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Carpet Checklist

COLOUR MATCHING

Carpets are produced in batches - known as creels - and usually each batch produces between 500m² - 3000m² in a single width, depending on the creel size. Whilst the recipe used by the dyer remains constant, and is followed to the letter, in each separate production the colour reproduction will vary from batch to batch. However production is matched back to the original or master sample to ensure that the colour remains "within a commercial tolerance".

The process if not an exact science and a commercial tolerance is subjective but nevertheless is usually the professional judgement of the head dyer based on his/her experience.

A greater level of tolerance is required on blended colours (heathers etc.) to ensure perfect colour matching it is advisable that a single width be used in any installation requiring the exact colour matching.

N.B. Carpets which are laid with the pile travelling in different directions, even though they are from the same batch will appear not to match.

For further information please check the manufacturer recommendations.

SAMPLES

The samples held by individual retailers may not be from the same batch as the currant production and therefore should be used as a guide and not an exact colour match.

SHEDDING

All cut pile carpets will lose short fibre, which is created during production when spun yarns are cut from tuft formation. These fibres fall onto the surface of the pile and appear as "fluff".

The effect varies with yarn type and may be removed without any detrimental effect upon the carpet by vacuuming. The excess fibre is only a small fraction of the total fibre contained in the carpet.

SPROUTING

Occasionally an odd tuft or two can work its way to the surface and stand proud of the rest of the pile. This is probably due to one end of the tuft being longer than the other ie. J shaped tuft instead of a V shaped. Remedial action merely requires that the offending tufts are trimmed by scissors level with the rest of the pile. They should never be pulled out.

PULLED LOOPS

Pulled loops occur only in looped pile carpet where one or more loops in the continuous pile is pulled through the primary backing of the carpet. This is usually due to some local condition, possibly some sharp object which has caught the loop in situ and has resulted in a pull. Pulled loops are easily dealt with by trimming the offending end level with the rest of the pile. They should not be left as this could result in further loops being pulled and developing into a ladder.

SHADING

Shading occurs because the pile of the carpet has become crushed, flattened or brushed in a different direction to the natural look of the pile whilst in situ. This causes light reflection at differing angles resulting in the creation of light and dark patches on the carpet. This will occur on all pile fabrics but can be more noticeable on plainer carpets because the shadows created by pile pressure will not be disguised by a heavy pattern or design.

STATIC

Carpets do not produce static but like other household fabrics and objects have the capacity to store it. Static is caused by the build up of static electricity upon a person in a dry environment and is discharged when a person makes contact with an object which can conduct electricity (ie. Door handle or filing cabinets etc.)

The static charges will vary in intensity depending upon the individual, air humidity and the contact materials. Static is more usually associated with synthetic materials as they do not retain moisture very well but it can and does occur with wool in very dry room conditions.

Preventative measures include the introduction of moisture into the room or in situ carpet treatment.

PILE REVERSAL (SEE SHADING)

Like shading, this occurs when the pile or nap of the carpet changes direction and thus reflects light at different angles showing the effects of shading which can become permanent. It is also described as "watermarking". This can happen to every carpet construction be it Axminster, Wilton, Tufted, Hand Woven, Persian, Chinese, Indian or even Coir Matting. Like shading it can be more apparent on plain carpet because heavy patterns can disguise the effects. It can occur quite quickly after installation. A Tremendous amount of research has been carried out over many years by many institutes to determine the cause of this phenomenon but none of it has proved conclusive. There is no commonly known manufacturing process which can cause or cure this phenomenon and therefore it is not a manufacturing fault. For further information please check with individual manufacturers recommendations.

FADING ON WOOL

Carpets made from wool can and do fade in use. The degree of fade can vary depending on the colour chosen and the local conditions to which the carpet is subjected.

Fading can be caused by exposure to ultra violet light which is found in daylight, but is accelerated when sunlight shines directly onto the carpet. This has the effect of lightening or "Bleaching" the colour just as exposure to sunlight will lighten human hair. Wool is after all animal hair.

Protection should be given to carpets exposed to such conditions just as you would protect other furniture or fabrics.

A complaint on fading would be considered justified if it failed to meet the required shade standard when tested to the British Standard BS1006 (1990).

FLATTENING

Flattening will occur as a result of traffic which eventually flattens the pile particularly in the main areas of use. All pile fabrics will flatten to greater or lesser degree dependent on the amount of traffic to which it is subjected and the construction (tuft density/pile fibre/height/weight) of the product concerned.

SOILING

Soiling is usually the result of some local condition to which the carpet has been subjected to, or maintenance or lack of maintenance programme. There is nothing manufacturers can do to prevent soiling in use. There are several types of soling which are quite common:

Spillages - Liquids such as soft drinks, cordials or any drink which contains sugar, particularly hot drinks, is likely to leave a stain. In such instances, professional help should be sought.

Shampoo - If incorrectly applied, can leave a sticky soap residue in the fibres which can result in the soiling reappearing quite rapidly.

Dust - which is carried on draughts can soil carpets in various ways, apart from the obvious soiled edges, at gaping skirting boards for instance, dark lines appearing on the surface might suggest airborne dust vacuum drawn through poorly fitted floorboards. Sometimes the shape of the floor boards can be seen quite clearly. Air borne dust sometimes shows itself as spots on the carpet, this is due to the air carried on a draught under the carpet escaping through minute holes both in the underlay and the carpet, leaving dust deposited on the pile much like a filter action. In such installations, the use of a lining paper is essential as a preventative measure.

It is the responsibility of the retailer to advise the consumer when the carpet is measured of any poorly fitted doors, skirting or floor boards and the consumers responsibility to ensure any remedial works to seal draughts, is carried out before the carpet is fitted. If a resulting complaint is to be avoided.

INSTALLATION

We recommend that all carpets be laid in accordance with BS5325:2001 (a copy of which can be obtained from your library or HMSO).

*Taken from The Stocklists 2nd February 2004

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