooked but is an important
factor for carpet durability Too low of twists may be very disappointing in an otherwise
high quality carpet On the other hand a carpet with a high number of twists can
compensate for a lower density
The shorter the tighter the twist the denser the better the carpet The short tight twist
carpet is called a frieze This is the best wearing style of carpet that is not a loop pile ie
commercial carpet A frieze with a longer pile and a little less density is a style called
textured plush This style is still excellent for wear and has a elegant look
A textured plush with even less yarn creates a style called a textured Saxony This style
is still going to perform well but in the very heavy traffic areas some crushing will be
noticeable
Removing even more yarn while keeping the same longer pile will create a shag carpet
Shags are casual and if tightly twisted using a nylon fiber can give years of service
Shags will crush but will recover with a good vacuuming
SHEARING OR FINISHING
If the fiber is not crimped as in the above textures and the
carpet is sheared several times the carpet will look like
velvet in super dense construction a plush in less dense
construction and a Saxony in even less dense
construction
8
Velvets are super formal and tend to show the most footprints vacuum marks and traffic
Velvets are also the most difficult carpets to seam well If you have a desire for a super
elegant carpet and do not mind footmarks etc on the carpet then you will love a velvet
carpet
Plush carpets are very similar to velvets except for a slightly coarser look and a less
dense pile Also the twist in the fiber is not as tight as a velvet construction Plush carpets
are elegant and are often thick so as to feel good when felt by the hand or foot Like
velvet carpets plush carpets show seams and footprints Both velvets and plush usually
come in solid colors Solid colors are elegant but do not hide soil
PILE HEIGHT AND STYLE-
The length thickness and ply of the pile yarn affect the weight of the carpet and
ultimately help in determining its wear Pile height is the measurement (usually in
fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet from the base of the primary backing to the tip
of yarn
Why does pile height matter Pile height affects a rug in a number of important areas
including durability ease of cleaning and cushioning
Advantages of Shorter Pile (Less than 12 inch) Carpets and Rugs with shorter piles
tend to last a bit longer and are considered more durable than rugs with longer piles
Along with this increased durability a lower pile is less likely to catch an object and be
pulled Furthermore a short pile rug can be vacuumed thoroughly A shorter pile allows a
vacuum to reach dirt at the very bottom of the rug without the risk of ruining it
Advantages of Longer Pile (Greater than 12 inch) Rugs with longer piles are
considered more luxurious and soft on the feet Although generally not as durable as rugs
with a shorter pile long pile rugs provide plusher cushioning and with proper care can
still last for generations
PILE FIBRE
Wool is dominant fibre for carpet pile Wool is soft and resilient resist abrasion and
soiling has natural flame retardant properties feels warm retain its appearance well if
maintained properly
Though wool is expensive and suffers high static generation Presently many manmade
fibres blends have become popular The blends used are ndash
Wool and nylon- 8020
Polypropylene and acrylic-5050
RESILIENCE -
It refers to the ability of the pile to recover its original appearance and thickness after
being walked upon In a guest room warmth and comfort are important for the guests
walking on bare feet or light slippers
DYEING-
There are two classifications of dyeing residential carpets pre-dyed yarns (dyed before
tufting) and post dyed yarns (dyed after the tufting is stitched) There are numerous
methods of pre-dye and post dye mdash all can affect carpet performance and stain
resistance Additional types of dyeing include skein stock dyeing yarn dyeing space
9
dyeing extrusion dyeing beck dyeing continuous dyeing and print dyeing If the colors
must last for a longer period lsquodope dyeingrsquo is ideal Problems related to dyeing in carpets are crocking and bleeding Crocking refers to the
color rubbing off as a result of improper dye penetration Bleeding is a loss of color when
carpet is wet due to improper dyeing
AESTHETIC-
This refers primarily to the color texture and pattern of the carpet A spacious lobby
should have larger bold pattern than those of smaller area
BACKING-
a good carpets should have firm backing The secondary backing gives the carpets
dimensional stability so that it resists stretching from foot traffic or from carts being
pulled across it Foam backing of 18 to frac14 inch thickness may be added to the primary
backing to serve as a self cushion and to eliminate the need for separate padding
UNDERLAYPADDING-
If comfort and luxury is desired one must choose a proper underlay An ideal underlay
properly installed with a quality carpet and good backing can prolong the carpetrsquos life by
softening the intensity of abrasion Underlay also provides extra insulation against
extremes of heat and cold and acts as a acoustic-dampening layer It is important to
select a moth and mildew proof underlay
REPUTATION OF DEALER-
The guarantee of quality and durability should range from 5-10years It is preferred to
that a reputed dealer manufacturer and installer should be appointed for carpet selection
and installation
INSTALLATION OF CARPET-
Laying the Under pad
When a carpet is not stuck down a carpet underlay made of felt rubber or synthetic foam
is essential in order to-
1 Eliminate any slight unevenness in the floor
2 Retard crushing and creeping
3 Provide an extra layer of heat and sound insulation
4 Make the carpet feel soft and luxurious
5 Take the strain of feet and lengthen the life of the carpet
6 Rubber or synthetic underlay mat be fixed to some non-woven carpets
7 The underlay should be of same size as the carpet
The installation methods are semi-permanent or temporary-
LAYING OF CARPETS TOOLS
Tackless strips
Stapler
Hammer
Utility knife
Chalk line
Knee kicker
Power stretcher
Seam cutter
Seaming iron
Seam tape
Wall trimmer
Strip cutter
Seam roller
Knee pads
10
Measuring tape
Rolling pin (or rental seam roller)
Work gloves
Safety glasses
SEMI-PERMANENT METHODS-
Stretch-in ndash Carpets is stretched over a
separate underlay onto narrow tackless strips
pr grippers of wood with protruding tacks
The strips have two or three rows of nails
angled upwards to which carpets backing are
attached during installation
Turn and tuck - the edges of the carpets is turned under like a
hem and then tacked into position Unless well fitted this method
can cause unevenness which traps dust
Sunken- This method may be used where there is a change in
floor level The carpet is placed into the lower level of floor
and fixed hence the floor level becomes even
Glued down- this is more permanent method than the other methods It is usually used
with rubber or foam backed carpets It may direct glue-down or double glue down In the
direct glue-down method the carpet is adhered directly to the floor In the double glue-
down method the underlay is adhered to the floor first and then the carpet is glued to the
underlay
The glue-down method is suitable-
For most areas including ramps and heavy-traffic areas
The seams are durable (but difficult to repair)
Special design and border can be installed
There is no restriction on the size of the area to be carpeted
TEMPORARY METHOD-
11
These usually involve the addition of tape sewn round the edges of the carpet This tape
may contain pegs hooks press studs or Velcro strips Which attach themselves to
corresponding sockets loops or hooks affixed to the floor surface beneath the carpet
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARPETS-
A regular maintenance programme is a must for carpets since they are easily soiled or
damaged Good maintenance increases the life of carpet
Most new carpet shed fluff for the first few weeks During this period carpets should be
lightly brushed After a month carpets should be vacuumed once a week
To even out wear furniture should be moved occasionally Avoid dragging heavy
furniture over carpet as this damages the fibre
ROUTINE CARE-
This involves daily removal of dust from the carpet Dust is usually removed using dry-
suction vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper Care should be taken to clean the surrounding
areas corners and edges Inspection is a regular duty of a housekeeper to ensure there is
no pest infestation
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE-
This involves deep cleaning of the carpet Housekeeper should prepare a periodic
schedule for this When the dirt is visible deep cleaning should be done Many properties
carpet cleaning is contracted out because of the specialized equipment and skill required
Three different methods of deep cleaning are ndash
Shampooing ndash carpet shampooing machine can use either liquid or dry foam Shampoos
are anionic synthetic detergent and should be used in correct dilution Liquid shampoo
very little foam Dry-foam shampoos are actually also liquid but they leave a dry foam
on the surface of the carpet Foam loosens the dirt holding the soil on the surface of the
carpet which is removed through suction cleaners
Hot-water extraction ndash This is done by a hot-water extraction machine The machine
uses a shampoo solution that does not form foam It injects the solution under high
pressure through the pile to the back of the carpet where it emulsifies and loosens dirt
and grease Simultaneously the machine sucks up the solution along with the now
suspended dirt and grease After the cleaning process the carpet is left slightly damp and
requires a very short drying time
Dry powdering- a powder containing absorbents such as sawdust solvents and drying
agents is sprinkled on the carpet and left for several minutes The powder absorbs the
grease and dirt and it is removed with the help of a dry suction cleaner This is usually
used for spot removal from carpet
12
CARPET PROBLEMS To keep carpet as attractive and clean as possible housekeeping staff in charge of carpet
cleaning should learn to recognize and remedy the following common carpet problems
Pile distortion
Shading
Fading
Wicking
Mildew
Sheddingpilling
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
Pile distortion
Fibers can become twisted
pilled crushed or flared and
matted
1 Heavy foot of
equipment traffic
2 Improper cleaning
methods
May be impossible to remedy in high-
traffic areas Mats runners and
furniture glides can help prevent
crushing Regular vacuuming or using
a pile lifter or pile brush on high-
traffic areas will help to pick up
crushed pile while removing gritty
soil which can damage the carpets
Shading
Dark and light areas appear
Pile in the carpet is brushed
in two different directions
the dark and light areas
appear
Vacuuming or pile lifting the carpet in
one direction can help but not
eliminate it
Fading Natural aging wear n tear
cleaning can combine to
accelerate color loss
Premature fading may occur
due to improper cleaning or
spot removal
Can be dyed Always pretest carpet
before using aggressive Spot-removal
techniques
Wicking Occur when the backing of
the carpets becomes wet
and the face yarn draw or
wick the moisture and color
of the backing to the surface
of the carpet
Occurs most frequently in
jute backed carpet that has a
light ndashcolor face fiber
Can be prevented by promptly
attending to spills and by following
proper cleaning procedure that avoid
over wetting the carpet
Vinegar or synthetic citric acid
solution used in post cleaning
treatments or added to certain
cleaning chemicals can help prevent
or cure browning
Mildew
Forms when moisture
allows molds in the carpets
to grow Causes staining
odor and rotting
All carpets should be kept dry and or
treated with an antibacterial to prevent
the problem Proper cleaning
procedure that avoid
Over-wetting that carpet can help
prevent mildew from forming
13
Glossary of Carpet Terms
There are many technical terms used in the carpet industry This glossary of carpet
terms can help you navigate the jargon and learn more about the product choices
Adhesive A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by
surface attachment
Anchor Coat A latex or adhesive coating applied to the back of tufted carpet to lock
the tufts and prevent them from being pulled out under normal circumstances
Antimicrobial A chemical treatment added to carpet to reduce the growth
of common bacteria fungi yeast mold and mildew
Antistatic A carpet lsquos ability to dissipate an electrostatic charge before it reaches a
level that a person can feel
Attached Cushion Adhering a cushioning material (foam rubber urethane PVC
etc) to the back of carpet
Average Pile Density The weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet It
is calculated by multiplying the pile weight by 36 then dividing that product by the
pile height (in inches) A calculation used primarily in the commercial
carpet industry
Average Pile Yarn Weight Mass per unit area of the pile yarn including
unexposed portions of the pile yarn In the US it is usually expressed as ounces per
square yard
Axminster A type of carpet where the pile is inserted one row of tufts at a time
each row representing a section of the overall pattern The tufts are Ushaped and are
anchored at the bottom into the primary backing that is simultaneously woven The
backing may have a synthetic starch or latex finish applied to it Axminster weaving
has been traditionally used mostly for creating multicolored patterned carpets
Backing (Primary and Secondary) Backing is fabric (in tufted carpet) that makes up
the back of the carpet as opposed to the carpet pile or face
In tufted carpet Primary backing is the material that the yarn is stitched through
Secondary backing is added in the finishing process (after dyeing) and serves to add
strength (dimensional stability) to the carpet and insures the individual tufts are
locked in place
In woven carpet the backing is the combination of the ldquoconstruction yarns ldquo which
are interwoven with the face yarn
14
Back Seams Installation seams made with the carpet turned over or face down
Opposite of ldquoface seams rdquo made with the carpet face up Both are on the back of the weaving or tufting operation
BCF See Bulked Continuous Filament
Berber A carpet constructed with coarse yarns having randomly spaced flecks of
color against a background of base color Currently this term has expanded
to describe many level or multi level loop carpet styles
Binding A band or strip sewn over a rug or carpet edge to protect strengthen or
decorate the edge
Bleeding-Transfer of fiber dyes from carpet or other fabrics by a liquid usually
water with subsequent re-depositing on other fibers
Blend A mixture of two or more fibers or yarns
Breaking Strength The ability or capacity of a material to withstand the ultimate
tensile load or force required for rupture
Broadloom A term used to denote carpet produced in widths wider than 54 inches
Broadloom is usually 12 feet wide
Burns Burns occur when the carpet yarn is exposed to an errant heat source and the
fibers are melted or scorched Burns should be addressed immediately First snip off
the damaged fibers then use a soap less cleaner and sponge with water If the
damage is extensive see a professional about repairs
Cable A yarn made by twisting two or more plied yarns together Typically a large
regular yarn
Carding In staple yarn manufacture a process to remove impurities and
short unusable fibers The fiber is cleaned and aligned to form a continuous
untwisted string called a sliver
Carpet Any textile floor covering that is not designated as a Rug
Carpet Modules Carpet packaged as squares generally 18 inches by 18 inches (457
x 457 mm) with or without attached cushion backing Also referred to as carpet tiles
Colorfastness The measure of a carpet or yarnrsquo s resistance to fading Cord A carpet where the pile hasrsquot been cut in lines giving it a ribbed look
Crocking A term used to describe excess color rubbing off as the result of improper
dye penetration fixation or selection
Cross Section The shape of an individual filament or fiber when cut at right angles
to its axis Manufactured fibers used for carpet may have various shapes including
round trilobal and pentalobal as well as hollow varieties
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
4
BONDED CARPETS- These carpets are
neither woven nor tufted The one feature
that distinguished bonded carpets are that
the materials used are glued heat fused
or in some other way bonded together
They are all therefore typically
manufactured from manmade fibres A
well bonded carpet is bonded and
economical
BONDED PILE CARPET- These
generally have a pile of nylon or polypropylene which is stuck to a PVC backing These
are also available tile form
ELECTRO STATICALLY FLOCKED CARPETS- Bonding is also used for flocked carpet
which have thousands of small fibres electro statically bonded to an adhesive-coated
backing
NEEDLE PUNCH CARPET- Another method
of bonding is needle punch or needle loom A
mixture of fibres is punched by needles and
entangled through a backing fabric
KNITTED CARPETS- These carpets are produced by
interlacing yarns in a series of connected loops as in woven
carpets the pile and the backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace the pile
backing and stitching yarns together in one operation
TYPES OF WOVEN CARPET-
Some of the highest quality carpets are made by the weaving method The pile and the
backing are woven together here so that the pile is locked into position The weave
consist of warp and weft yarns interwoven to form the face pile and backing at the same
time The pile may be cut or uncut Woven carpets may be of three types ndash Wilton
Axminster and Oriental Wilton and Axminster are name of the loom on which these
types of carpets are woven The main difference is that the Axminster loom allows any
5
number of colors as the threads are cut off and reintroduced according to the
patterndesign
WILTON CARPETS-
Wilton is the most expensive weave
used for carpet manufacturing These
may be produced as patterned Cord
Brussels or Plain
PATTERNED WILTON- these carpets are woven on a type of loom known as a jacquard
loom This is an apparatus that produces pattern from colored yarns A perforated card
contains the pattern design These carpets give added warmth and resilience Once the
carpet is done the pile is cut and closed No more than 5 colors are used
PLAIN WILTON ndash These carpets are made without adding the jacquard apparatus to the
loom They have extra jute threads called lsquostuffersrsquo added to the backing to compensate for the lack of the spare colored yarns as filling
CORD- These carpets are plain Wilton carpets with an uncut pile
BRUSSELS- these carpets are patterned Wilton carpets that have an uncut pile
AXMINSTER CARPETS-
An Axminster-type power loom is capable of weaving high quality carpets with many
varying colours and patterns These carpets
are woven is such a way that the pile is
almost entirely on the surface Each pile
tuft is individually inserted into the
backing leaving no dead threads to
reinforce it The pile is less close and
longer than in Wilton carpets The backing
is very durable There are three types of
Axminster carpet-
SPOOL AXMINSTER- This is the most
popular Axminster carpet and single piece
can have an unlimited color in the pattern
The carpet is woven in such a manner that
the pattern is visible on reverse side also
GRIPPER AXMINSTER- This carpet is similar to spool Axminster carpet the only
difference being the use of a maximum of eight colors due to its method of creation
CHENILLE AXMINSTER- in French chenille means lsquocaterpillarrsquo The threads the distinctly visible in the finished carpet giving a segmented look like a caterpillar These
carpets are soft and thick and made in many colors
and pattern
ORIENTAL CARPET-
These hand woven carpets from the Middle East
Indian subcontinent and far East are available in a
variety of sizes pattern and color Based on the
country of origin they are called Chinese Indian
Afghan Persian carpets and rugs
6
Floral pattern dominate in India and Persia
Chinese carpets are easily recognized by pattern that includes dragon monsters etc a fine
oriental carpet will have more than 500- 100 knots per square inch
SELECTION OF CARPET ndash
The responsibility of daily and periodic cleaning and maintenance lies on Executive
Housekeeper Once the types of carpet is decided on a specification sheet needs to be
prepared for the dealer so that the right good id delivered Selection criteriarsquos are-
SIZE-
BODY OR STRIP CARPETING ndash the narrow width of carpeting is known as body
width and this is either 27rdquo or 36rdquo This has no border so that the pattern can be matched when the strips are joined
BROADLOOM CARPETING- carpets are available in a width wider than body strips
width The most common width are 9ft 12ft 15ft and some as wide as 18ft Tufted
broadloom carpets are made in widths of 9ft 105inches or 13ft 105inches These are best
CARPET SQUARE ndash These are loose carpet quadrangle with all edges neatened The
advantage of carpet square is that they can be turned to even out the wear They are not
exactly square Sizes vary ndash 6ft9inches X4ft or 9ftX12ft rectangular
CARPET TILES- These range from 9inches square to 20 inches square A popular size is
12inches square They are sold in packs of nine which can be stuck down Some have
self adhesive that make it easy to lay
STAIR CARPET- these come in a width of 18inches and 225inches they may be palin
or patterned
RUGS AND MATS- these are normally oblong and should be less than 6ft9inchesX4ft
Rugs can be placed in areas of heavy use
PURPOSE
They may broadly be classified in six
categories-
LIGHT DOMESTIC USE- Meant for
bedrooms at home which are not walked upon
much
LIGHT CONTRACT USE- at hotel bedrooms
with less usage
MEDIUM CONTRACT USE- may be used in
hotel bedrooms and public areas
GENERAL CONTRACT USE- these are for
living room halls stairs public areas and
restaurants etc
HEAVY CONTRACT USE- mainly used in
public areas or shops with heavy footfalls
LUXURY- these are better quality not meant
for general use- for eg
For hotel lobby ndash good quality and hard
wearing like Axminster made of 80wool
7
and 20 nylon is suitable
For lounge- a plain Wilton or Tufted carpet is suitable
For dining areas- an acrylic pile carpet is practical as stains can be removed easily
For staircase- cord or needle felt is suitable as these are more hard wearing and incurs
low cost
CONSTRUCTION-
The surface pile and the type of backing are important selection criteria
PILE DENSITY AND WEIGHT-
How well the carpet performs is mainly a matter of the density of the pile pile with
characteristic ndash gauge pitch pile height stitches pile weight and yarn size Average pile
density is the weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet
36Xface weight
Average pile density -------------------------
Pile height
Yarn or face weight refers to the amount of fibre (per square yard) that is the face of
carpet Face weights normally range from 20-70 ounces I
Carpet density ranges from 1000-7000 Carpet density rating 2000 is considered average
for mild usage
Twist Level
The number of twists in a one inch strand of carpet is its twist level Carpet with fewer
twists can unravel The number of twists is sometimes overlooked but is an important
factor for carpet durability Too low of twists may be very disappointing in an otherwise
high quality carpet On the other hand a carpet with a high number of twists can
compensate for a lower density
The shorter the tighter the twist the denser the better the carpet The short tight twist
carpet is called a frieze This is the best wearing style of carpet that is not a loop pile ie
commercial carpet A frieze with a longer pile and a little less density is a style called
textured plush This style is still excellent for wear and has a elegant look
A textured plush with even less yarn creates a style called a textured Saxony This style
is still going to perform well but in the very heavy traffic areas some crushing will be
noticeable
Removing even more yarn while keeping the same longer pile will create a shag carpet
Shags are casual and if tightly twisted using a nylon fiber can give years of service
Shags will crush but will recover with a good vacuuming
SHEARING OR FINISHING
If the fiber is not crimped as in the above textures and the
carpet is sheared several times the carpet will look like
velvet in super dense construction a plush in less dense
construction and a Saxony in even less dense
construction
8
Velvets are super formal and tend to show the most footprints vacuum marks and traffic
Velvets are also the most difficult carpets to seam well If you have a desire for a super
elegant carpet and do not mind footmarks etc on the carpet then you will love a velvet
carpet
Plush carpets are very similar to velvets except for a slightly coarser look and a less
dense pile Also the twist in the fiber is not as tight as a velvet construction Plush carpets
are elegant and are often thick so as to feel good when felt by the hand or foot Like
velvet carpets plush carpets show seams and footprints Both velvets and plush usually
come in solid colors Solid colors are elegant but do not hide soil
PILE HEIGHT AND STYLE-
The length thickness and ply of the pile yarn affect the weight of the carpet and
ultimately help in determining its wear Pile height is the measurement (usually in
fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet from the base of the primary backing to the tip
of yarn
Why does pile height matter Pile height affects a rug in a number of important areas
including durability ease of cleaning and cushioning
Advantages of Shorter Pile (Less than 12 inch) Carpets and Rugs with shorter piles
tend to last a bit longer and are considered more durable than rugs with longer piles
Along with this increased durability a lower pile is less likely to catch an object and be
pulled Furthermore a short pile rug can be vacuumed thoroughly A shorter pile allows a
vacuum to reach dirt at the very bottom of the rug without the risk of ruining it
Advantages of Longer Pile (Greater than 12 inch) Rugs with longer piles are
considered more luxurious and soft on the feet Although generally not as durable as rugs
with a shorter pile long pile rugs provide plusher cushioning and with proper care can
still last for generations
PILE FIBRE
Wool is dominant fibre for carpet pile Wool is soft and resilient resist abrasion and
soiling has natural flame retardant properties feels warm retain its appearance well if
maintained properly
Though wool is expensive and suffers high static generation Presently many manmade
fibres blends have become popular The blends used are ndash
Wool and nylon- 8020
Polypropylene and acrylic-5050
RESILIENCE -
It refers to the ability of the pile to recover its original appearance and thickness after
being walked upon In a guest room warmth and comfort are important for the guests
walking on bare feet or light slippers
DYEING-
There are two classifications of dyeing residential carpets pre-dyed yarns (dyed before
tufting) and post dyed yarns (dyed after the tufting is stitched) There are numerous
methods of pre-dye and post dye mdash all can affect carpet performance and stain
resistance Additional types of dyeing include skein stock dyeing yarn dyeing space
9
dyeing extrusion dyeing beck dyeing continuous dyeing and print dyeing If the colors
must last for a longer period lsquodope dyeingrsquo is ideal Problems related to dyeing in carpets are crocking and bleeding Crocking refers to the
color rubbing off as a result of improper dye penetration Bleeding is a loss of color when
carpet is wet due to improper dyeing
AESTHETIC-
This refers primarily to the color texture and pattern of the carpet A spacious lobby
should have larger bold pattern than those of smaller area
BACKING-
a good carpets should have firm backing The secondary backing gives the carpets
dimensional stability so that it resists stretching from foot traffic or from carts being
pulled across it Foam backing of 18 to frac14 inch thickness may be added to the primary
backing to serve as a self cushion and to eliminate the need for separate padding
UNDERLAYPADDING-
If comfort and luxury is desired one must choose a proper underlay An ideal underlay
properly installed with a quality carpet and good backing can prolong the carpetrsquos life by
softening the intensity of abrasion Underlay also provides extra insulation against
extremes of heat and cold and acts as a acoustic-dampening layer It is important to
select a moth and mildew proof underlay
REPUTATION OF DEALER-
The guarantee of quality and durability should range from 5-10years It is preferred to
that a reputed dealer manufacturer and installer should be appointed for carpet selection
and installation
INSTALLATION OF CARPET-
Laying the Under pad
When a carpet is not stuck down a carpet underlay made of felt rubber or synthetic foam
is essential in order to-
1 Eliminate any slight unevenness in the floor
2 Retard crushing and creeping
3 Provide an extra layer of heat and sound insulation
4 Make the carpet feel soft and luxurious
5 Take the strain of feet and lengthen the life of the carpet
6 Rubber or synthetic underlay mat be fixed to some non-woven carpets
7 The underlay should be of same size as the carpet
The installation methods are semi-permanent or temporary-
LAYING OF CARPETS TOOLS
Tackless strips
Stapler
Hammer
Utility knife
Chalk line
Knee kicker
Power stretcher
Seam cutter
Seaming iron
Seam tape
Wall trimmer
Strip cutter
Seam roller
Knee pads
10
Measuring tape
Rolling pin (or rental seam roller)
Work gloves
Safety glasses
SEMI-PERMANENT METHODS-
Stretch-in ndash Carpets is stretched over a
separate underlay onto narrow tackless strips
pr grippers of wood with protruding tacks
The strips have two or three rows of nails
angled upwards to which carpets backing are
attached during installation
Turn and tuck - the edges of the carpets is turned under like a
hem and then tacked into position Unless well fitted this method
can cause unevenness which traps dust
Sunken- This method may be used where there is a change in
floor level The carpet is placed into the lower level of floor
and fixed hence the floor level becomes even
Glued down- this is more permanent method than the other methods It is usually used
with rubber or foam backed carpets It may direct glue-down or double glue down In the
direct glue-down method the carpet is adhered directly to the floor In the double glue-
down method the underlay is adhered to the floor first and then the carpet is glued to the
underlay
The glue-down method is suitable-
For most areas including ramps and heavy-traffic areas
The seams are durable (but difficult to repair)
Special design and border can be installed
There is no restriction on the size of the area to be carpeted
TEMPORARY METHOD-
11
These usually involve the addition of tape sewn round the edges of the carpet This tape
may contain pegs hooks press studs or Velcro strips Which attach themselves to
corresponding sockets loops or hooks affixed to the floor surface beneath the carpet
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARPETS-
A regular maintenance programme is a must for carpets since they are easily soiled or
damaged Good maintenance increases the life of carpet
Most new carpet shed fluff for the first few weeks During this period carpets should be
lightly brushed After a month carpets should be vacuumed once a week
To even out wear furniture should be moved occasionally Avoid dragging heavy
furniture over carpet as this damages the fibre
ROUTINE CARE-
This involves daily removal of dust from the carpet Dust is usually removed using dry-
suction vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper Care should be taken to clean the surrounding
areas corners and edges Inspection is a regular duty of a housekeeper to ensure there is
no pest infestation
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE-
This involves deep cleaning of the carpet Housekeeper should prepare a periodic
schedule for this When the dirt is visible deep cleaning should be done Many properties
carpet cleaning is contracted out because of the specialized equipment and skill required
Three different methods of deep cleaning are ndash
Shampooing ndash carpet shampooing machine can use either liquid or dry foam Shampoos
are anionic synthetic detergent and should be used in correct dilution Liquid shampoo
very little foam Dry-foam shampoos are actually also liquid but they leave a dry foam
on the surface of the carpet Foam loosens the dirt holding the soil on the surface of the
carpet which is removed through suction cleaners
Hot-water extraction ndash This is done by a hot-water extraction machine The machine
uses a shampoo solution that does not form foam It injects the solution under high
pressure through the pile to the back of the carpet where it emulsifies and loosens dirt
and grease Simultaneously the machine sucks up the solution along with the now
suspended dirt and grease After the cleaning process the carpet is left slightly damp and
requires a very short drying time
Dry powdering- a powder containing absorbents such as sawdust solvents and drying
agents is sprinkled on the carpet and left for several minutes The powder absorbs the
grease and dirt and it is removed with the help of a dry suction cleaner This is usually
used for spot removal from carpet
12
CARPET PROBLEMS To keep carpet as attractive and clean as possible housekeeping staff in charge of carpet
cleaning should learn to recognize and remedy the following common carpet problems
Pile distortion
Shading
Fading
Wicking
Mildew
Sheddingpilling
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
Pile distortion
Fibers can become twisted
pilled crushed or flared and
matted
1 Heavy foot of
equipment traffic
2 Improper cleaning
methods
May be impossible to remedy in high-
traffic areas Mats runners and
furniture glides can help prevent
crushing Regular vacuuming or using
a pile lifter or pile brush on high-
traffic areas will help to pick up
crushed pile while removing gritty
soil which can damage the carpets
Shading
Dark and light areas appear
Pile in the carpet is brushed
in two different directions
the dark and light areas
appear
Vacuuming or pile lifting the carpet in
one direction can help but not
eliminate it
Fading Natural aging wear n tear
cleaning can combine to
accelerate color loss
Premature fading may occur
due to improper cleaning or
spot removal
Can be dyed Always pretest carpet
before using aggressive Spot-removal
techniques
Wicking Occur when the backing of
the carpets becomes wet
and the face yarn draw or
wick the moisture and color
of the backing to the surface
of the carpet
Occurs most frequently in
jute backed carpet that has a
light ndashcolor face fiber
Can be prevented by promptly
attending to spills and by following
proper cleaning procedure that avoid
over wetting the carpet
Vinegar or synthetic citric acid
solution used in post cleaning
treatments or added to certain
cleaning chemicals can help prevent
or cure browning
Mildew
Forms when moisture
allows molds in the carpets
to grow Causes staining
odor and rotting
All carpets should be kept dry and or
treated with an antibacterial to prevent
the problem Proper cleaning
procedure that avoid
Over-wetting that carpet can help
prevent mildew from forming
13
Glossary of Carpet Terms
There are many technical terms used in the carpet industry This glossary of carpet
terms can help you navigate the jargon and learn more about the product choices
Adhesive A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by
surface attachment
Anchor Coat A latex or adhesive coating applied to the back of tufted carpet to lock
the tufts and prevent them from being pulled out under normal circumstances
Antimicrobial A chemical treatment added to carpet to reduce the growth
of common bacteria fungi yeast mold and mildew
Antistatic A carpet lsquos ability to dissipate an electrostatic charge before it reaches a
level that a person can feel
Attached Cushion Adhering a cushioning material (foam rubber urethane PVC
etc) to the back of carpet
Average Pile Density The weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet It
is calculated by multiplying the pile weight by 36 then dividing that product by the
pile height (in inches) A calculation used primarily in the commercial
carpet industry
Average Pile Yarn Weight Mass per unit area of the pile yarn including
unexposed portions of the pile yarn In the US it is usually expressed as ounces per
square yard
Axminster A type of carpet where the pile is inserted one row of tufts at a time
each row representing a section of the overall pattern The tufts are Ushaped and are
anchored at the bottom into the primary backing that is simultaneously woven The
backing may have a synthetic starch or latex finish applied to it Axminster weaving
has been traditionally used mostly for creating multicolored patterned carpets
Backing (Primary and Secondary) Backing is fabric (in tufted carpet) that makes up
the back of the carpet as opposed to the carpet pile or face
In tufted carpet Primary backing is the material that the yarn is stitched through
Secondary backing is added in the finishing process (after dyeing) and serves to add
strength (dimensional stability) to the carpet and insures the individual tufts are
locked in place
In woven carpet the backing is the combination of the ldquoconstruction yarns ldquo which
are interwoven with the face yarn
14
Back Seams Installation seams made with the carpet turned over or face down
Opposite of ldquoface seams rdquo made with the carpet face up Both are on the back of the weaving or tufting operation
BCF See Bulked Continuous Filament
Berber A carpet constructed with coarse yarns having randomly spaced flecks of
color against a background of base color Currently this term has expanded
to describe many level or multi level loop carpet styles
Binding A band or strip sewn over a rug or carpet edge to protect strengthen or
decorate the edge
Bleeding-Transfer of fiber dyes from carpet or other fabrics by a liquid usually
water with subsequent re-depositing on other fibers
Blend A mixture of two or more fibers or yarns
Breaking Strength The ability or capacity of a material to withstand the ultimate
tensile load or force required for rupture
Broadloom A term used to denote carpet produced in widths wider than 54 inches
Broadloom is usually 12 feet wide
Burns Burns occur when the carpet yarn is exposed to an errant heat source and the
fibers are melted or scorched Burns should be addressed immediately First snip off
the damaged fibers then use a soap less cleaner and sponge with water If the
damage is extensive see a professional about repairs
Cable A yarn made by twisting two or more plied yarns together Typically a large
regular yarn
Carding In staple yarn manufacture a process to remove impurities and
short unusable fibers The fiber is cleaned and aligned to form a continuous
untwisted string called a sliver
Carpet Any textile floor covering that is not designated as a Rug
Carpet Modules Carpet packaged as squares generally 18 inches by 18 inches (457
x 457 mm) with or without attached cushion backing Also referred to as carpet tiles
Colorfastness The measure of a carpet or yarnrsquo s resistance to fading Cord A carpet where the pile hasrsquot been cut in lines giving it a ribbed look
Crocking A term used to describe excess color rubbing off as the result of improper
dye penetration fixation or selection
Cross Section The shape of an individual filament or fiber when cut at right angles
to its axis Manufactured fibers used for carpet may have various shapes including
round trilobal and pentalobal as well as hollow varieties
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
5
number of colors as the threads are cut off and reintroduced according to the
patterndesign
WILTON CARPETS-
Wilton is the most expensive weave
used for carpet manufacturing These
may be produced as patterned Cord
Brussels or Plain
PATTERNED WILTON- these carpets are woven on a type of loom known as a jacquard
loom This is an apparatus that produces pattern from colored yarns A perforated card
contains the pattern design These carpets give added warmth and resilience Once the
carpet is done the pile is cut and closed No more than 5 colors are used
PLAIN WILTON ndash These carpets are made without adding the jacquard apparatus to the
loom They have extra jute threads called lsquostuffersrsquo added to the backing to compensate for the lack of the spare colored yarns as filling
CORD- These carpets are plain Wilton carpets with an uncut pile
BRUSSELS- these carpets are patterned Wilton carpets that have an uncut pile
AXMINSTER CARPETS-
An Axminster-type power loom is capable of weaving high quality carpets with many
varying colours and patterns These carpets
are woven is such a way that the pile is
almost entirely on the surface Each pile
tuft is individually inserted into the
backing leaving no dead threads to
reinforce it The pile is less close and
longer than in Wilton carpets The backing
is very durable There are three types of
Axminster carpet-
SPOOL AXMINSTER- This is the most
popular Axminster carpet and single piece
can have an unlimited color in the pattern
The carpet is woven in such a manner that
the pattern is visible on reverse side also
GRIPPER AXMINSTER- This carpet is similar to spool Axminster carpet the only
difference being the use of a maximum of eight colors due to its method of creation
CHENILLE AXMINSTER- in French chenille means lsquocaterpillarrsquo The threads the distinctly visible in the finished carpet giving a segmented look like a caterpillar These
carpets are soft and thick and made in many colors
and pattern
ORIENTAL CARPET-
These hand woven carpets from the Middle East
Indian subcontinent and far East are available in a
variety of sizes pattern and color Based on the
country of origin they are called Chinese Indian
Afghan Persian carpets and rugs
6
Floral pattern dominate in India and Persia
Chinese carpets are easily recognized by pattern that includes dragon monsters etc a fine
oriental carpet will have more than 500- 100 knots per square inch
SELECTION OF CARPET ndash
The responsibility of daily and periodic cleaning and maintenance lies on Executive
Housekeeper Once the types of carpet is decided on a specification sheet needs to be
prepared for the dealer so that the right good id delivered Selection criteriarsquos are-
SIZE-
BODY OR STRIP CARPETING ndash the narrow width of carpeting is known as body
width and this is either 27rdquo or 36rdquo This has no border so that the pattern can be matched when the strips are joined
BROADLOOM CARPETING- carpets are available in a width wider than body strips
width The most common width are 9ft 12ft 15ft and some as wide as 18ft Tufted
broadloom carpets are made in widths of 9ft 105inches or 13ft 105inches These are best
CARPET SQUARE ndash These are loose carpet quadrangle with all edges neatened The
advantage of carpet square is that they can be turned to even out the wear They are not
exactly square Sizes vary ndash 6ft9inches X4ft or 9ftX12ft rectangular
CARPET TILES- These range from 9inches square to 20 inches square A popular size is
12inches square They are sold in packs of nine which can be stuck down Some have
self adhesive that make it easy to lay
STAIR CARPET- these come in a width of 18inches and 225inches they may be palin
or patterned
RUGS AND MATS- these are normally oblong and should be less than 6ft9inchesX4ft
Rugs can be placed in areas of heavy use
PURPOSE
They may broadly be classified in six
categories-
LIGHT DOMESTIC USE- Meant for
bedrooms at home which are not walked upon
much
LIGHT CONTRACT USE- at hotel bedrooms
with less usage
MEDIUM CONTRACT USE- may be used in
hotel bedrooms and public areas
GENERAL CONTRACT USE- these are for
living room halls stairs public areas and
restaurants etc
HEAVY CONTRACT USE- mainly used in
public areas or shops with heavy footfalls
LUXURY- these are better quality not meant
for general use- for eg
For hotel lobby ndash good quality and hard
wearing like Axminster made of 80wool
7
and 20 nylon is suitable
For lounge- a plain Wilton or Tufted carpet is suitable
For dining areas- an acrylic pile carpet is practical as stains can be removed easily
For staircase- cord or needle felt is suitable as these are more hard wearing and incurs
low cost
CONSTRUCTION-
The surface pile and the type of backing are important selection criteria
PILE DENSITY AND WEIGHT-
How well the carpet performs is mainly a matter of the density of the pile pile with
characteristic ndash gauge pitch pile height stitches pile weight and yarn size Average pile
density is the weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet
36Xface weight
Average pile density -------------------------
Pile height
Yarn or face weight refers to the amount of fibre (per square yard) that is the face of
carpet Face weights normally range from 20-70 ounces I
Carpet density ranges from 1000-7000 Carpet density rating 2000 is considered average
for mild usage
Twist Level
The number of twists in a one inch strand of carpet is its twist level Carpet with fewer
twists can unravel The number of twists is sometimes overlooked but is an important
factor for carpet durability Too low of twists may be very disappointing in an otherwise
high quality carpet On the other hand a carpet with a high number of twists can
compensate for a lower density
The shorter the tighter the twist the denser the better the carpet The short tight twist
carpet is called a frieze This is the best wearing style of carpet that is not a loop pile ie
commercial carpet A frieze with a longer pile and a little less density is a style called
textured plush This style is still excellent for wear and has a elegant look
A textured plush with even less yarn creates a style called a textured Saxony This style
is still going to perform well but in the very heavy traffic areas some crushing will be
noticeable
Removing even more yarn while keeping the same longer pile will create a shag carpet
Shags are casual and if tightly twisted using a nylon fiber can give years of service
Shags will crush but will recover with a good vacuuming
SHEARING OR FINISHING
If the fiber is not crimped as in the above textures and the
carpet is sheared several times the carpet will look like
velvet in super dense construction a plush in less dense
construction and a Saxony in even less dense
construction
8
Velvets are super formal and tend to show the most footprints vacuum marks and traffic
Velvets are also the most difficult carpets to seam well If you have a desire for a super
elegant carpet and do not mind footmarks etc on the carpet then you will love a velvet
carpet
Plush carpets are very similar to velvets except for a slightly coarser look and a less
dense pile Also the twist in the fiber is not as tight as a velvet construction Plush carpets
are elegant and are often thick so as to feel good when felt by the hand or foot Like
velvet carpets plush carpets show seams and footprints Both velvets and plush usually
come in solid colors Solid colors are elegant but do not hide soil
PILE HEIGHT AND STYLE-
The length thickness and ply of the pile yarn affect the weight of the carpet and
ultimately help in determining its wear Pile height is the measurement (usually in
fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet from the base of the primary backing to the tip
of yarn
Why does pile height matter Pile height affects a rug in a number of important areas
including durability ease of cleaning and cushioning
Advantages of Shorter Pile (Less than 12 inch) Carpets and Rugs with shorter piles
tend to last a bit longer and are considered more durable than rugs with longer piles
Along with this increased durability a lower pile is less likely to catch an object and be
pulled Furthermore a short pile rug can be vacuumed thoroughly A shorter pile allows a
vacuum to reach dirt at the very bottom of the rug without the risk of ruining it
Advantages of Longer Pile (Greater than 12 inch) Rugs with longer piles are
considered more luxurious and soft on the feet Although generally not as durable as rugs
with a shorter pile long pile rugs provide plusher cushioning and with proper care can
still last for generations
PILE FIBRE
Wool is dominant fibre for carpet pile Wool is soft and resilient resist abrasion and
soiling has natural flame retardant properties feels warm retain its appearance well if
maintained properly
Though wool is expensive and suffers high static generation Presently many manmade
fibres blends have become popular The blends used are ndash
Wool and nylon- 8020
Polypropylene and acrylic-5050
RESILIENCE -
It refers to the ability of the pile to recover its original appearance and thickness after
being walked upon In a guest room warmth and comfort are important for the guests
walking on bare feet or light slippers
DYEING-
There are two classifications of dyeing residential carpets pre-dyed yarns (dyed before
tufting) and post dyed yarns (dyed after the tufting is stitched) There are numerous
methods of pre-dye and post dye mdash all can affect carpet performance and stain
resistance Additional types of dyeing include skein stock dyeing yarn dyeing space
9
dyeing extrusion dyeing beck dyeing continuous dyeing and print dyeing If the colors
must last for a longer period lsquodope dyeingrsquo is ideal Problems related to dyeing in carpets are crocking and bleeding Crocking refers to the
color rubbing off as a result of improper dye penetration Bleeding is a loss of color when
carpet is wet due to improper dyeing
AESTHETIC-
This refers primarily to the color texture and pattern of the carpet A spacious lobby
should have larger bold pattern than those of smaller area
BACKING-
a good carpets should have firm backing The secondary backing gives the carpets
dimensional stability so that it resists stretching from foot traffic or from carts being
pulled across it Foam backing of 18 to frac14 inch thickness may be added to the primary
backing to serve as a self cushion and to eliminate the need for separate padding
UNDERLAYPADDING-
If comfort and luxury is desired one must choose a proper underlay An ideal underlay
properly installed with a quality carpet and good backing can prolong the carpetrsquos life by
softening the intensity of abrasion Underlay also provides extra insulation against
extremes of heat and cold and acts as a acoustic-dampening layer It is important to
select a moth and mildew proof underlay
REPUTATION OF DEALER-
The guarantee of quality and durability should range from 5-10years It is preferred to
that a reputed dealer manufacturer and installer should be appointed for carpet selection
and installation
INSTALLATION OF CARPET-
Laying the Under pad
When a carpet is not stuck down a carpet underlay made of felt rubber or synthetic foam
is essential in order to-
1 Eliminate any slight unevenness in the floor
2 Retard crushing and creeping
3 Provide an extra layer of heat and sound insulation
4 Make the carpet feel soft and luxurious
5 Take the strain of feet and lengthen the life of the carpet
6 Rubber or synthetic underlay mat be fixed to some non-woven carpets
7 The underlay should be of same size as the carpet
The installation methods are semi-permanent or temporary-
LAYING OF CARPETS TOOLS
Tackless strips
Stapler
Hammer
Utility knife
Chalk line
Knee kicker
Power stretcher
Seam cutter
Seaming iron
Seam tape
Wall trimmer
Strip cutter
Seam roller
Knee pads
10
Measuring tape
Rolling pin (or rental seam roller)
Work gloves
Safety glasses
SEMI-PERMANENT METHODS-
Stretch-in ndash Carpets is stretched over a
separate underlay onto narrow tackless strips
pr grippers of wood with protruding tacks
The strips have two or three rows of nails
angled upwards to which carpets backing are
attached during installation
Turn and tuck - the edges of the carpets is turned under like a
hem and then tacked into position Unless well fitted this method
can cause unevenness which traps dust
Sunken- This method may be used where there is a change in
floor level The carpet is placed into the lower level of floor
and fixed hence the floor level becomes even
Glued down- this is more permanent method than the other methods It is usually used
with rubber or foam backed carpets It may direct glue-down or double glue down In the
direct glue-down method the carpet is adhered directly to the floor In the double glue-
down method the underlay is adhered to the floor first and then the carpet is glued to the
underlay
The glue-down method is suitable-
For most areas including ramps and heavy-traffic areas
The seams are durable (but difficult to repair)
Special design and border can be installed
There is no restriction on the size of the area to be carpeted
TEMPORARY METHOD-
11
These usually involve the addition of tape sewn round the edges of the carpet This tape
may contain pegs hooks press studs or Velcro strips Which attach themselves to
corresponding sockets loops or hooks affixed to the floor surface beneath the carpet
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARPETS-
A regular maintenance programme is a must for carpets since they are easily soiled or
damaged Good maintenance increases the life of carpet
Most new carpet shed fluff for the first few weeks During this period carpets should be
lightly brushed After a month carpets should be vacuumed once a week
To even out wear furniture should be moved occasionally Avoid dragging heavy
furniture over carpet as this damages the fibre
ROUTINE CARE-
This involves daily removal of dust from the carpet Dust is usually removed using dry-
suction vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper Care should be taken to clean the surrounding
areas corners and edges Inspection is a regular duty of a housekeeper to ensure there is
no pest infestation
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE-
This involves deep cleaning of the carpet Housekeeper should prepare a periodic
schedule for this When the dirt is visible deep cleaning should be done Many properties
carpet cleaning is contracted out because of the specialized equipment and skill required
Three different methods of deep cleaning are ndash
Shampooing ndash carpet shampooing machine can use either liquid or dry foam Shampoos
are anionic synthetic detergent and should be used in correct dilution Liquid shampoo
very little foam Dry-foam shampoos are actually also liquid but they leave a dry foam
on the surface of the carpet Foam loosens the dirt holding the soil on the surface of the
carpet which is removed through suction cleaners
Hot-water extraction ndash This is done by a hot-water extraction machine The machine
uses a shampoo solution that does not form foam It injects the solution under high
pressure through the pile to the back of the carpet where it emulsifies and loosens dirt
and grease Simultaneously the machine sucks up the solution along with the now
suspended dirt and grease After the cleaning process the carpet is left slightly damp and
requires a very short drying time
Dry powdering- a powder containing absorbents such as sawdust solvents and drying
agents is sprinkled on the carpet and left for several minutes The powder absorbs the
grease and dirt and it is removed with the help of a dry suction cleaner This is usually
used for spot removal from carpet
12
CARPET PROBLEMS To keep carpet as attractive and clean as possible housekeeping staff in charge of carpet
cleaning should learn to recognize and remedy the following common carpet problems
Pile distortion
Shading
Fading
Wicking
Mildew
Sheddingpilling
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
Pile distortion
Fibers can become twisted
pilled crushed or flared and
matted
1 Heavy foot of
equipment traffic
2 Improper cleaning
methods
May be impossible to remedy in high-
traffic areas Mats runners and
furniture glides can help prevent
crushing Regular vacuuming or using
a pile lifter or pile brush on high-
traffic areas will help to pick up
crushed pile while removing gritty
soil which can damage the carpets
Shading
Dark and light areas appear
Pile in the carpet is brushed
in two different directions
the dark and light areas
appear
Vacuuming or pile lifting the carpet in
one direction can help but not
eliminate it
Fading Natural aging wear n tear
cleaning can combine to
accelerate color loss
Premature fading may occur
due to improper cleaning or
spot removal
Can be dyed Always pretest carpet
before using aggressive Spot-removal
techniques
Wicking Occur when the backing of
the carpets becomes wet
and the face yarn draw or
wick the moisture and color
of the backing to the surface
of the carpet
Occurs most frequently in
jute backed carpet that has a
light ndashcolor face fiber
Can be prevented by promptly
attending to spills and by following
proper cleaning procedure that avoid
over wetting the carpet
Vinegar or synthetic citric acid
solution used in post cleaning
treatments or added to certain
cleaning chemicals can help prevent
or cure browning
Mildew
Forms when moisture
allows molds in the carpets
to grow Causes staining
odor and rotting
All carpets should be kept dry and or
treated with an antibacterial to prevent
the problem Proper cleaning
procedure that avoid
Over-wetting that carpet can help
prevent mildew from forming
13
Glossary of Carpet Terms
There are many technical terms used in the carpet industry This glossary of carpet
terms can help you navigate the jargon and learn more about the product choices
Adhesive A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by
surface attachment
Anchor Coat A latex or adhesive coating applied to the back of tufted carpet to lock
the tufts and prevent them from being pulled out under normal circumstances
Antimicrobial A chemical treatment added to carpet to reduce the growth
of common bacteria fungi yeast mold and mildew
Antistatic A carpet lsquos ability to dissipate an electrostatic charge before it reaches a
level that a person can feel
Attached Cushion Adhering a cushioning material (foam rubber urethane PVC
etc) to the back of carpet
Average Pile Density The weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet It
is calculated by multiplying the pile weight by 36 then dividing that product by the
pile height (in inches) A calculation used primarily in the commercial
carpet industry
Average Pile Yarn Weight Mass per unit area of the pile yarn including
unexposed portions of the pile yarn In the US it is usually expressed as ounces per
square yard
Axminster A type of carpet where the pile is inserted one row of tufts at a time
each row representing a section of the overall pattern The tufts are Ushaped and are
anchored at the bottom into the primary backing that is simultaneously woven The
backing may have a synthetic starch or latex finish applied to it Axminster weaving
has been traditionally used mostly for creating multicolored patterned carpets
Backing (Primary and Secondary) Backing is fabric (in tufted carpet) that makes up
the back of the carpet as opposed to the carpet pile or face
In tufted carpet Primary backing is the material that the yarn is stitched through
Secondary backing is added in the finishing process (after dyeing) and serves to add
strength (dimensional stability) to the carpet and insures the individual tufts are
locked in place
In woven carpet the backing is the combination of the ldquoconstruction yarns ldquo which
are interwoven with the face yarn
14
Back Seams Installation seams made with the carpet turned over or face down
Opposite of ldquoface seams rdquo made with the carpet face up Both are on the back of the weaving or tufting operation
BCF See Bulked Continuous Filament
Berber A carpet constructed with coarse yarns having randomly spaced flecks of
color against a background of base color Currently this term has expanded
to describe many level or multi level loop carpet styles
Binding A band or strip sewn over a rug or carpet edge to protect strengthen or
decorate the edge
Bleeding-Transfer of fiber dyes from carpet or other fabrics by a liquid usually
water with subsequent re-depositing on other fibers
Blend A mixture of two or more fibers or yarns
Breaking Strength The ability or capacity of a material to withstand the ultimate
tensile load or force required for rupture
Broadloom A term used to denote carpet produced in widths wider than 54 inches
Broadloom is usually 12 feet wide
Burns Burns occur when the carpet yarn is exposed to an errant heat source and the
fibers are melted or scorched Burns should be addressed immediately First snip off
the damaged fibers then use a soap less cleaner and sponge with water If the
damage is extensive see a professional about repairs
Cable A yarn made by twisting two or more plied yarns together Typically a large
regular yarn
Carding In staple yarn manufacture a process to remove impurities and
short unusable fibers The fiber is cleaned and aligned to form a continuous
untwisted string called a sliver
Carpet Any textile floor covering that is not designated as a Rug
Carpet Modules Carpet packaged as squares generally 18 inches by 18 inches (457
x 457 mm) with or without attached cushion backing Also referred to as carpet tiles
Colorfastness The measure of a carpet or yarnrsquo s resistance to fading Cord A carpet where the pile hasrsquot been cut in lines giving it a ribbed look
Crocking A term used to describe excess color rubbing off as the result of improper
dye penetration fixation or selection
Cross Section The shape of an individual filament or fiber when cut at right angles
to its axis Manufactured fibers used for carpet may have various shapes including
round trilobal and pentalobal as well as hollow varieties
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
6
Floral pattern dominate in India and Persia
Chinese carpets are easily recognized by pattern that includes dragon monsters etc a fine
oriental carpet will have more than 500- 100 knots per square inch
SELECTION OF CARPET ndash
The responsibility of daily and periodic cleaning and maintenance lies on Executive
Housekeeper Once the types of carpet is decided on a specification sheet needs to be
prepared for the dealer so that the right good id delivered Selection criteriarsquos are-
SIZE-
BODY OR STRIP CARPETING ndash the narrow width of carpeting is known as body
width and this is either 27rdquo or 36rdquo This has no border so that the pattern can be matched when the strips are joined
BROADLOOM CARPETING- carpets are available in a width wider than body strips
width The most common width are 9ft 12ft 15ft and some as wide as 18ft Tufted
broadloom carpets are made in widths of 9ft 105inches or 13ft 105inches These are best
CARPET SQUARE ndash These are loose carpet quadrangle with all edges neatened The
advantage of carpet square is that they can be turned to even out the wear They are not
exactly square Sizes vary ndash 6ft9inches X4ft or 9ftX12ft rectangular
CARPET TILES- These range from 9inches square to 20 inches square A popular size is
12inches square They are sold in packs of nine which can be stuck down Some have
self adhesive that make it easy to lay
STAIR CARPET- these come in a width of 18inches and 225inches they may be palin
or patterned
RUGS AND MATS- these are normally oblong and should be less than 6ft9inchesX4ft
Rugs can be placed in areas of heavy use
PURPOSE
They may broadly be classified in six
categories-
LIGHT DOMESTIC USE- Meant for
bedrooms at home which are not walked upon
much
LIGHT CONTRACT USE- at hotel bedrooms
with less usage
MEDIUM CONTRACT USE- may be used in
hotel bedrooms and public areas
GENERAL CONTRACT USE- these are for
living room halls stairs public areas and
restaurants etc
HEAVY CONTRACT USE- mainly used in
public areas or shops with heavy footfalls
LUXURY- these are better quality not meant
for general use- for eg
For hotel lobby ndash good quality and hard
wearing like Axminster made of 80wool
7
and 20 nylon is suitable
For lounge- a plain Wilton or Tufted carpet is suitable
For dining areas- an acrylic pile carpet is practical as stains can be removed easily
For staircase- cord or needle felt is suitable as these are more hard wearing and incurs
low cost
CONSTRUCTION-
The surface pile and the type of backing are important selection criteria
PILE DENSITY AND WEIGHT-
How well the carpet performs is mainly a matter of the density of the pile pile with
characteristic ndash gauge pitch pile height stitches pile weight and yarn size Average pile
density is the weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet
36Xface weight
Average pile density -------------------------
Pile height
Yarn or face weight refers to the amount of fibre (per square yard) that is the face of
carpet Face weights normally range from 20-70 ounces I
Carpet density ranges from 1000-7000 Carpet density rating 2000 is considered average
for mild usage
Twist Level
The number of twists in a one inch strand of carpet is its twist level Carpet with fewer
twists can unravel The number of twists is sometimes overlooked but is an important
factor for carpet durability Too low of twists may be very disappointing in an otherwise
high quality carpet On the other hand a carpet with a high number of twists can
compensate for a lower density
The shorter the tighter the twist the denser the better the carpet The short tight twist
carpet is called a frieze This is the best wearing style of carpet that is not a loop pile ie
commercial carpet A frieze with a longer pile and a little less density is a style called
textured plush This style is still excellent for wear and has a elegant look
A textured plush with even less yarn creates a style called a textured Saxony This style
is still going to perform well but in the very heavy traffic areas some crushing will be
noticeable
Removing even more yarn while keeping the same longer pile will create a shag carpet
Shags are casual and if tightly twisted using a nylon fiber can give years of service
Shags will crush but will recover with a good vacuuming
SHEARING OR FINISHING
If the fiber is not crimped as in the above textures and the
carpet is sheared several times the carpet will look like
velvet in super dense construction a plush in less dense
construction and a Saxony in even less dense
construction
8
Velvets are super formal and tend to show the most footprints vacuum marks and traffic
Velvets are also the most difficult carpets to seam well If you have a desire for a super
elegant carpet and do not mind footmarks etc on the carpet then you will love a velvet
carpet
Plush carpets are very similar to velvets except for a slightly coarser look and a less
dense pile Also the twist in the fiber is not as tight as a velvet construction Plush carpets
are elegant and are often thick so as to feel good when felt by the hand or foot Like
velvet carpets plush carpets show seams and footprints Both velvets and plush usually
come in solid colors Solid colors are elegant but do not hide soil
PILE HEIGHT AND STYLE-
The length thickness and ply of the pile yarn affect the weight of the carpet and
ultimately help in determining its wear Pile height is the measurement (usually in
fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet from the base of the primary backing to the tip
of yarn
Why does pile height matter Pile height affects a rug in a number of important areas
including durability ease of cleaning and cushioning
Advantages of Shorter Pile (Less than 12 inch) Carpets and Rugs with shorter piles
tend to last a bit longer and are considered more durable than rugs with longer piles
Along with this increased durability a lower pile is less likely to catch an object and be
pulled Furthermore a short pile rug can be vacuumed thoroughly A shorter pile allows a
vacuum to reach dirt at the very bottom of the rug without the risk of ruining it
Advantages of Longer Pile (Greater than 12 inch) Rugs with longer piles are
considered more luxurious and soft on the feet Although generally not as durable as rugs
with a shorter pile long pile rugs provide plusher cushioning and with proper care can
still last for generations
PILE FIBRE
Wool is dominant fibre for carpet pile Wool is soft and resilient resist abrasion and
soiling has natural flame retardant properties feels warm retain its appearance well if
maintained properly
Though wool is expensive and suffers high static generation Presently many manmade
fibres blends have become popular The blends used are ndash
Wool and nylon- 8020
Polypropylene and acrylic-5050
RESILIENCE -
It refers to the ability of the pile to recover its original appearance and thickness after
being walked upon In a guest room warmth and comfort are important for the guests
walking on bare feet or light slippers
DYEING-
There are two classifications of dyeing residential carpets pre-dyed yarns (dyed before
tufting) and post dyed yarns (dyed after the tufting is stitched) There are numerous
methods of pre-dye and post dye mdash all can affect carpet performance and stain
resistance Additional types of dyeing include skein stock dyeing yarn dyeing space
9
dyeing extrusion dyeing beck dyeing continuous dyeing and print dyeing If the colors
must last for a longer period lsquodope dyeingrsquo is ideal Problems related to dyeing in carpets are crocking and bleeding Crocking refers to the
color rubbing off as a result of improper dye penetration Bleeding is a loss of color when
carpet is wet due to improper dyeing
AESTHETIC-
This refers primarily to the color texture and pattern of the carpet A spacious lobby
should have larger bold pattern than those of smaller area
BACKING-
a good carpets should have firm backing The secondary backing gives the carpets
dimensional stability so that it resists stretching from foot traffic or from carts being
pulled across it Foam backing of 18 to frac14 inch thickness may be added to the primary
backing to serve as a self cushion and to eliminate the need for separate padding
UNDERLAYPADDING-
If comfort and luxury is desired one must choose a proper underlay An ideal underlay
properly installed with a quality carpet and good backing can prolong the carpetrsquos life by
softening the intensity of abrasion Underlay also provides extra insulation against
extremes of heat and cold and acts as a acoustic-dampening layer It is important to
select a moth and mildew proof underlay
REPUTATION OF DEALER-
The guarantee of quality and durability should range from 5-10years It is preferred to
that a reputed dealer manufacturer and installer should be appointed for carpet selection
and installation
INSTALLATION OF CARPET-
Laying the Under pad
When a carpet is not stuck down a carpet underlay made of felt rubber or synthetic foam
is essential in order to-
1 Eliminate any slight unevenness in the floor
2 Retard crushing and creeping
3 Provide an extra layer of heat and sound insulation
4 Make the carpet feel soft and luxurious
5 Take the strain of feet and lengthen the life of the carpet
6 Rubber or synthetic underlay mat be fixed to some non-woven carpets
7 The underlay should be of same size as the carpet
The installation methods are semi-permanent or temporary-
LAYING OF CARPETS TOOLS
Tackless strips
Stapler
Hammer
Utility knife
Chalk line
Knee kicker
Power stretcher
Seam cutter
Seaming iron
Seam tape
Wall trimmer
Strip cutter
Seam roller
Knee pads
10
Measuring tape
Rolling pin (or rental seam roller)
Work gloves
Safety glasses
SEMI-PERMANENT METHODS-
Stretch-in ndash Carpets is stretched over a
separate underlay onto narrow tackless strips
pr grippers of wood with protruding tacks
The strips have two or three rows of nails
angled upwards to which carpets backing are
attached during installation
Turn and tuck - the edges of the carpets is turned under like a
hem and then tacked into position Unless well fitted this method
can cause unevenness which traps dust
Sunken- This method may be used where there is a change in
floor level The carpet is placed into the lower level of floor
and fixed hence the floor level becomes even
Glued down- this is more permanent method than the other methods It is usually used
with rubber or foam backed carpets It may direct glue-down or double glue down In the
direct glue-down method the carpet is adhered directly to the floor In the double glue-
down method the underlay is adhered to the floor first and then the carpet is glued to the
underlay
The glue-down method is suitable-
For most areas including ramps and heavy-traffic areas
The seams are durable (but difficult to repair)
Special design and border can be installed
There is no restriction on the size of the area to be carpeted
TEMPORARY METHOD-
11
These usually involve the addition of tape sewn round the edges of the carpet This tape
may contain pegs hooks press studs or Velcro strips Which attach themselves to
corresponding sockets loops or hooks affixed to the floor surface beneath the carpet
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARPETS-
A regular maintenance programme is a must for carpets since they are easily soiled or
damaged Good maintenance increases the life of carpet
Most new carpet shed fluff for the first few weeks During this period carpets should be
lightly brushed After a month carpets should be vacuumed once a week
To even out wear furniture should be moved occasionally Avoid dragging heavy
furniture over carpet as this damages the fibre
ROUTINE CARE-
This involves daily removal of dust from the carpet Dust is usually removed using dry-
suction vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper Care should be taken to clean the surrounding
areas corners and edges Inspection is a regular duty of a housekeeper to ensure there is
no pest infestation
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE-
This involves deep cleaning of the carpet Housekeeper should prepare a periodic
schedule for this When the dirt is visible deep cleaning should be done Many properties
carpet cleaning is contracted out because of the specialized equipment and skill required
Three different methods of deep cleaning are ndash
Shampooing ndash carpet shampooing machine can use either liquid or dry foam Shampoos
are anionic synthetic detergent and should be used in correct dilution Liquid shampoo
very little foam Dry-foam shampoos are actually also liquid but they leave a dry foam
on the surface of the carpet Foam loosens the dirt holding the soil on the surface of the
carpet which is removed through suction cleaners
Hot-water extraction ndash This is done by a hot-water extraction machine The machine
uses a shampoo solution that does not form foam It injects the solution under high
pressure through the pile to the back of the carpet where it emulsifies and loosens dirt
and grease Simultaneously the machine sucks up the solution along with the now
suspended dirt and grease After the cleaning process the carpet is left slightly damp and
requires a very short drying time
Dry powdering- a powder containing absorbents such as sawdust solvents and drying
agents is sprinkled on the carpet and left for several minutes The powder absorbs the
grease and dirt and it is removed with the help of a dry suction cleaner This is usually
used for spot removal from carpet
12
CARPET PROBLEMS To keep carpet as attractive and clean as possible housekeeping staff in charge of carpet
cleaning should learn to recognize and remedy the following common carpet problems
Pile distortion
Shading
Fading
Wicking
Mildew
Sheddingpilling
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
Pile distortion
Fibers can become twisted
pilled crushed or flared and
matted
1 Heavy foot of
equipment traffic
2 Improper cleaning
methods
May be impossible to remedy in high-
traffic areas Mats runners and
furniture glides can help prevent
crushing Regular vacuuming or using
a pile lifter or pile brush on high-
traffic areas will help to pick up
crushed pile while removing gritty
soil which can damage the carpets
Shading
Dark and light areas appear
Pile in the carpet is brushed
in two different directions
the dark and light areas
appear
Vacuuming or pile lifting the carpet in
one direction can help but not
eliminate it
Fading Natural aging wear n tear
cleaning can combine to
accelerate color loss
Premature fading may occur
due to improper cleaning or
spot removal
Can be dyed Always pretest carpet
before using aggressive Spot-removal
techniques
Wicking Occur when the backing of
the carpets becomes wet
and the face yarn draw or
wick the moisture and color
of the backing to the surface
of the carpet
Occurs most frequently in
jute backed carpet that has a
light ndashcolor face fiber
Can be prevented by promptly
attending to spills and by following
proper cleaning procedure that avoid
over wetting the carpet
Vinegar or synthetic citric acid
solution used in post cleaning
treatments or added to certain
cleaning chemicals can help prevent
or cure browning
Mildew
Forms when moisture
allows molds in the carpets
to grow Causes staining
odor and rotting
All carpets should be kept dry and or
treated with an antibacterial to prevent
the problem Proper cleaning
procedure that avoid
Over-wetting that carpet can help
prevent mildew from forming
13
Glossary of Carpet Terms
There are many technical terms used in the carpet industry This glossary of carpet
terms can help you navigate the jargon and learn more about the product choices
Adhesive A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by
surface attachment
Anchor Coat A latex or adhesive coating applied to the back of tufted carpet to lock
the tufts and prevent them from being pulled out under normal circumstances
Antimicrobial A chemical treatment added to carpet to reduce the growth
of common bacteria fungi yeast mold and mildew
Antistatic A carpet lsquos ability to dissipate an electrostatic charge before it reaches a
level that a person can feel
Attached Cushion Adhering a cushioning material (foam rubber urethane PVC
etc) to the back of carpet
Average Pile Density The weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet It
is calculated by multiplying the pile weight by 36 then dividing that product by the
pile height (in inches) A calculation used primarily in the commercial
carpet industry
Average Pile Yarn Weight Mass per unit area of the pile yarn including
unexposed portions of the pile yarn In the US it is usually expressed as ounces per
square yard
Axminster A type of carpet where the pile is inserted one row of tufts at a time
each row representing a section of the overall pattern The tufts are Ushaped and are
anchored at the bottom into the primary backing that is simultaneously woven The
backing may have a synthetic starch or latex finish applied to it Axminster weaving
has been traditionally used mostly for creating multicolored patterned carpets
Backing (Primary and Secondary) Backing is fabric (in tufted carpet) that makes up
the back of the carpet as opposed to the carpet pile or face
In tufted carpet Primary backing is the material that the yarn is stitched through
Secondary backing is added in the finishing process (after dyeing) and serves to add
strength (dimensional stability) to the carpet and insures the individual tufts are
locked in place
In woven carpet the backing is the combination of the ldquoconstruction yarns ldquo which
are interwoven with the face yarn
14
Back Seams Installation seams made with the carpet turned over or face down
Opposite of ldquoface seams rdquo made with the carpet face up Both are on the back of the weaving or tufting operation
BCF See Bulked Continuous Filament
Berber A carpet constructed with coarse yarns having randomly spaced flecks of
color against a background of base color Currently this term has expanded
to describe many level or multi level loop carpet styles
Binding A band or strip sewn over a rug or carpet edge to protect strengthen or
decorate the edge
Bleeding-Transfer of fiber dyes from carpet or other fabrics by a liquid usually
water with subsequent re-depositing on other fibers
Blend A mixture of two or more fibers or yarns
Breaking Strength The ability or capacity of a material to withstand the ultimate
tensile load or force required for rupture
Broadloom A term used to denote carpet produced in widths wider than 54 inches
Broadloom is usually 12 feet wide
Burns Burns occur when the carpet yarn is exposed to an errant heat source and the
fibers are melted or scorched Burns should be addressed immediately First snip off
the damaged fibers then use a soap less cleaner and sponge with water If the
damage is extensive see a professional about repairs
Cable A yarn made by twisting two or more plied yarns together Typically a large
regular yarn
Carding In staple yarn manufacture a process to remove impurities and
short unusable fibers The fiber is cleaned and aligned to form a continuous
untwisted string called a sliver
Carpet Any textile floor covering that is not designated as a Rug
Carpet Modules Carpet packaged as squares generally 18 inches by 18 inches (457
x 457 mm) with or without attached cushion backing Also referred to as carpet tiles
Colorfastness The measure of a carpet or yarnrsquo s resistance to fading Cord A carpet where the pile hasrsquot been cut in lines giving it a ribbed look
Crocking A term used to describe excess color rubbing off as the result of improper
dye penetration fixation or selection
Cross Section The shape of an individual filament or fiber when cut at right angles
to its axis Manufactured fibers used for carpet may have various shapes including
round trilobal and pentalobal as well as hollow varieties
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
7
and 20 nylon is suitable
For lounge- a plain Wilton or Tufted carpet is suitable
For dining areas- an acrylic pile carpet is practical as stains can be removed easily
For staircase- cord or needle felt is suitable as these are more hard wearing and incurs
low cost
CONSTRUCTION-
The surface pile and the type of backing are important selection criteria
PILE DENSITY AND WEIGHT-
How well the carpet performs is mainly a matter of the density of the pile pile with
characteristic ndash gauge pitch pile height stitches pile weight and yarn size Average pile
density is the weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet
36Xface weight
Average pile density -------------------------
Pile height
Yarn or face weight refers to the amount of fibre (per square yard) that is the face of
carpet Face weights normally range from 20-70 ounces I
Carpet density ranges from 1000-7000 Carpet density rating 2000 is considered average
for mild usage
Twist Level
The number of twists in a one inch strand of carpet is its twist level Carpet with fewer
twists can unravel The number of twists is sometimes overlooked but is an important
factor for carpet durability Too low of twists may be very disappointing in an otherwise
high quality carpet On the other hand a carpet with a high number of twists can
compensate for a lower density
The shorter the tighter the twist the denser the better the carpet The short tight twist
carpet is called a frieze This is the best wearing style of carpet that is not a loop pile ie
commercial carpet A frieze with a longer pile and a little less density is a style called
textured plush This style is still excellent for wear and has a elegant look
A textured plush with even less yarn creates a style called a textured Saxony This style
is still going to perform well but in the very heavy traffic areas some crushing will be
noticeable
Removing even more yarn while keeping the same longer pile will create a shag carpet
Shags are casual and if tightly twisted using a nylon fiber can give years of service
Shags will crush but will recover with a good vacuuming
SHEARING OR FINISHING
If the fiber is not crimped as in the above textures and the
carpet is sheared several times the carpet will look like
velvet in super dense construction a plush in less dense
construction and a Saxony in even less dense
construction
8
Velvets are super formal and tend to show the most footprints vacuum marks and traffic
Velvets are also the most difficult carpets to seam well If you have a desire for a super
elegant carpet and do not mind footmarks etc on the carpet then you will love a velvet
carpet
Plush carpets are very similar to velvets except for a slightly coarser look and a less
dense pile Also the twist in the fiber is not as tight as a velvet construction Plush carpets
are elegant and are often thick so as to feel good when felt by the hand or foot Like
velvet carpets plush carpets show seams and footprints Both velvets and plush usually
come in solid colors Solid colors are elegant but do not hide soil
PILE HEIGHT AND STYLE-
The length thickness and ply of the pile yarn affect the weight of the carpet and
ultimately help in determining its wear Pile height is the measurement (usually in
fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet from the base of the primary backing to the tip
of yarn
Why does pile height matter Pile height affects a rug in a number of important areas
including durability ease of cleaning and cushioning
Advantages of Shorter Pile (Less than 12 inch) Carpets and Rugs with shorter piles
tend to last a bit longer and are considered more durable than rugs with longer piles
Along with this increased durability a lower pile is less likely to catch an object and be
pulled Furthermore a short pile rug can be vacuumed thoroughly A shorter pile allows a
vacuum to reach dirt at the very bottom of the rug without the risk of ruining it
Advantages of Longer Pile (Greater than 12 inch) Rugs with longer piles are
considered more luxurious and soft on the feet Although generally not as durable as rugs
with a shorter pile long pile rugs provide plusher cushioning and with proper care can
still last for generations
PILE FIBRE
Wool is dominant fibre for carpet pile Wool is soft and resilient resist abrasion and
soiling has natural flame retardant properties feels warm retain its appearance well if
maintained properly
Though wool is expensive and suffers high static generation Presently many manmade
fibres blends have become popular The blends used are ndash
Wool and nylon- 8020
Polypropylene and acrylic-5050
RESILIENCE -
It refers to the ability of the pile to recover its original appearance and thickness after
being walked upon In a guest room warmth and comfort are important for the guests
walking on bare feet or light slippers
DYEING-
There are two classifications of dyeing residential carpets pre-dyed yarns (dyed before
tufting) and post dyed yarns (dyed after the tufting is stitched) There are numerous
methods of pre-dye and post dye mdash all can affect carpet performance and stain
resistance Additional types of dyeing include skein stock dyeing yarn dyeing space
9
dyeing extrusion dyeing beck dyeing continuous dyeing and print dyeing If the colors
must last for a longer period lsquodope dyeingrsquo is ideal Problems related to dyeing in carpets are crocking and bleeding Crocking refers to the
color rubbing off as a result of improper dye penetration Bleeding is a loss of color when
carpet is wet due to improper dyeing
AESTHETIC-
This refers primarily to the color texture and pattern of the carpet A spacious lobby
should have larger bold pattern than those of smaller area
BACKING-
a good carpets should have firm backing The secondary backing gives the carpets
dimensional stability so that it resists stretching from foot traffic or from carts being
pulled across it Foam backing of 18 to frac14 inch thickness may be added to the primary
backing to serve as a self cushion and to eliminate the need for separate padding
UNDERLAYPADDING-
If comfort and luxury is desired one must choose a proper underlay An ideal underlay
properly installed with a quality carpet and good backing can prolong the carpetrsquos life by
softening the intensity of abrasion Underlay also provides extra insulation against
extremes of heat and cold and acts as a acoustic-dampening layer It is important to
select a moth and mildew proof underlay
REPUTATION OF DEALER-
The guarantee of quality and durability should range from 5-10years It is preferred to
that a reputed dealer manufacturer and installer should be appointed for carpet selection
and installation
INSTALLATION OF CARPET-
Laying the Under pad
When a carpet is not stuck down a carpet underlay made of felt rubber or synthetic foam
is essential in order to-
1 Eliminate any slight unevenness in the floor
2 Retard crushing and creeping
3 Provide an extra layer of heat and sound insulation
4 Make the carpet feel soft and luxurious
5 Take the strain of feet and lengthen the life of the carpet
6 Rubber or synthetic underlay mat be fixed to some non-woven carpets
7 The underlay should be of same size as the carpet
The installation methods are semi-permanent or temporary-
LAYING OF CARPETS TOOLS
Tackless strips
Stapler
Hammer
Utility knife
Chalk line
Knee kicker
Power stretcher
Seam cutter
Seaming iron
Seam tape
Wall trimmer
Strip cutter
Seam roller
Knee pads
10
Measuring tape
Rolling pin (or rental seam roller)
Work gloves
Safety glasses
SEMI-PERMANENT METHODS-
Stretch-in ndash Carpets is stretched over a
separate underlay onto narrow tackless strips
pr grippers of wood with protruding tacks
The strips have two or three rows of nails
angled upwards to which carpets backing are
attached during installation
Turn and tuck - the edges of the carpets is turned under like a
hem and then tacked into position Unless well fitted this method
can cause unevenness which traps dust
Sunken- This method may be used where there is a change in
floor level The carpet is placed into the lower level of floor
and fixed hence the floor level becomes even
Glued down- this is more permanent method than the other methods It is usually used
with rubber or foam backed carpets It may direct glue-down or double glue down In the
direct glue-down method the carpet is adhered directly to the floor In the double glue-
down method the underlay is adhered to the floor first and then the carpet is glued to the
underlay
The glue-down method is suitable-
For most areas including ramps and heavy-traffic areas
The seams are durable (but difficult to repair)
Special design and border can be installed
There is no restriction on the size of the area to be carpeted
TEMPORARY METHOD-
11
These usually involve the addition of tape sewn round the edges of the carpet This tape
may contain pegs hooks press studs or Velcro strips Which attach themselves to
corresponding sockets loops or hooks affixed to the floor surface beneath the carpet
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARPETS-
A regular maintenance programme is a must for carpets since they are easily soiled or
damaged Good maintenance increases the life of carpet
Most new carpet shed fluff for the first few weeks During this period carpets should be
lightly brushed After a month carpets should be vacuumed once a week
To even out wear furniture should be moved occasionally Avoid dragging heavy
furniture over carpet as this damages the fibre
ROUTINE CARE-
This involves daily removal of dust from the carpet Dust is usually removed using dry-
suction vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper Care should be taken to clean the surrounding
areas corners and edges Inspection is a regular duty of a housekeeper to ensure there is
no pest infestation
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE-
This involves deep cleaning of the carpet Housekeeper should prepare a periodic
schedule for this When the dirt is visible deep cleaning should be done Many properties
carpet cleaning is contracted out because of the specialized equipment and skill required
Three different methods of deep cleaning are ndash
Shampooing ndash carpet shampooing machine can use either liquid or dry foam Shampoos
are anionic synthetic detergent and should be used in correct dilution Liquid shampoo
very little foam Dry-foam shampoos are actually also liquid but they leave a dry foam
on the surface of the carpet Foam loosens the dirt holding the soil on the surface of the
carpet which is removed through suction cleaners
Hot-water extraction ndash This is done by a hot-water extraction machine The machine
uses a shampoo solution that does not form foam It injects the solution under high
pressure through the pile to the back of the carpet where it emulsifies and loosens dirt
and grease Simultaneously the machine sucks up the solution along with the now
suspended dirt and grease After the cleaning process the carpet is left slightly damp and
requires a very short drying time
Dry powdering- a powder containing absorbents such as sawdust solvents and drying
agents is sprinkled on the carpet and left for several minutes The powder absorbs the
grease and dirt and it is removed with the help of a dry suction cleaner This is usually
used for spot removal from carpet
12
CARPET PROBLEMS To keep carpet as attractive and clean as possible housekeeping staff in charge of carpet
cleaning should learn to recognize and remedy the following common carpet problems
Pile distortion
Shading
Fading
Wicking
Mildew
Sheddingpilling
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
Pile distortion
Fibers can become twisted
pilled crushed or flared and
matted
1 Heavy foot of
equipment traffic
2 Improper cleaning
methods
May be impossible to remedy in high-
traffic areas Mats runners and
furniture glides can help prevent
crushing Regular vacuuming or using
a pile lifter or pile brush on high-
traffic areas will help to pick up
crushed pile while removing gritty
soil which can damage the carpets
Shading
Dark and light areas appear
Pile in the carpet is brushed
in two different directions
the dark and light areas
appear
Vacuuming or pile lifting the carpet in
one direction can help but not
eliminate it
Fading Natural aging wear n tear
cleaning can combine to
accelerate color loss
Premature fading may occur
due to improper cleaning or
spot removal
Can be dyed Always pretest carpet
before using aggressive Spot-removal
techniques
Wicking Occur when the backing of
the carpets becomes wet
and the face yarn draw or
wick the moisture and color
of the backing to the surface
of the carpet
Occurs most frequently in
jute backed carpet that has a
light ndashcolor face fiber
Can be prevented by promptly
attending to spills and by following
proper cleaning procedure that avoid
over wetting the carpet
Vinegar or synthetic citric acid
solution used in post cleaning
treatments or added to certain
cleaning chemicals can help prevent
or cure browning
Mildew
Forms when moisture
allows molds in the carpets
to grow Causes staining
odor and rotting
All carpets should be kept dry and or
treated with an antibacterial to prevent
the problem Proper cleaning
procedure that avoid
Over-wetting that carpet can help
prevent mildew from forming
13
Glossary of Carpet Terms
There are many technical terms used in the carpet industry This glossary of carpet
terms can help you navigate the jargon and learn more about the product choices
Adhesive A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by
surface attachment
Anchor Coat A latex or adhesive coating applied to the back of tufted carpet to lock
the tufts and prevent them from being pulled out under normal circumstances
Antimicrobial A chemical treatment added to carpet to reduce the growth
of common bacteria fungi yeast mold and mildew
Antistatic A carpet lsquos ability to dissipate an electrostatic charge before it reaches a
level that a person can feel
Attached Cushion Adhering a cushioning material (foam rubber urethane PVC
etc) to the back of carpet
Average Pile Density The weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet It
is calculated by multiplying the pile weight by 36 then dividing that product by the
pile height (in inches) A calculation used primarily in the commercial
carpet industry
Average Pile Yarn Weight Mass per unit area of the pile yarn including
unexposed portions of the pile yarn In the US it is usually expressed as ounces per
square yard
Axminster A type of carpet where the pile is inserted one row of tufts at a time
each row representing a section of the overall pattern The tufts are Ushaped and are
anchored at the bottom into the primary backing that is simultaneously woven The
backing may have a synthetic starch or latex finish applied to it Axminster weaving
has been traditionally used mostly for creating multicolored patterned carpets
Backing (Primary and Secondary) Backing is fabric (in tufted carpet) that makes up
the back of the carpet as opposed to the carpet pile or face
In tufted carpet Primary backing is the material that the yarn is stitched through
Secondary backing is added in the finishing process (after dyeing) and serves to add
strength (dimensional stability) to the carpet and insures the individual tufts are
locked in place
In woven carpet the backing is the combination of the ldquoconstruction yarns ldquo which
are interwoven with the face yarn
14
Back Seams Installation seams made with the carpet turned over or face down
Opposite of ldquoface seams rdquo made with the carpet face up Both are on the back of the weaving or tufting operation
BCF See Bulked Continuous Filament
Berber A carpet constructed with coarse yarns having randomly spaced flecks of
color against a background of base color Currently this term has expanded
to describe many level or multi level loop carpet styles
Binding A band or strip sewn over a rug or carpet edge to protect strengthen or
decorate the edge
Bleeding-Transfer of fiber dyes from carpet or other fabrics by a liquid usually
water with subsequent re-depositing on other fibers
Blend A mixture of two or more fibers or yarns
Breaking Strength The ability or capacity of a material to withstand the ultimate
tensile load or force required for rupture
Broadloom A term used to denote carpet produced in widths wider than 54 inches
Broadloom is usually 12 feet wide
Burns Burns occur when the carpet yarn is exposed to an errant heat source and the
fibers are melted or scorched Burns should be addressed immediately First snip off
the damaged fibers then use a soap less cleaner and sponge with water If the
damage is extensive see a professional about repairs
Cable A yarn made by twisting two or more plied yarns together Typically a large
regular yarn
Carding In staple yarn manufacture a process to remove impurities and
short unusable fibers The fiber is cleaned and aligned to form a continuous
untwisted string called a sliver
Carpet Any textile floor covering that is not designated as a Rug
Carpet Modules Carpet packaged as squares generally 18 inches by 18 inches (457
x 457 mm) with or without attached cushion backing Also referred to as carpet tiles
Colorfastness The measure of a carpet or yarnrsquo s resistance to fading Cord A carpet where the pile hasrsquot been cut in lines giving it a ribbed look
Crocking A term used to describe excess color rubbing off as the result of improper
dye penetration fixation or selection
Cross Section The shape of an individual filament or fiber when cut at right angles
to its axis Manufactured fibers used for carpet may have various shapes including
round trilobal and pentalobal as well as hollow varieties
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
8
Velvets are super formal and tend to show the most footprints vacuum marks and traffic
Velvets are also the most difficult carpets to seam well If you have a desire for a super
elegant carpet and do not mind footmarks etc on the carpet then you will love a velvet
carpet
Plush carpets are very similar to velvets except for a slightly coarser look and a less
dense pile Also the twist in the fiber is not as tight as a velvet construction Plush carpets
are elegant and are often thick so as to feel good when felt by the hand or foot Like
velvet carpets plush carpets show seams and footprints Both velvets and plush usually
come in solid colors Solid colors are elegant but do not hide soil
PILE HEIGHT AND STYLE-
The length thickness and ply of the pile yarn affect the weight of the carpet and
ultimately help in determining its wear Pile height is the measurement (usually in
fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet from the base of the primary backing to the tip
of yarn
Why does pile height matter Pile height affects a rug in a number of important areas
including durability ease of cleaning and cushioning
Advantages of Shorter Pile (Less than 12 inch) Carpets and Rugs with shorter piles
tend to last a bit longer and are considered more durable than rugs with longer piles
Along with this increased durability a lower pile is less likely to catch an object and be
pulled Furthermore a short pile rug can be vacuumed thoroughly A shorter pile allows a
vacuum to reach dirt at the very bottom of the rug without the risk of ruining it
Advantages of Longer Pile (Greater than 12 inch) Rugs with longer piles are
considered more luxurious and soft on the feet Although generally not as durable as rugs
with a shorter pile long pile rugs provide plusher cushioning and with proper care can
still last for generations
PILE FIBRE
Wool is dominant fibre for carpet pile Wool is soft and resilient resist abrasion and
soiling has natural flame retardant properties feels warm retain its appearance well if
maintained properly
Though wool is expensive and suffers high static generation Presently many manmade
fibres blends have become popular The blends used are ndash
Wool and nylon- 8020
Polypropylene and acrylic-5050
RESILIENCE -
It refers to the ability of the pile to recover its original appearance and thickness after
being walked upon In a guest room warmth and comfort are important for the guests
walking on bare feet or light slippers
DYEING-
There are two classifications of dyeing residential carpets pre-dyed yarns (dyed before
tufting) and post dyed yarns (dyed after the tufting is stitched) There are numerous
methods of pre-dye and post dye mdash all can affect carpet performance and stain
resistance Additional types of dyeing include skein stock dyeing yarn dyeing space
9
dyeing extrusion dyeing beck dyeing continuous dyeing and print dyeing If the colors
must last for a longer period lsquodope dyeingrsquo is ideal Problems related to dyeing in carpets are crocking and bleeding Crocking refers to the
color rubbing off as a result of improper dye penetration Bleeding is a loss of color when
carpet is wet due to improper dyeing
AESTHETIC-
This refers primarily to the color texture and pattern of the carpet A spacious lobby
should have larger bold pattern than those of smaller area
BACKING-
a good carpets should have firm backing The secondary backing gives the carpets
dimensional stability so that it resists stretching from foot traffic or from carts being
pulled across it Foam backing of 18 to frac14 inch thickness may be added to the primary
backing to serve as a self cushion and to eliminate the need for separate padding
UNDERLAYPADDING-
If comfort and luxury is desired one must choose a proper underlay An ideal underlay
properly installed with a quality carpet and good backing can prolong the carpetrsquos life by
softening the intensity of abrasion Underlay also provides extra insulation against
extremes of heat and cold and acts as a acoustic-dampening layer It is important to
select a moth and mildew proof underlay
REPUTATION OF DEALER-
The guarantee of quality and durability should range from 5-10years It is preferred to
that a reputed dealer manufacturer and installer should be appointed for carpet selection
and installation
INSTALLATION OF CARPET-
Laying the Under pad
When a carpet is not stuck down a carpet underlay made of felt rubber or synthetic foam
is essential in order to-
1 Eliminate any slight unevenness in the floor
2 Retard crushing and creeping
3 Provide an extra layer of heat and sound insulation
4 Make the carpet feel soft and luxurious
5 Take the strain of feet and lengthen the life of the carpet
6 Rubber or synthetic underlay mat be fixed to some non-woven carpets
7 The underlay should be of same size as the carpet
The installation methods are semi-permanent or temporary-
LAYING OF CARPETS TOOLS
Tackless strips
Stapler
Hammer
Utility knife
Chalk line
Knee kicker
Power stretcher
Seam cutter
Seaming iron
Seam tape
Wall trimmer
Strip cutter
Seam roller
Knee pads
10
Measuring tape
Rolling pin (or rental seam roller)
Work gloves
Safety glasses
SEMI-PERMANENT METHODS-
Stretch-in ndash Carpets is stretched over a
separate underlay onto narrow tackless strips
pr grippers of wood with protruding tacks
The strips have two or three rows of nails
angled upwards to which carpets backing are
attached during installation
Turn and tuck - the edges of the carpets is turned under like a
hem and then tacked into position Unless well fitted this method
can cause unevenness which traps dust
Sunken- This method may be used where there is a change in
floor level The carpet is placed into the lower level of floor
and fixed hence the floor level becomes even
Glued down- this is more permanent method than the other methods It is usually used
with rubber or foam backed carpets It may direct glue-down or double glue down In the
direct glue-down method the carpet is adhered directly to the floor In the double glue-
down method the underlay is adhered to the floor first and then the carpet is glued to the
underlay
The glue-down method is suitable-
For most areas including ramps and heavy-traffic areas
The seams are durable (but difficult to repair)
Special design and border can be installed
There is no restriction on the size of the area to be carpeted
TEMPORARY METHOD-
11
These usually involve the addition of tape sewn round the edges of the carpet This tape
may contain pegs hooks press studs or Velcro strips Which attach themselves to
corresponding sockets loops or hooks affixed to the floor surface beneath the carpet
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARPETS-
A regular maintenance programme is a must for carpets since they are easily soiled or
damaged Good maintenance increases the life of carpet
Most new carpet shed fluff for the first few weeks During this period carpets should be
lightly brushed After a month carpets should be vacuumed once a week
To even out wear furniture should be moved occasionally Avoid dragging heavy
furniture over carpet as this damages the fibre
ROUTINE CARE-
This involves daily removal of dust from the carpet Dust is usually removed using dry-
suction vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper Care should be taken to clean the surrounding
areas corners and edges Inspection is a regular duty of a housekeeper to ensure there is
no pest infestation
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE-
This involves deep cleaning of the carpet Housekeeper should prepare a periodic
schedule for this When the dirt is visible deep cleaning should be done Many properties
carpet cleaning is contracted out because of the specialized equipment and skill required
Three different methods of deep cleaning are ndash
Shampooing ndash carpet shampooing machine can use either liquid or dry foam Shampoos
are anionic synthetic detergent and should be used in correct dilution Liquid shampoo
very little foam Dry-foam shampoos are actually also liquid but they leave a dry foam
on the surface of the carpet Foam loosens the dirt holding the soil on the surface of the
carpet which is removed through suction cleaners
Hot-water extraction ndash This is done by a hot-water extraction machine The machine
uses a shampoo solution that does not form foam It injects the solution under high
pressure through the pile to the back of the carpet where it emulsifies and loosens dirt
and grease Simultaneously the machine sucks up the solution along with the now
suspended dirt and grease After the cleaning process the carpet is left slightly damp and
requires a very short drying time
Dry powdering- a powder containing absorbents such as sawdust solvents and drying
agents is sprinkled on the carpet and left for several minutes The powder absorbs the
grease and dirt and it is removed with the help of a dry suction cleaner This is usually
used for spot removal from carpet
12
CARPET PROBLEMS To keep carpet as attractive and clean as possible housekeeping staff in charge of carpet
cleaning should learn to recognize and remedy the following common carpet problems
Pile distortion
Shading
Fading
Wicking
Mildew
Sheddingpilling
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
Pile distortion
Fibers can become twisted
pilled crushed or flared and
matted
1 Heavy foot of
equipment traffic
2 Improper cleaning
methods
May be impossible to remedy in high-
traffic areas Mats runners and
furniture glides can help prevent
crushing Regular vacuuming or using
a pile lifter or pile brush on high-
traffic areas will help to pick up
crushed pile while removing gritty
soil which can damage the carpets
Shading
Dark and light areas appear
Pile in the carpet is brushed
in two different directions
the dark and light areas
appear
Vacuuming or pile lifting the carpet in
one direction can help but not
eliminate it
Fading Natural aging wear n tear
cleaning can combine to
accelerate color loss
Premature fading may occur
due to improper cleaning or
spot removal
Can be dyed Always pretest carpet
before using aggressive Spot-removal
techniques
Wicking Occur when the backing of
the carpets becomes wet
and the face yarn draw or
wick the moisture and color
of the backing to the surface
of the carpet
Occurs most frequently in
jute backed carpet that has a
light ndashcolor face fiber
Can be prevented by promptly
attending to spills and by following
proper cleaning procedure that avoid
over wetting the carpet
Vinegar or synthetic citric acid
solution used in post cleaning
treatments or added to certain
cleaning chemicals can help prevent
or cure browning
Mildew
Forms when moisture
allows molds in the carpets
to grow Causes staining
odor and rotting
All carpets should be kept dry and or
treated with an antibacterial to prevent
the problem Proper cleaning
procedure that avoid
Over-wetting that carpet can help
prevent mildew from forming
13
Glossary of Carpet Terms
There are many technical terms used in the carpet industry This glossary of carpet
terms can help you navigate the jargon and learn more about the product choices
Adhesive A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by
surface attachment
Anchor Coat A latex or adhesive coating applied to the back of tufted carpet to lock
the tufts and prevent them from being pulled out under normal circumstances
Antimicrobial A chemical treatment added to carpet to reduce the growth
of common bacteria fungi yeast mold and mildew
Antistatic A carpet lsquos ability to dissipate an electrostatic charge before it reaches a
level that a person can feel
Attached Cushion Adhering a cushioning material (foam rubber urethane PVC
etc) to the back of carpet
Average Pile Density The weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet It
is calculated by multiplying the pile weight by 36 then dividing that product by the
pile height (in inches) A calculation used primarily in the commercial
carpet industry
Average Pile Yarn Weight Mass per unit area of the pile yarn including
unexposed portions of the pile yarn In the US it is usually expressed as ounces per
square yard
Axminster A type of carpet where the pile is inserted one row of tufts at a time
each row representing a section of the overall pattern The tufts are Ushaped and are
anchored at the bottom into the primary backing that is simultaneously woven The
backing may have a synthetic starch or latex finish applied to it Axminster weaving
has been traditionally used mostly for creating multicolored patterned carpets
Backing (Primary and Secondary) Backing is fabric (in tufted carpet) that makes up
the back of the carpet as opposed to the carpet pile or face
In tufted carpet Primary backing is the material that the yarn is stitched through
Secondary backing is added in the finishing process (after dyeing) and serves to add
strength (dimensional stability) to the carpet and insures the individual tufts are
locked in place
In woven carpet the backing is the combination of the ldquoconstruction yarns ldquo which
are interwoven with the face yarn
14
Back Seams Installation seams made with the carpet turned over or face down
Opposite of ldquoface seams rdquo made with the carpet face up Both are on the back of the weaving or tufting operation
BCF See Bulked Continuous Filament
Berber A carpet constructed with coarse yarns having randomly spaced flecks of
color against a background of base color Currently this term has expanded
to describe many level or multi level loop carpet styles
Binding A band or strip sewn over a rug or carpet edge to protect strengthen or
decorate the edge
Bleeding-Transfer of fiber dyes from carpet or other fabrics by a liquid usually
water with subsequent re-depositing on other fibers
Blend A mixture of two or more fibers or yarns
Breaking Strength The ability or capacity of a material to withstand the ultimate
tensile load or force required for rupture
Broadloom A term used to denote carpet produced in widths wider than 54 inches
Broadloom is usually 12 feet wide
Burns Burns occur when the carpet yarn is exposed to an errant heat source and the
fibers are melted or scorched Burns should be addressed immediately First snip off
the damaged fibers then use a soap less cleaner and sponge with water If the
damage is extensive see a professional about repairs
Cable A yarn made by twisting two or more plied yarns together Typically a large
regular yarn
Carding In staple yarn manufacture a process to remove impurities and
short unusable fibers The fiber is cleaned and aligned to form a continuous
untwisted string called a sliver
Carpet Any textile floor covering that is not designated as a Rug
Carpet Modules Carpet packaged as squares generally 18 inches by 18 inches (457
x 457 mm) with or without attached cushion backing Also referred to as carpet tiles
Colorfastness The measure of a carpet or yarnrsquo s resistance to fading Cord A carpet where the pile hasrsquot been cut in lines giving it a ribbed look
Crocking A term used to describe excess color rubbing off as the result of improper
dye penetration fixation or selection
Cross Section The shape of an individual filament or fiber when cut at right angles
to its axis Manufactured fibers used for carpet may have various shapes including
round trilobal and pentalobal as well as hollow varieties
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
9
dyeing extrusion dyeing beck dyeing continuous dyeing and print dyeing If the colors
must last for a longer period lsquodope dyeingrsquo is ideal Problems related to dyeing in carpets are crocking and bleeding Crocking refers to the
color rubbing off as a result of improper dye penetration Bleeding is a loss of color when
carpet is wet due to improper dyeing
AESTHETIC-
This refers primarily to the color texture and pattern of the carpet A spacious lobby
should have larger bold pattern than those of smaller area
BACKING-
a good carpets should have firm backing The secondary backing gives the carpets
dimensional stability so that it resists stretching from foot traffic or from carts being
pulled across it Foam backing of 18 to frac14 inch thickness may be added to the primary
backing to serve as a self cushion and to eliminate the need for separate padding
UNDERLAYPADDING-
If comfort and luxury is desired one must choose a proper underlay An ideal underlay
properly installed with a quality carpet and good backing can prolong the carpetrsquos life by
softening the intensity of abrasion Underlay also provides extra insulation against
extremes of heat and cold and acts as a acoustic-dampening layer It is important to
select a moth and mildew proof underlay
REPUTATION OF DEALER-
The guarantee of quality and durability should range from 5-10years It is preferred to
that a reputed dealer manufacturer and installer should be appointed for carpet selection
and installation
INSTALLATION OF CARPET-
Laying the Under pad
When a carpet is not stuck down a carpet underlay made of felt rubber or synthetic foam
is essential in order to-
1 Eliminate any slight unevenness in the floor
2 Retard crushing and creeping
3 Provide an extra layer of heat and sound insulation
4 Make the carpet feel soft and luxurious
5 Take the strain of feet and lengthen the life of the carpet
6 Rubber or synthetic underlay mat be fixed to some non-woven carpets
7 The underlay should be of same size as the carpet
The installation methods are semi-permanent or temporary-
LAYING OF CARPETS TOOLS
Tackless strips
Stapler
Hammer
Utility knife
Chalk line
Knee kicker
Power stretcher
Seam cutter
Seaming iron
Seam tape
Wall trimmer
Strip cutter
Seam roller
Knee pads
10
Measuring tape
Rolling pin (or rental seam roller)
Work gloves
Safety glasses
SEMI-PERMANENT METHODS-
Stretch-in ndash Carpets is stretched over a
separate underlay onto narrow tackless strips
pr grippers of wood with protruding tacks
The strips have two or three rows of nails
angled upwards to which carpets backing are
attached during installation
Turn and tuck - the edges of the carpets is turned under like a
hem and then tacked into position Unless well fitted this method
can cause unevenness which traps dust
Sunken- This method may be used where there is a change in
floor level The carpet is placed into the lower level of floor
and fixed hence the floor level becomes even
Glued down- this is more permanent method than the other methods It is usually used
with rubber or foam backed carpets It may direct glue-down or double glue down In the
direct glue-down method the carpet is adhered directly to the floor In the double glue-
down method the underlay is adhered to the floor first and then the carpet is glued to the
underlay
The glue-down method is suitable-
For most areas including ramps and heavy-traffic areas
The seams are durable (but difficult to repair)
Special design and border can be installed
There is no restriction on the size of the area to be carpeted
TEMPORARY METHOD-
11
These usually involve the addition of tape sewn round the edges of the carpet This tape
may contain pegs hooks press studs or Velcro strips Which attach themselves to
corresponding sockets loops or hooks affixed to the floor surface beneath the carpet
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARPETS-
A regular maintenance programme is a must for carpets since they are easily soiled or
damaged Good maintenance increases the life of carpet
Most new carpet shed fluff for the first few weeks During this period carpets should be
lightly brushed After a month carpets should be vacuumed once a week
To even out wear furniture should be moved occasionally Avoid dragging heavy
furniture over carpet as this damages the fibre
ROUTINE CARE-
This involves daily removal of dust from the carpet Dust is usually removed using dry-
suction vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper Care should be taken to clean the surrounding
areas corners and edges Inspection is a regular duty of a housekeeper to ensure there is
no pest infestation
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE-
This involves deep cleaning of the carpet Housekeeper should prepare a periodic
schedule for this When the dirt is visible deep cleaning should be done Many properties
carpet cleaning is contracted out because of the specialized equipment and skill required
Three different methods of deep cleaning are ndash
Shampooing ndash carpet shampooing machine can use either liquid or dry foam Shampoos
are anionic synthetic detergent and should be used in correct dilution Liquid shampoo
very little foam Dry-foam shampoos are actually also liquid but they leave a dry foam
on the surface of the carpet Foam loosens the dirt holding the soil on the surface of the
carpet which is removed through suction cleaners
Hot-water extraction ndash This is done by a hot-water extraction machine The machine
uses a shampoo solution that does not form foam It injects the solution under high
pressure through the pile to the back of the carpet where it emulsifies and loosens dirt
and grease Simultaneously the machine sucks up the solution along with the now
suspended dirt and grease After the cleaning process the carpet is left slightly damp and
requires a very short drying time
Dry powdering- a powder containing absorbents such as sawdust solvents and drying
agents is sprinkled on the carpet and left for several minutes The powder absorbs the
grease and dirt and it is removed with the help of a dry suction cleaner This is usually
used for spot removal from carpet
12
CARPET PROBLEMS To keep carpet as attractive and clean as possible housekeeping staff in charge of carpet
cleaning should learn to recognize and remedy the following common carpet problems
Pile distortion
Shading
Fading
Wicking
Mildew
Sheddingpilling
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
Pile distortion
Fibers can become twisted
pilled crushed or flared and
matted
1 Heavy foot of
equipment traffic
2 Improper cleaning
methods
May be impossible to remedy in high-
traffic areas Mats runners and
furniture glides can help prevent
crushing Regular vacuuming or using
a pile lifter or pile brush on high-
traffic areas will help to pick up
crushed pile while removing gritty
soil which can damage the carpets
Shading
Dark and light areas appear
Pile in the carpet is brushed
in two different directions
the dark and light areas
appear
Vacuuming or pile lifting the carpet in
one direction can help but not
eliminate it
Fading Natural aging wear n tear
cleaning can combine to
accelerate color loss
Premature fading may occur
due to improper cleaning or
spot removal
Can be dyed Always pretest carpet
before using aggressive Spot-removal
techniques
Wicking Occur when the backing of
the carpets becomes wet
and the face yarn draw or
wick the moisture and color
of the backing to the surface
of the carpet
Occurs most frequently in
jute backed carpet that has a
light ndashcolor face fiber
Can be prevented by promptly
attending to spills and by following
proper cleaning procedure that avoid
over wetting the carpet
Vinegar or synthetic citric acid
solution used in post cleaning
treatments or added to certain
cleaning chemicals can help prevent
or cure browning
Mildew
Forms when moisture
allows molds in the carpets
to grow Causes staining
odor and rotting
All carpets should be kept dry and or
treated with an antibacterial to prevent
the problem Proper cleaning
procedure that avoid
Over-wetting that carpet can help
prevent mildew from forming
13
Glossary of Carpet Terms
There are many technical terms used in the carpet industry This glossary of carpet
terms can help you navigate the jargon and learn more about the product choices
Adhesive A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by
surface attachment
Anchor Coat A latex or adhesive coating applied to the back of tufted carpet to lock
the tufts and prevent them from being pulled out under normal circumstances
Antimicrobial A chemical treatment added to carpet to reduce the growth
of common bacteria fungi yeast mold and mildew
Antistatic A carpet lsquos ability to dissipate an electrostatic charge before it reaches a
level that a person can feel
Attached Cushion Adhering a cushioning material (foam rubber urethane PVC
etc) to the back of carpet
Average Pile Density The weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet It
is calculated by multiplying the pile weight by 36 then dividing that product by the
pile height (in inches) A calculation used primarily in the commercial
carpet industry
Average Pile Yarn Weight Mass per unit area of the pile yarn including
unexposed portions of the pile yarn In the US it is usually expressed as ounces per
square yard
Axminster A type of carpet where the pile is inserted one row of tufts at a time
each row representing a section of the overall pattern The tufts are Ushaped and are
anchored at the bottom into the primary backing that is simultaneously woven The
backing may have a synthetic starch or latex finish applied to it Axminster weaving
has been traditionally used mostly for creating multicolored patterned carpets
Backing (Primary and Secondary) Backing is fabric (in tufted carpet) that makes up
the back of the carpet as opposed to the carpet pile or face
In tufted carpet Primary backing is the material that the yarn is stitched through
Secondary backing is added in the finishing process (after dyeing) and serves to add
strength (dimensional stability) to the carpet and insures the individual tufts are
locked in place
In woven carpet the backing is the combination of the ldquoconstruction yarns ldquo which
are interwoven with the face yarn
14
Back Seams Installation seams made with the carpet turned over or face down
Opposite of ldquoface seams rdquo made with the carpet face up Both are on the back of the weaving or tufting operation
BCF See Bulked Continuous Filament
Berber A carpet constructed with coarse yarns having randomly spaced flecks of
color against a background of base color Currently this term has expanded
to describe many level or multi level loop carpet styles
Binding A band or strip sewn over a rug or carpet edge to protect strengthen or
decorate the edge
Bleeding-Transfer of fiber dyes from carpet or other fabrics by a liquid usually
water with subsequent re-depositing on other fibers
Blend A mixture of two or more fibers or yarns
Breaking Strength The ability or capacity of a material to withstand the ultimate
tensile load or force required for rupture
Broadloom A term used to denote carpet produced in widths wider than 54 inches
Broadloom is usually 12 feet wide
Burns Burns occur when the carpet yarn is exposed to an errant heat source and the
fibers are melted or scorched Burns should be addressed immediately First snip off
the damaged fibers then use a soap less cleaner and sponge with water If the
damage is extensive see a professional about repairs
Cable A yarn made by twisting two or more plied yarns together Typically a large
regular yarn
Carding In staple yarn manufacture a process to remove impurities and
short unusable fibers The fiber is cleaned and aligned to form a continuous
untwisted string called a sliver
Carpet Any textile floor covering that is not designated as a Rug
Carpet Modules Carpet packaged as squares generally 18 inches by 18 inches (457
x 457 mm) with or without attached cushion backing Also referred to as carpet tiles
Colorfastness The measure of a carpet or yarnrsquo s resistance to fading Cord A carpet where the pile hasrsquot been cut in lines giving it a ribbed look
Crocking A term used to describe excess color rubbing off as the result of improper
dye penetration fixation or selection
Cross Section The shape of an individual filament or fiber when cut at right angles
to its axis Manufactured fibers used for carpet may have various shapes including
round trilobal and pentalobal as well as hollow varieties
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
10
Measuring tape
Rolling pin (or rental seam roller)
Work gloves
Safety glasses
SEMI-PERMANENT METHODS-
Stretch-in ndash Carpets is stretched over a
separate underlay onto narrow tackless strips
pr grippers of wood with protruding tacks
The strips have two or three rows of nails
angled upwards to which carpets backing are
attached during installation
Turn and tuck - the edges of the carpets is turned under like a
hem and then tacked into position Unless well fitted this method
can cause unevenness which traps dust
Sunken- This method may be used where there is a change in
floor level The carpet is placed into the lower level of floor
and fixed hence the floor level becomes even
Glued down- this is more permanent method than the other methods It is usually used
with rubber or foam backed carpets It may direct glue-down or double glue down In the
direct glue-down method the carpet is adhered directly to the floor In the double glue-
down method the underlay is adhered to the floor first and then the carpet is glued to the
underlay
The glue-down method is suitable-
For most areas including ramps and heavy-traffic areas
The seams are durable (but difficult to repair)
Special design and border can be installed
There is no restriction on the size of the area to be carpeted
TEMPORARY METHOD-
11
These usually involve the addition of tape sewn round the edges of the carpet This tape
may contain pegs hooks press studs or Velcro strips Which attach themselves to
corresponding sockets loops or hooks affixed to the floor surface beneath the carpet
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARPETS-
A regular maintenance programme is a must for carpets since they are easily soiled or
damaged Good maintenance increases the life of carpet
Most new carpet shed fluff for the first few weeks During this period carpets should be
lightly brushed After a month carpets should be vacuumed once a week
To even out wear furniture should be moved occasionally Avoid dragging heavy
furniture over carpet as this damages the fibre
ROUTINE CARE-
This involves daily removal of dust from the carpet Dust is usually removed using dry-
suction vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper Care should be taken to clean the surrounding
areas corners and edges Inspection is a regular duty of a housekeeper to ensure there is
no pest infestation
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE-
This involves deep cleaning of the carpet Housekeeper should prepare a periodic
schedule for this When the dirt is visible deep cleaning should be done Many properties
carpet cleaning is contracted out because of the specialized equipment and skill required
Three different methods of deep cleaning are ndash
Shampooing ndash carpet shampooing machine can use either liquid or dry foam Shampoos
are anionic synthetic detergent and should be used in correct dilution Liquid shampoo
very little foam Dry-foam shampoos are actually also liquid but they leave a dry foam
on the surface of the carpet Foam loosens the dirt holding the soil on the surface of the
carpet which is removed through suction cleaners
Hot-water extraction ndash This is done by a hot-water extraction machine The machine
uses a shampoo solution that does not form foam It injects the solution under high
pressure through the pile to the back of the carpet where it emulsifies and loosens dirt
and grease Simultaneously the machine sucks up the solution along with the now
suspended dirt and grease After the cleaning process the carpet is left slightly damp and
requires a very short drying time
Dry powdering- a powder containing absorbents such as sawdust solvents and drying
agents is sprinkled on the carpet and left for several minutes The powder absorbs the
grease and dirt and it is removed with the help of a dry suction cleaner This is usually
used for spot removal from carpet
12
CARPET PROBLEMS To keep carpet as attractive and clean as possible housekeeping staff in charge of carpet
cleaning should learn to recognize and remedy the following common carpet problems
Pile distortion
Shading
Fading
Wicking
Mildew
Sheddingpilling
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
Pile distortion
Fibers can become twisted
pilled crushed or flared and
matted
1 Heavy foot of
equipment traffic
2 Improper cleaning
methods
May be impossible to remedy in high-
traffic areas Mats runners and
furniture glides can help prevent
crushing Regular vacuuming or using
a pile lifter or pile brush on high-
traffic areas will help to pick up
crushed pile while removing gritty
soil which can damage the carpets
Shading
Dark and light areas appear
Pile in the carpet is brushed
in two different directions
the dark and light areas
appear
Vacuuming or pile lifting the carpet in
one direction can help but not
eliminate it
Fading Natural aging wear n tear
cleaning can combine to
accelerate color loss
Premature fading may occur
due to improper cleaning or
spot removal
Can be dyed Always pretest carpet
before using aggressive Spot-removal
techniques
Wicking Occur when the backing of
the carpets becomes wet
and the face yarn draw or
wick the moisture and color
of the backing to the surface
of the carpet
Occurs most frequently in
jute backed carpet that has a
light ndashcolor face fiber
Can be prevented by promptly
attending to spills and by following
proper cleaning procedure that avoid
over wetting the carpet
Vinegar or synthetic citric acid
solution used in post cleaning
treatments or added to certain
cleaning chemicals can help prevent
or cure browning
Mildew
Forms when moisture
allows molds in the carpets
to grow Causes staining
odor and rotting
All carpets should be kept dry and or
treated with an antibacterial to prevent
the problem Proper cleaning
procedure that avoid
Over-wetting that carpet can help
prevent mildew from forming
13
Glossary of Carpet Terms
There are many technical terms used in the carpet industry This glossary of carpet
terms can help you navigate the jargon and learn more about the product choices
Adhesive A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by
surface attachment
Anchor Coat A latex or adhesive coating applied to the back of tufted carpet to lock
the tufts and prevent them from being pulled out under normal circumstances
Antimicrobial A chemical treatment added to carpet to reduce the growth
of common bacteria fungi yeast mold and mildew
Antistatic A carpet lsquos ability to dissipate an electrostatic charge before it reaches a
level that a person can feel
Attached Cushion Adhering a cushioning material (foam rubber urethane PVC
etc) to the back of carpet
Average Pile Density The weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet It
is calculated by multiplying the pile weight by 36 then dividing that product by the
pile height (in inches) A calculation used primarily in the commercial
carpet industry
Average Pile Yarn Weight Mass per unit area of the pile yarn including
unexposed portions of the pile yarn In the US it is usually expressed as ounces per
square yard
Axminster A type of carpet where the pile is inserted one row of tufts at a time
each row representing a section of the overall pattern The tufts are Ushaped and are
anchored at the bottom into the primary backing that is simultaneously woven The
backing may have a synthetic starch or latex finish applied to it Axminster weaving
has been traditionally used mostly for creating multicolored patterned carpets
Backing (Primary and Secondary) Backing is fabric (in tufted carpet) that makes up
the back of the carpet as opposed to the carpet pile or face
In tufted carpet Primary backing is the material that the yarn is stitched through
Secondary backing is added in the finishing process (after dyeing) and serves to add
strength (dimensional stability) to the carpet and insures the individual tufts are
locked in place
In woven carpet the backing is the combination of the ldquoconstruction yarns ldquo which
are interwoven with the face yarn
14
Back Seams Installation seams made with the carpet turned over or face down
Opposite of ldquoface seams rdquo made with the carpet face up Both are on the back of the weaving or tufting operation
BCF See Bulked Continuous Filament
Berber A carpet constructed with coarse yarns having randomly spaced flecks of
color against a background of base color Currently this term has expanded
to describe many level or multi level loop carpet styles
Binding A band or strip sewn over a rug or carpet edge to protect strengthen or
decorate the edge
Bleeding-Transfer of fiber dyes from carpet or other fabrics by a liquid usually
water with subsequent re-depositing on other fibers
Blend A mixture of two or more fibers or yarns
Breaking Strength The ability or capacity of a material to withstand the ultimate
tensile load or force required for rupture
Broadloom A term used to denote carpet produced in widths wider than 54 inches
Broadloom is usually 12 feet wide
Burns Burns occur when the carpet yarn is exposed to an errant heat source and the
fibers are melted or scorched Burns should be addressed immediately First snip off
the damaged fibers then use a soap less cleaner and sponge with water If the
damage is extensive see a professional about repairs
Cable A yarn made by twisting two or more plied yarns together Typically a large
regular yarn
Carding In staple yarn manufacture a process to remove impurities and
short unusable fibers The fiber is cleaned and aligned to form a continuous
untwisted string called a sliver
Carpet Any textile floor covering that is not designated as a Rug
Carpet Modules Carpet packaged as squares generally 18 inches by 18 inches (457
x 457 mm) with or without attached cushion backing Also referred to as carpet tiles
Colorfastness The measure of a carpet or yarnrsquo s resistance to fading Cord A carpet where the pile hasrsquot been cut in lines giving it a ribbed look
Crocking A term used to describe excess color rubbing off as the result of improper
dye penetration fixation or selection
Cross Section The shape of an individual filament or fiber when cut at right angles
to its axis Manufactured fibers used for carpet may have various shapes including
round trilobal and pentalobal as well as hollow varieties
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
11
These usually involve the addition of tape sewn round the edges of the carpet This tape
may contain pegs hooks press studs or Velcro strips Which attach themselves to
corresponding sockets loops or hooks affixed to the floor surface beneath the carpet
CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF CARPETS-
A regular maintenance programme is a must for carpets since they are easily soiled or
damaged Good maintenance increases the life of carpet
Most new carpet shed fluff for the first few weeks During this period carpets should be
lightly brushed After a month carpets should be vacuumed once a week
To even out wear furniture should be moved occasionally Avoid dragging heavy
furniture over carpet as this damages the fibre
ROUTINE CARE-
This involves daily removal of dust from the carpet Dust is usually removed using dry-
suction vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper Care should be taken to clean the surrounding
areas corners and edges Inspection is a regular duty of a housekeeper to ensure there is
no pest infestation
PERIODIC MAINTENANCE-
This involves deep cleaning of the carpet Housekeeper should prepare a periodic
schedule for this When the dirt is visible deep cleaning should be done Many properties
carpet cleaning is contracted out because of the specialized equipment and skill required
Three different methods of deep cleaning are ndash
Shampooing ndash carpet shampooing machine can use either liquid or dry foam Shampoos
are anionic synthetic detergent and should be used in correct dilution Liquid shampoo
very little foam Dry-foam shampoos are actually also liquid but they leave a dry foam
on the surface of the carpet Foam loosens the dirt holding the soil on the surface of the
carpet which is removed through suction cleaners
Hot-water extraction ndash This is done by a hot-water extraction machine The machine
uses a shampoo solution that does not form foam It injects the solution under high
pressure through the pile to the back of the carpet where it emulsifies and loosens dirt
and grease Simultaneously the machine sucks up the solution along with the now
suspended dirt and grease After the cleaning process the carpet is left slightly damp and
requires a very short drying time
Dry powdering- a powder containing absorbents such as sawdust solvents and drying
agents is sprinkled on the carpet and left for several minutes The powder absorbs the
grease and dirt and it is removed with the help of a dry suction cleaner This is usually
used for spot removal from carpet
12
CARPET PROBLEMS To keep carpet as attractive and clean as possible housekeeping staff in charge of carpet
cleaning should learn to recognize and remedy the following common carpet problems
Pile distortion
Shading
Fading
Wicking
Mildew
Sheddingpilling
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
Pile distortion
Fibers can become twisted
pilled crushed or flared and
matted
1 Heavy foot of
equipment traffic
2 Improper cleaning
methods
May be impossible to remedy in high-
traffic areas Mats runners and
furniture glides can help prevent
crushing Regular vacuuming or using
a pile lifter or pile brush on high-
traffic areas will help to pick up
crushed pile while removing gritty
soil which can damage the carpets
Shading
Dark and light areas appear
Pile in the carpet is brushed
in two different directions
the dark and light areas
appear
Vacuuming or pile lifting the carpet in
one direction can help but not
eliminate it
Fading Natural aging wear n tear
cleaning can combine to
accelerate color loss
Premature fading may occur
due to improper cleaning or
spot removal
Can be dyed Always pretest carpet
before using aggressive Spot-removal
techniques
Wicking Occur when the backing of
the carpets becomes wet
and the face yarn draw or
wick the moisture and color
of the backing to the surface
of the carpet
Occurs most frequently in
jute backed carpet that has a
light ndashcolor face fiber
Can be prevented by promptly
attending to spills and by following
proper cleaning procedure that avoid
over wetting the carpet
Vinegar or synthetic citric acid
solution used in post cleaning
treatments or added to certain
cleaning chemicals can help prevent
or cure browning
Mildew
Forms when moisture
allows molds in the carpets
to grow Causes staining
odor and rotting
All carpets should be kept dry and or
treated with an antibacterial to prevent
the problem Proper cleaning
procedure that avoid
Over-wetting that carpet can help
prevent mildew from forming
13
Glossary of Carpet Terms
There are many technical terms used in the carpet industry This glossary of carpet
terms can help you navigate the jargon and learn more about the product choices
Adhesive A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by
surface attachment
Anchor Coat A latex or adhesive coating applied to the back of tufted carpet to lock
the tufts and prevent them from being pulled out under normal circumstances
Antimicrobial A chemical treatment added to carpet to reduce the growth
of common bacteria fungi yeast mold and mildew
Antistatic A carpet lsquos ability to dissipate an electrostatic charge before it reaches a
level that a person can feel
Attached Cushion Adhering a cushioning material (foam rubber urethane PVC
etc) to the back of carpet
Average Pile Density The weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet It
is calculated by multiplying the pile weight by 36 then dividing that product by the
pile height (in inches) A calculation used primarily in the commercial
carpet industry
Average Pile Yarn Weight Mass per unit area of the pile yarn including
unexposed portions of the pile yarn In the US it is usually expressed as ounces per
square yard
Axminster A type of carpet where the pile is inserted one row of tufts at a time
each row representing a section of the overall pattern The tufts are Ushaped and are
anchored at the bottom into the primary backing that is simultaneously woven The
backing may have a synthetic starch or latex finish applied to it Axminster weaving
has been traditionally used mostly for creating multicolored patterned carpets
Backing (Primary and Secondary) Backing is fabric (in tufted carpet) that makes up
the back of the carpet as opposed to the carpet pile or face
In tufted carpet Primary backing is the material that the yarn is stitched through
Secondary backing is added in the finishing process (after dyeing) and serves to add
strength (dimensional stability) to the carpet and insures the individual tufts are
locked in place
In woven carpet the backing is the combination of the ldquoconstruction yarns ldquo which
are interwoven with the face yarn
14
Back Seams Installation seams made with the carpet turned over or face down
Opposite of ldquoface seams rdquo made with the carpet face up Both are on the back of the weaving or tufting operation
BCF See Bulked Continuous Filament
Berber A carpet constructed with coarse yarns having randomly spaced flecks of
color against a background of base color Currently this term has expanded
to describe many level or multi level loop carpet styles
Binding A band or strip sewn over a rug or carpet edge to protect strengthen or
decorate the edge
Bleeding-Transfer of fiber dyes from carpet or other fabrics by a liquid usually
water with subsequent re-depositing on other fibers
Blend A mixture of two or more fibers or yarns
Breaking Strength The ability or capacity of a material to withstand the ultimate
tensile load or force required for rupture
Broadloom A term used to denote carpet produced in widths wider than 54 inches
Broadloom is usually 12 feet wide
Burns Burns occur when the carpet yarn is exposed to an errant heat source and the
fibers are melted or scorched Burns should be addressed immediately First snip off
the damaged fibers then use a soap less cleaner and sponge with water If the
damage is extensive see a professional about repairs
Cable A yarn made by twisting two or more plied yarns together Typically a large
regular yarn
Carding In staple yarn manufacture a process to remove impurities and
short unusable fibers The fiber is cleaned and aligned to form a continuous
untwisted string called a sliver
Carpet Any textile floor covering that is not designated as a Rug
Carpet Modules Carpet packaged as squares generally 18 inches by 18 inches (457
x 457 mm) with or without attached cushion backing Also referred to as carpet tiles
Colorfastness The measure of a carpet or yarnrsquo s resistance to fading Cord A carpet where the pile hasrsquot been cut in lines giving it a ribbed look
Crocking A term used to describe excess color rubbing off as the result of improper
dye penetration fixation or selection
Cross Section The shape of an individual filament or fiber when cut at right angles
to its axis Manufactured fibers used for carpet may have various shapes including
round trilobal and pentalobal as well as hollow varieties
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
12
CARPET PROBLEMS To keep carpet as attractive and clean as possible housekeeping staff in charge of carpet
cleaning should learn to recognize and remedy the following common carpet problems
Pile distortion
Shading
Fading
Wicking
Mildew
Sheddingpilling
PROBLEM CAUSE REMEDY
Pile distortion
Fibers can become twisted
pilled crushed or flared and
matted
1 Heavy foot of
equipment traffic
2 Improper cleaning
methods
May be impossible to remedy in high-
traffic areas Mats runners and
furniture glides can help prevent
crushing Regular vacuuming or using
a pile lifter or pile brush on high-
traffic areas will help to pick up
crushed pile while removing gritty
soil which can damage the carpets
Shading
Dark and light areas appear
Pile in the carpet is brushed
in two different directions
the dark and light areas
appear
Vacuuming or pile lifting the carpet in
one direction can help but not
eliminate it
Fading Natural aging wear n tear
cleaning can combine to
accelerate color loss
Premature fading may occur
due to improper cleaning or
spot removal
Can be dyed Always pretest carpet
before using aggressive Spot-removal
techniques
Wicking Occur when the backing of
the carpets becomes wet
and the face yarn draw or
wick the moisture and color
of the backing to the surface
of the carpet
Occurs most frequently in
jute backed carpet that has a
light ndashcolor face fiber
Can be prevented by promptly
attending to spills and by following
proper cleaning procedure that avoid
over wetting the carpet
Vinegar or synthetic citric acid
solution used in post cleaning
treatments or added to certain
cleaning chemicals can help prevent
or cure browning
Mildew
Forms when moisture
allows molds in the carpets
to grow Causes staining
odor and rotting
All carpets should be kept dry and or
treated with an antibacterial to prevent
the problem Proper cleaning
procedure that avoid
Over-wetting that carpet can help
prevent mildew from forming
13
Glossary of Carpet Terms
There are many technical terms used in the carpet industry This glossary of carpet
terms can help you navigate the jargon and learn more about the product choices
Adhesive A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by
surface attachment
Anchor Coat A latex or adhesive coating applied to the back of tufted carpet to lock
the tufts and prevent them from being pulled out under normal circumstances
Antimicrobial A chemical treatment added to carpet to reduce the growth
of common bacteria fungi yeast mold and mildew
Antistatic A carpet lsquos ability to dissipate an electrostatic charge before it reaches a
level that a person can feel
Attached Cushion Adhering a cushioning material (foam rubber urethane PVC
etc) to the back of carpet
Average Pile Density The weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet It
is calculated by multiplying the pile weight by 36 then dividing that product by the
pile height (in inches) A calculation used primarily in the commercial
carpet industry
Average Pile Yarn Weight Mass per unit area of the pile yarn including
unexposed portions of the pile yarn In the US it is usually expressed as ounces per
square yard
Axminster A type of carpet where the pile is inserted one row of tufts at a time
each row representing a section of the overall pattern The tufts are Ushaped and are
anchored at the bottom into the primary backing that is simultaneously woven The
backing may have a synthetic starch or latex finish applied to it Axminster weaving
has been traditionally used mostly for creating multicolored patterned carpets
Backing (Primary and Secondary) Backing is fabric (in tufted carpet) that makes up
the back of the carpet as opposed to the carpet pile or face
In tufted carpet Primary backing is the material that the yarn is stitched through
Secondary backing is added in the finishing process (after dyeing) and serves to add
strength (dimensional stability) to the carpet and insures the individual tufts are
locked in place
In woven carpet the backing is the combination of the ldquoconstruction yarns ldquo which
are interwoven with the face yarn
14
Back Seams Installation seams made with the carpet turned over or face down
Opposite of ldquoface seams rdquo made with the carpet face up Both are on the back of the weaving or tufting operation
BCF See Bulked Continuous Filament
Berber A carpet constructed with coarse yarns having randomly spaced flecks of
color against a background of base color Currently this term has expanded
to describe many level or multi level loop carpet styles
Binding A band or strip sewn over a rug or carpet edge to protect strengthen or
decorate the edge
Bleeding-Transfer of fiber dyes from carpet or other fabrics by a liquid usually
water with subsequent re-depositing on other fibers
Blend A mixture of two or more fibers or yarns
Breaking Strength The ability or capacity of a material to withstand the ultimate
tensile load or force required for rupture
Broadloom A term used to denote carpet produced in widths wider than 54 inches
Broadloom is usually 12 feet wide
Burns Burns occur when the carpet yarn is exposed to an errant heat source and the
fibers are melted or scorched Burns should be addressed immediately First snip off
the damaged fibers then use a soap less cleaner and sponge with water If the
damage is extensive see a professional about repairs
Cable A yarn made by twisting two or more plied yarns together Typically a large
regular yarn
Carding In staple yarn manufacture a process to remove impurities and
short unusable fibers The fiber is cleaned and aligned to form a continuous
untwisted string called a sliver
Carpet Any textile floor covering that is not designated as a Rug
Carpet Modules Carpet packaged as squares generally 18 inches by 18 inches (457
x 457 mm) with or without attached cushion backing Also referred to as carpet tiles
Colorfastness The measure of a carpet or yarnrsquo s resistance to fading Cord A carpet where the pile hasrsquot been cut in lines giving it a ribbed look
Crocking A term used to describe excess color rubbing off as the result of improper
dye penetration fixation or selection
Cross Section The shape of an individual filament or fiber when cut at right angles
to its axis Manufactured fibers used for carpet may have various shapes including
round trilobal and pentalobal as well as hollow varieties
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
13
Glossary of Carpet Terms
There are many technical terms used in the carpet industry This glossary of carpet
terms can help you navigate the jargon and learn more about the product choices
Adhesive A substance that dries to a film capable of holding materials together by
surface attachment
Anchor Coat A latex or adhesive coating applied to the back of tufted carpet to lock
the tufts and prevent them from being pulled out under normal circumstances
Antimicrobial A chemical treatment added to carpet to reduce the growth
of common bacteria fungi yeast mold and mildew
Antistatic A carpet lsquos ability to dissipate an electrostatic charge before it reaches a
level that a person can feel
Attached Cushion Adhering a cushioning material (foam rubber urethane PVC
etc) to the back of carpet
Average Pile Density The weight of pile yarn in a cubic yard of carpet It
is calculated by multiplying the pile weight by 36 then dividing that product by the
pile height (in inches) A calculation used primarily in the commercial
carpet industry
Average Pile Yarn Weight Mass per unit area of the pile yarn including
unexposed portions of the pile yarn In the US it is usually expressed as ounces per
square yard
Axminster A type of carpet where the pile is inserted one row of tufts at a time
each row representing a section of the overall pattern The tufts are Ushaped and are
anchored at the bottom into the primary backing that is simultaneously woven The
backing may have a synthetic starch or latex finish applied to it Axminster weaving
has been traditionally used mostly for creating multicolored patterned carpets
Backing (Primary and Secondary) Backing is fabric (in tufted carpet) that makes up
the back of the carpet as opposed to the carpet pile or face
In tufted carpet Primary backing is the material that the yarn is stitched through
Secondary backing is added in the finishing process (after dyeing) and serves to add
strength (dimensional stability) to the carpet and insures the individual tufts are
locked in place
In woven carpet the backing is the combination of the ldquoconstruction yarns ldquo which
are interwoven with the face yarn
14
Back Seams Installation seams made with the carpet turned over or face down
Opposite of ldquoface seams rdquo made with the carpet face up Both are on the back of the weaving or tufting operation
BCF See Bulked Continuous Filament
Berber A carpet constructed with coarse yarns having randomly spaced flecks of
color against a background of base color Currently this term has expanded
to describe many level or multi level loop carpet styles
Binding A band or strip sewn over a rug or carpet edge to protect strengthen or
decorate the edge
Bleeding-Transfer of fiber dyes from carpet or other fabrics by a liquid usually
water with subsequent re-depositing on other fibers
Blend A mixture of two or more fibers or yarns
Breaking Strength The ability or capacity of a material to withstand the ultimate
tensile load or force required for rupture
Broadloom A term used to denote carpet produced in widths wider than 54 inches
Broadloom is usually 12 feet wide
Burns Burns occur when the carpet yarn is exposed to an errant heat source and the
fibers are melted or scorched Burns should be addressed immediately First snip off
the damaged fibers then use a soap less cleaner and sponge with water If the
damage is extensive see a professional about repairs
Cable A yarn made by twisting two or more plied yarns together Typically a large
regular yarn
Carding In staple yarn manufacture a process to remove impurities and
short unusable fibers The fiber is cleaned and aligned to form a continuous
untwisted string called a sliver
Carpet Any textile floor covering that is not designated as a Rug
Carpet Modules Carpet packaged as squares generally 18 inches by 18 inches (457
x 457 mm) with or without attached cushion backing Also referred to as carpet tiles
Colorfastness The measure of a carpet or yarnrsquo s resistance to fading Cord A carpet where the pile hasrsquot been cut in lines giving it a ribbed look
Crocking A term used to describe excess color rubbing off as the result of improper
dye penetration fixation or selection
Cross Section The shape of an individual filament or fiber when cut at right angles
to its axis Manufactured fibers used for carpet may have various shapes including
round trilobal and pentalobal as well as hollow varieties
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
14
Back Seams Installation seams made with the carpet turned over or face down
Opposite of ldquoface seams rdquo made with the carpet face up Both are on the back of the weaving or tufting operation
BCF See Bulked Continuous Filament
Berber A carpet constructed with coarse yarns having randomly spaced flecks of
color against a background of base color Currently this term has expanded
to describe many level or multi level loop carpet styles
Binding A band or strip sewn over a rug or carpet edge to protect strengthen or
decorate the edge
Bleeding-Transfer of fiber dyes from carpet or other fabrics by a liquid usually
water with subsequent re-depositing on other fibers
Blend A mixture of two or more fibers or yarns
Breaking Strength The ability or capacity of a material to withstand the ultimate
tensile load or force required for rupture
Broadloom A term used to denote carpet produced in widths wider than 54 inches
Broadloom is usually 12 feet wide
Burns Burns occur when the carpet yarn is exposed to an errant heat source and the
fibers are melted or scorched Burns should be addressed immediately First snip off
the damaged fibers then use a soap less cleaner and sponge with water If the
damage is extensive see a professional about repairs
Cable A yarn made by twisting two or more plied yarns together Typically a large
regular yarn
Carding In staple yarn manufacture a process to remove impurities and
short unusable fibers The fiber is cleaned and aligned to form a continuous
untwisted string called a sliver
Carpet Any textile floor covering that is not designated as a Rug
Carpet Modules Carpet packaged as squares generally 18 inches by 18 inches (457
x 457 mm) with or without attached cushion backing Also referred to as carpet tiles
Colorfastness The measure of a carpet or yarnrsquo s resistance to fading Cord A carpet where the pile hasrsquot been cut in lines giving it a ribbed look
Crocking A term used to describe excess color rubbing off as the result of improper
dye penetration fixation or selection
Cross Section The shape of an individual filament or fiber when cut at right angles
to its axis Manufactured fibers used for carpet may have various shapes including
round trilobal and pentalobal as well as hollow varieties
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
15
Custom Tufted Carpet or rugs in which pile yarns are manually tufted with hand
machines or by narrow width tufting machines
Cut Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of cut ends of pile yarn
Cut Loop Pile A carpet fabric in which the face is composed of a combination of
cut ends of pile yarns and loops
Dead Yarn The pile yarn in a Wilton carpet that remains hidden in the backing
structure when not forming a pile tuft
Density Refers to the amount of pile yarn in the carpet and the closeness of the
tufts In general the denser the pile the better the performance Density is often
numerically referenced as the ldquoAverage Pile Density rdquo (see that definition for a
further explanation of the calculation)
Direct Glue (Direct Glue Down) An installation method whereby the carpet
is adhered directly to the floor
Double Back Woven or nonwoven fabric laminated to the back of carpet with latex
or other adhesive Double backed carpet has enhanced dimensional stability and
strength See Backing
Double Glue Down An installation method whereby the carpet cushion is adhered
to the floor first and the carpet is then glued to the cushion Also referred to as
Double Stick installation
Dry Foam Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where a dense foam is worked into the carpet with a reel
type brushing machine The soil laden foam is then removed using a wet vacuum
which is often part of the same equipment as the brush
Dry Powder Cleaning (ldquoDry Extraction Cleaning ldquo) A cleaning process using a
minimal amount of water where an absorbent solvent laced powder is worked into
the carpet allowed to set for a period of time and then it and the absorbed soil and
dirt are vacuumed up
Dry Rot A condition caused by attack of microorganisms on fibers textiles carpets
or other materials characterized by less strength and integrity Attack on carpet
backings permits carpet to break and tear easily Natural materials such as jute are
susceptible whereas polypropylene and most other synthetics are resistant
Face Seams Sewn or cemented seams made without turning the carpet over or face
down They are used during installations when back seaming is impossible
Face Weight Refers to the amount of fiber (per square yard) that is in the face of
the carpet (total weight less the weight of the backing) However this is different
than density because tall less dense tufts may have the same face weight as short
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
16
dense tufts On average short dense tufts will be more resistant to wear and
matting
Fading All carpet (like any textile product) is subject to color changes over time
This change is very gradual and is caused by oxidation through exposure to the open
air within the home Due to damaging ultraviolet rays areas exposed to sunlight are
subject to more dramatic color changes
We recommend that you take steps to protect these areas during high
sunlight exposure hours by using draperies or other window coverings It will help if
a reputable company tints your windows if the window warranty allows but tinting
alone is not a substitute for window coverings
Felting Similar to fiber bonding except in the yarn form or non woven fabric form
whereby the individual fibers are mechanically entangled (using a bank of needles)
prior to the completion of the yarn manufacture
Fiber Natural or man made materials having very high aspect ratios That is having
lengths hundreds to thousands of times greater than their widths Useful textile
fibers have high tensile strengths flexibility and resistance to heat light chemical
and abrasives Any substance which can be made into yarn
Fiber Bonded (or Needlepunch) Carpet produced directly from individually
colored (usually synthetic) fibers The fibers are laid as a thick web and fed through a
bank of barbed needles This entangles the fibers (forming a felted surface) which
are then impregnated with a chemical which after drying bonds the fibers
permanently together `Second generationrsquo products use an additional needling process to convert plain surfaces to ribs velours and patterned textures Chemical
backings (such as high density foam and PVC) can be applied for use in suitable
locations
Fiber Cushion Term used to describe separate carpet cushion made of needle -
felted animal hair jute other fibers or fiber blends Some are rubberized and may
have one or two rubber surfaces
Filament A single continuous strand of natural or synthetic fiber
Filament Yarn A type of yarn whereby the individual fibers are much longer and
tend not to be mixed but rather bundled together before being twisted and heatset
into yarn
Filler A low cost material used for extending rubber plastic or other polymers
Fillers are generally powders of very small particle size Carpet latex laminating
compounds and foams contain large amounts of fillers The most common filler in
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
17
carpet latex is finely powdered calcium carbonate often called ldquowhiting ldquo produced by grinding limestone
Filling Yarn In weaving any yarn running across the width of the
fabric perpendicular to the wrap yarns In woven carpet filling yarns are part of the
group of construction yarns that also include chain and stuffer warp and form the
backing Woven carpet fill and chain warp yarns interface to secure the pile yarns
Filling and other construction yarns usually are cotton polypropylene jute
polyester fiberglass or similar materials
Finishing A collective term denoting final processing of carpet and
textiles subsequent to tufting weaving and dyeing Carpet finishing processes
include application of soil retardant and antistatic chemicals steaming application
of secondary backing application of attached foam cushion back beating
brushing shearing and others
Flocked Carpet Carpet composed of short chopped fiber or flock that is adhered
usually by electrostatic processes to a base fabric resulting in a short pile material
with a velvety texture
Frieze (also known as Trackless or Textured) A ldquofrieze rdquo (pronounced ldquofri ZAY ldquo) is a
cut pile carpet manufactured with yarn twisted so tightly it curls when cut This
curling can either be paired with a flowing ldquowindswept rdquo look or a dense tightly
packed construction to yield very differently beautiful looks In either case the
tightly twisted yarn creates a casual elegant finish that helps mask the appearance of
footprints and vacuum tracks It also provides outstanding durability for the active
family
Fringe A decorative design element consisting of decorative edging and loose
threads that is added to the edge (typically the ends) of a rug Fabrica offers fringe as
unknotted single knot or double knot
Gauge In tufting the distance between two needle points expressed in fractions of
an inch (also see GaugePitch)
GaugePitch The number of ends of surface yarn counting across the width
of carpet In woven carpet pitch is the number of ends of yarn in 27 inches of width eg 216 divided by 27 = eight ends per inch In tufted carpet gauge also means the
number of ends of surface yarn per inch counting across the carpet eg 18 gauge = eight ends per inch To convert gauge to pitch multiply ends per inch by 27 eg 110 gauge is equivalent to 270 pitch or 10 ends per inch x 27 One eighth gauge is
eight ends of yarn per inch x 27 = 216 pitch
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
18
Heat Bonded A type of carpet construction whereby the face fibers are bonded to
the primary backing rather than being tufted through or woven into the backing
Jacquard An apparatus for a carpet weaving loom that produces patterns
from colored yarns The pattern information is contained on perforated cards The
holes in the cards activate the mechanism that selects the color to be raised to the
pile surface Wilton looms have jacquard pattern devices
Jute A natural bast fiber made from certain plants of the linden family which grow
in warm climates such as those found in India and Bangladesh Jute yarns are used
for woven carpet construction (backing) yarns Woven jute fabrics are used in tufted
carpet as secondary backing
Knee Kicker A carpet installation tool used to make minor adjustments by
stretching carpet (for installation with a tackless strip) By industry standards the
majority of this stretch must be performed using a power stretcher
Knitted Carpet Carpet produced in a fabric formation or process by interlacing
yarns in a series of connected loops As in weaving pile and backing are produced
simultaneously Multiple sets of needles interlace pile backing and stitching yarns in
one operation
Latex A water based synthesis of synthetic rubber natural rubber or
other polymers Latex is used to laminate secondary backing to primary backing in
carpet manufacture It is also used to adhere a rug backing as well
Level Cut Loop (also known as Pattern Cut Pile) This type of carpet features a
sophisticated look created by running cut pile and loop pile on a level pile height The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Level Loop This type of carpet features yarn on the face of the carpet which forms
loops of basically the same height with both ends laminated into the carpet backing
Loom Machine that produces woven fabrics In weaving lengthwise yarns (warp)
are interlaced with weft yarns (fill) by the shuttle or other devices such as gripper or
rapier
Loop Pile Carpet style having a pile surface consisting of uncut loops May be
woven or tufted In woven carpet it is called ldquoround wire ldquo Luster Brightness sheen or reflectivity of fibers yarns or carpet Synthetic fibers
are produced in various luster classifications including bright semi bright semi dull
and dull Bright fibers usually are clear (have no white pigment) whereas the duller
designations have small amounts of white pigments such as titanium dioxide Luster
of finished carpet also depends upon yarn heat setting methods dyeing and
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
19
finishing In high traffic commercial areas duller carpet is often preferred for soil -
hiding ability
Markers Colored yarns woven into the backs of woven carpets to aid installers in
achieving correct pattern match and pile direction
Multi Level CutLoop Pile This type of carpet features a sophisticated look
created by running cut pile and loop pile but the loops can be varying heights The
cuts and loops can appear random or they can be arranged to create a distinct
pattern
Multi Level Loop Pile Similar to a level loop varying heights of carpet features
yarn on the face of the carpet that forms loops of varying heights The various
heights can be random or they can be arranged to create a distinct pattern
Nap Another term for pile usually used when discussing the pile direction or the
direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Needle
1 Tufting An eyed needle that inserts yarns into primary backing to form tufts
2 Needle punching Barbed felting needles that entangle and compress fibrous fleeces into
needled felts such as those used for outdoor carpet
3 Knitting Hooked needles that form the loops of knitted fabric
4 Axminster Weave An eyed needle that delivers filling yarn across the loom through the
wrap yarn shed
Nonwoven A fabric manufactured directly from fibers or filaments or from a web
of fibers without the yarn preparation needed for weaving knitting or tufting
Nylon A synthetic fiber first discovered by DuPont (now Invista) chemists in 1938
but not used in carpet until much later Today it is the most often used fiber for
carpet (Fabrica uses it exclusively in our synthetic products) and can come in either
filament or staple form Features include cleanability dyeability stain and soil
resistance resistance to abrasion ability to recover resiliency moth proof mildew
proof non allergenic and color retention
From the introduction of nylon for use in the manufacturing of carpet
producers have been continually improving the character of nylon fibers making
them more desirable and durable as a floor covering Nylon has become the fiber of
choice for high quality carpet
The manufacturing advancements mentioned above have been commonly referred to
as ldquogenerations rdquo within the carpet industry The most recent generation is the fifth
generation boasting anti staining qualities as never before
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
20
Olefin (or Polypropylene) A synthetic fiber used for some conventional as well as
indoor outdoor carpets This fiber is produced in continuous filament fibrillated
and staple form solution dyed Polypropylene is known for stain resistance easy cleanability wearability and a low absorption factor Other features include abrasion
resistance mildew proof moth proof non allergenic resiliency color retention and
recoverability Recommended for light traffic because it is less durable and less
resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and pattern walk out
as compared with nylon
Oriental Rugs Hand-woven rugs made in the Middle East and the Orient
Over-tufting A manufacturing process whereby a previously tufted greige good is re
tufted usually adding a differing design element
Pile The visible surface of carpet consisting of yarn tufts in loop andor
cut configuration Sometimes called ldquoface rdquo or ldquonap ldquo Pile Crushing (carpet in use) Pile crush will occur to some degree It is in fact
unavoidable It will be most noticeable in high traffic lanes and under the legs of
heavy pieces of furniture More frequent vacuuming will help minimize this
condition in heavy traffic areas Moving your furniture occasionally and using cups
under the legs of furniture will also help minimize pile crushing When it does occur
gently brush the area with your hand to hasten the recovery
Pile Direction This is the direction in which the pile naturally flows
This corresponds to the direction that the carpet came off the tufting machine
Pile Height A measurement (usually in fractions of an inch) of the pile of a carpet
from the base of the primary backing to the tip of the yarn
Pile Setting Carpet cleaning term for the process of erecting the damp and
disheveled pile after shampooing by means of a pile brush or pile lifting machine
Plush (or Plush Finish) See Velvet Cut Pile
Ply This is a term used in describing how many single fibers are ldquoplied ldquo together to
form a given yarn At Fabrica we often use multiple plied yarns (2 and 3 ply are the
most common) because they offer enhanced performance and a beautiful look
Polyester A synthetic fiber introduced in some products in the 1950prime s and carpet in the 1960 lsquos It is made either as staple or continuous filament Its characteristics
include good abrasion resistance good color retention ability to accept bright vivid
colors stain resistance and wearability It is moth proof stain and soil resistant
mildew resistant and non allergenic Recommended for light traffic because it is less
durable and less resilient than nylon It also exhibits poor appearance retention and
pattern walk out as compared with nylon
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
21
Polymers High molecular weight chemical compounds formed by repeated linking
of smaller chemical units called monomers Polymers from which fibers are made are
long chain molecules in which the monomers are linked end to end linearly
Synthetic polymers used for carpet fiber include nylon 66 and nylon 6 (polyamides)
polyester polypropylene and polyacrylonitrile (acrylics) In popular terminology
polymers are also called plastics or resins
Polypropylene See Olefin
Pre Installation Typically in rug manufacture (most often on staircases) this is
when the broadloom component of a rug is installed before design components are
added to it so that the exact placement of those elements can be controlled
Puckering An installation problem when one side of the carpet is longer than the
other side of the adjoining edge The oversized carpet gathers in the form of wrinkles
or pleats at the seam
Random Shearing A carpet texture created by running loop pile carpet through
the carpet shearer whereby high loops are actually cut to become cut pile Since cut
pile is less reflective than loop pile the resulting texture can actually appear to be
different color Also referred to as Tip Shearing
Resilience The ability of carpet pile to recover its original appearance and thickness
after being subjected to compressive forces or crushing under traffic
Re stretch Repeating the stretching in procedure subsequent to the initial
installation This can be required if improperly installed if the carpet is too easily
stretched or if there has been too much moisture introduced into the carpet
Rubber A term sometimes applied to carpet cushion made from rubber (foam or
sponge) and used for both separate and attached cushion
Rug A textile based product that is typically placed on the floor (rather than wall to -
wall like carpet)
Saxony A Saxony is a cut pile carpet with upright yarns in which the individual tips
of yarn are clearly visible For centuries Saxony has been the classic cut pile
construction
Scrim A reinforcing material glued to the seams in a rug to insure that they do not
separate
Seaming Tape A tape typically with an adhesive used in the installation of carpet
to bind two edges of carpet together
Seams In a carpet installation the connection of the edges of two pieces of carpet
using various seaming tapes hand sewing or other techniques
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
22
Shading After installation carpet often appears to change color in certain areas
This phenomenon does not involve a true color change but rather a difference in
light reflection between various surface areas Shading is not a manufacturing defect
but is actually considered to be the beauty of a cut pile carpet simulating the look of
velvet or suede
The condition occurs due to the difference in light reflection between the sides and
tips of the yarn strands As the pile surface is disturbed the yarn sides will reflect
more light than the tips resulting in the highlighting feature so common in today lsquos styles
Normally this condition is temporary (such as with footprints) In rare cases the
condition is permanent The latter is referred to as pooling or watermarking The
reason for this condition is unknown except that it is traffic related and random in
nature The pile fibers take on a permanent set based on the traffic patterns and this
set cannot be changed
Shag A carpet texture characterized by long pile tufts laid over in random directions
in such a manner that the sides of the yarn form the traffic surface Modern shags are
made from plied heat set yarns and are either cut pile or cut and loop styles
Shear In carpet manufacture this is the process whereby a carpet is run flat through
a machine that has large rollers with blades running around them This action takes
the pile down by minute fractions of an inch to present a uniform finish Fabrica is
known for its very refined finishes This is attributable to (among other things) the
quality and numbers of passes the carpet makes through this equipment
Shedding (or Fluffing or Fuzzing) This is a ldquohairy rdquo effect on the carpet surface
caused by loose fibers or slack yarn twist whereby the fibers slip out of the yarn
bundle either in service or wet cleaning Shedding is not a defect but rather a
characteristic of all new carpet especially cut piles and wools It is caused by short
fibers within the pile that work loose during service
This condition is most evident in high traffic areas Although your vacuum bag may
fill with this surplus fiber the total fiber loss during use is relatively small Shedding
will gradually decrease The length of time required to eliminate shedding is
dependent upon the type and amount of vacuuming performed
Sisal A product made of vegetable fibers such as coir jute paper and straw It is
susceptible to stains mold and mildew and has a harsh surface providing no
comfort under foot
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
23
Skein Dyeing This is the process of dyeing carpet in the yarn stage where the yarn
is gathered onto individual skeins (yarn holders) and dyed The yarn is then re -
wound onto yarn cones or yarn beams and carpet is then tufted as rdquopredyed rdquo carpet Sliver An intermediate stage in the production of staple yarns where the yarn is
carded (cleaned and aligned in the same direction) into a sliver and is then drafted
(properly proportioned) before being twisted and heatset
Snags Sharp edged objects can grab or snag a carpet yarn (exposed nails in ladies lsquo high heels are a very common offender) If your carpet is snagged simply cut off the
snagged yarn with a pair of sharp scissors Do not try to pull out these snags as they
are most likely attached to other yarns in the carpet itself which can then be
loosened as well If the snag is especially large contact a carpet professional for
service
Soiling This is the build up of particles of soil and similar materials that cling to
carpet fibers Thorough vacuuming and proper routine cleaning (Fabrica
recommends a dry extraction professional cleaning every 12 months) should
minimize this problem Improper cleaning can actually enhance the problem as soap
residue left behind from the cleaning attracts soil and increases the carpet fiber lsquos propensity for soil adhesion
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible soiling as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection All Fabrica nylon products are treated to manage soil and stain
Soil Resist A chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface that inhibits
the propensity for soil to attach to the carpet
Stains Stains are spills of normal household substances that have either not been
tended to in time or are of a material that somehow ldquoover dyes rdquo the carpet High
quality carpet is dyed via the appropriate combination of water pH temperature and
the presence of ldquodye stuffs ldquo Some household products (such as coffee) can actually
work very effectively as a carpet dye
High quality carpet can aid in the prevention of visible stains as can darker colored
carpet and stain protection added at manufacturing Fabrica does not recommend
the addition of soil or stain protection once the carpet is ldquoin service ldquo and some after
market additives can actually void your Fabrica andor fiber producer lsquos warranties
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
24
Please consult our Customer Service Department before adding any after market soil
or stain protection
Stain Resist a chemical finish applied to the carpet fiber andor surface
that inhibits the propensity for stains to attach to the carpet
Staple Short lengths of fiber that may be converted into spun yarns by textile yarn
spinning processes The fibers can be any variable length from short pieces to 8
inches and are then spun into yarn via carding drafting and finally spinning
Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6 inches to 8 inches in length which provide a
smoother appearance and hand and results in less fiber loss
Staple Yarn A type of yarn whereby the extruded fibers are cut into relatively short
pieces mixed together with other fibers and then separated into bundles in
preparation for twist and heatset
Static Discharge Static electricity in carpet can be an annoying problem especially
when your carpet is new When the normal moisture returns the static should
greatly subside This humidifying process may take as long as several months
depending upon the condition of the air to which the carpet is exposed Also daily
use will minimize the amount of static Fabrica uses long staple fibers usually 6
inches to 8 inches in length which provide a smoother appearance and hand and
result in less fiber loss
Commercial static reducing sprays are only temporary and are not
recommended They may leave a substantial residue causing the carpet to soil at an
accelerated pace If you need a temporary fix put a humidifier in the room This will
reduce the static charge build up in the carpet
Many of today lsquos fine carpets (and all of Fabrica lsquos synthetic fiber products) are constructed of advanced generation nylon fibers These fibers have built in static
reducing capabilities so that under most atmospheric conditions a normally
sensitive individual cannot feel any static charge
Synthetic Fibers Synthetic fibers are as the name implies the result of a chemical
synthesis of two or more chemicals Most synthetic fibers are derived from combing
by products of the energy industry ie petroleum coal or natural gas by products
Synthetics are classified as thermal plastic resins
Tackless Strip Wood or metal strips fastened to the floor near the walls The strips
have two or three rows of nails angled up toward the walls to which carpet backing is
attached during a stretch in installation
Tensile Strength The greatest stretching force a yarn fabric or carpet can bear
without breaking
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
25
Texture Surface characteristics of carpet pile including such aesthetic and
structural elements as high low or cut loop patterning yarn twist pile erectness or
layover harshness or softness to the touch luster and yarn dimensions
Texture Retention (or conversely Texture Loss) The amount that a carpet retains
or loses its texture is controlled by the individual carpet yarns doing so The degree
of twist put into yarn during its manufacture (a focus of Fabricarsquo s products) helps
define how well a yarn will perform
Under normal wear and with proper maintenance a carpet lsquos texture should not change dramatically However as carpet ages it is normal for traffic areas to lose
more texture than areas without traffic (such as under furniture)
Frequent vacuuming will help preventalleviate this problem as will furniture
rotation
Total Weight The weight of a finished carpet (per square yard) including pile
primary backings secondary backing latex and any coatings added
Tufting A carpet manufacturing term tufts of yarn are inserted through a carpet
backing to create a pile of cut andor loop ends This is the method that Fabrica
exclusively uses to manufacture its carpet
Tuft Length See Pile Height
Twist A yarn manufacturing process whereby the fiber bundles are
brought together and wound around each other (twisted and then heatset) to help
the yarn bundle stay together and to improve performance by increasing
its resistance to pile crush Fabrica is known throughout the industry for the very
high levels of twist we specify for many of our yarns
Underlay The cushion or padding that lays underneath rugs The proper padding
not only feels best but also can dramatically improve the carpetrsquos performance
Fabrica recommends padding of a high quality composite type no more than frac12rdquo thick Our Affirmreg padding is 716 inch 9 pound density
Velvet Cut Pile Cut pile carpet with an incredibly smooth surface refinement The
individual tufts of yarn are virtually imperceptible creating an elegant formal look
that is reminiscent of suede or velvet
Warp A weaving term for yarns that run lengthwise in woven fabrics and carpets
Warp yarns are usually delivered to the loom from a beam a large spool with
hundreds of ends of yarn wound on it mounted behind the loom Woven carpets
usually have three sets of warp yarns which may be wound on three loom beams
These include stuffer warp for lengthwise strength and stiffness pile warp which
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
26
forms the carpet surface tufts and chain warp which interlaces with fill yarn to lock
the structure together
Weaving A fabric formation process used for manufacturing carpet in which yarns
are interlaced to form cloth The weaving loom interlaces lengthwise (warp) and
widthwise (filling) yarns Carpet weaves are complex often involving several sets of
warp and filling yarns See Axminster Wilton and Velvet
Weft The yarn that runs widthwise in woven cloth or carpet interlacing with the
warp yarns See Filling Yarn
Wilton Carpet A woven carpet originally a loop pile construction The
loom became known as a ldquoWiltonrdquo when cut pile was introduced Wilton carpets
produce high quality cloth in either plain coloring or patterned in a limited number
of colors The Wilton weaving method is used largely for creating plain carpet and
patterned carpet with up to five colors In this type of weaving the pile and the
backing materials are closely interwoven In patterned Wilton the pile yarn
not appearing on the surface is woven into the backing thus producing a very
firm and dimensionally stable material
Variations in the traditional Wilton weaving method include carved pile carpets and
a type of loop pile carpet Some Wilton carpets are manufactured by what is known
as the face to face method or sandwich weaving in which two carpets are woven
simultaneously and then the pile strands in the sandwich are slit apart to form two
lengths of carpet
Woven Carpet Carpet that is manufactured on a weaving loom in which the
lengthwise yarns and widthwise yarns are interlocked to form a fabric
Yarn A continuous strand composed of fibers or filaments and used in
tufting weaving and knitting to form carpet and other fabrics Carpet yarn is often
plied and may be either spun or continuous filament
Yarn Beams A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn
is wound onto large beams (many yarns to a beam) which are then used to supply
yarn to the individual needles
Yarn Cones A method of supplying yarn to the tufting machine whereby the yarn is
wound on individual cones (one yarn to a cone) which are then used to supply yarn
to the individual needles
Yarn Encapsulation The degree to which the yarn on the back of the primary
backing is surrounded by and infused with latex before the secondary backing
is applied
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
27
IAQ Concerns with Flooring
Asbestos is found in some resilient floor tiles (such as vinyl asbestos asphalt and
rubber) as well as on the backing of vinyl sheet flooring Asbestos may also be found in
the adhesives used for installing floor tiles Sanding these tiles can release fibers as can
scraping or sanding the backing during removal Determine whether resilient tile flooring
contains asbestos before you begin removing them This is particularly true of materials
manufactured before 1980
VOCs emit from all of the flooring types Volatile organic compound emissions are
typically higher in the adhesives used to install the flooring The vapors from these
bonding agents can cause skin rashes or respiratory irritation The VOCs from vinyl
floorings are also a major source of contamination in the indoor air environment2 Only
low-emitting materials should be used as listed by the CRI Green Label Program or
GREENGUARDtrade Another source of VOCs are those products used to clean the floors
particularly the hard surface flooring High solvent and ammonia materials are used to
strip and shine vinyl resilient materials Hydrocarbon waxes are used on wood floorings
Most carpets are cleaned with minimal organic solvent but one needs to be sure that
carpet does not become too wet and that it is rapidly dry within 12 to 24 hours
Because solvent vapors can build up it is important to have good ventilation or problems
can occur For example at the Newark International Airport in September 2000 about 3
dozen people were hospitalized after complaining of headaches dizziness chest pains
and sore throats and eyes in the area where a new terrazzo floor was being installed
Workers had been grinding down the surface of the fresh terrazzo made of a
combination of an epoxy resin and marble chips when others began to complain that the
strong solvent-like odor was making them dizzy The VOCs usually found in the epoxy
resins include phenols and xylenes3
Formaldehyde emissions may be seen from pressed wood products made using
adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) for sub-flooring Since this subflooring
has been a major source of VOC contamination some designers have begun using less
rigid non-VOC materials and formaldehyde-free materials as acceptable substitutes for
pressed wood (particleboards and MDFs) in certain applications Laminate floor systems
can contain pressed wood or coating that emit formaldehyde
Mold can grow under any flooring material if moisture is excessive or standing water
exists Moisture from ground water or wet concrete should be avoided or corrected before
the installation of any flooring In some cases a vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) may
need to be placed over the concrete with sub-flooring Wet concrete may also react with
resilient and carpet flooring to increase VOC emissions and odors
Decreasing IAQ Problems Associated with Flooring
Install environmentally friendly low-emitting flooring
If adhesives are used use low-emitting ones only
Ask manufacturers or suppliers to submit certification information to validate their
products participation in the CRI Green Label Program or equivalent IAQ program
Follow manufacturers recommendations for installation and ventilation of the installation
area Do not over apply the adhesive and tack down product when possible
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-
28
If practical have the flooring product and cushion (if any) unwrapped and unrolled in a
well-ventilated location before it is installed
Remove old flooring carefully and thoroughly clean up the area using vacuum systems
before installation of new product
Vacuum new flooring after installation to remove loose matter and particles generated by
the installation process and general construction in the area
Air out the space well for a minimum of 48 hours following installation or longer if odors
persist
Clean and maintain the flooring following manufacturers instructions
Do not install on damp floors or in areas where water intrusion or leakage is expected
Fix the water problem first
Use approved carpet-cleaning systems that show greater than 98 percent efficiency in
the removal of dust allergens and mold Make sure that carpet is dry within 12 to 24
hours after cleaning
- Shag pile carpets are usually singled-colored tufted carpets with a long luxurious pile The pile can however look tangled if it gets heavy wear They are hard to maintain too since the long pile hides a lot of dust
-
- Twist Level
-
- Glossary of Carpet Terms
-