CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends...

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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 ‘under-felt’ 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.

Transcript of CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends...

Page 1: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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-

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
Page 2: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 3: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 4: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 5: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 6: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 7: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 8: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 9: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 10: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 11: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 12: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 13: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 14: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 15: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 16: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 17: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 18: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 19: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 20: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 21: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 22: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 23: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 24: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 25: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 26: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 27: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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
Page 28: CARPETS - WordPress.com · CARPETS Carpet is soft floor coverings. The quality of carpet depends not only on the method of manufacture, ... Afghan, Persian carpets and rugs. 6

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