CARPETS

MAIN TYPES OF CARPETS –

TUFTED –

In this, the yarn is sewn through a previously manufactured primary backing and secured in place with a latex coating. It is 10-25 times faster than weaving.

WOVEN –

The yarn and the backing are interwoven at the same time, creating a single fabric.

TERMINOLOGY –

PILE –

The Pile of a carpet is the thickness of the yarn above the backing.

LOOP PILE –

It is created using a series of uncut loops. It can be configured to create a set pattern of heights for the loop or one uniform height. It allows for both plain appearances and intricate patterns.

LEVEL LOOP –

Loops are of the same height. This is more durable and easy to clean.

MULTI-LEVEL LOOP –

Here the loops are of different heights and creates a kind of sculptural effect. This hides soiling better than a level loop. However, it is not as durable as a level loop.

CUT PILE –

In this, the tops of the pile are cut away.

VELVET OR PLUSH –

Made of yarns with very little twist, producing smooth surfaces. It tends to ‘shade’, especially with heavy use and is to be carefully evaluated.

TYPES OF FIBRES AVAILABLE –

NYLON –

Nylon fibres are the most widely used. It has excellent wearability, abrasion resistance and resilience. It is generally used for all traffic areas.

POLYPROPYLENE –

This is used when resistance to sunlight fading and chemicals is more important than durability to traffic. It has excellent colour retention and stain resistance.

WOOL –

Wool is used as a decorative accent and is used in low traffic areas. It gives a very luxurious finish and is costly.  

BACKING SYSTEMS –

Main elements –

·         Primary Backing

·         Chemical adhesive

·         Secondary backing

The type of backing depends on the specifications and depends on the performance considerations. Carpets for high end performance generally have a primary backing and a secondary backing. Carpet for low traffic areas may only have a coating of latex, a secondary backing or a cushion attached to the primary polypropylene backing. Usually, the primary backing is of Polypropylene and the secondary backing is of Jute or other synthetic fiber.

SIZES AVAILABLE –

BROADLOOM CARPET – Can be 12’, 13.5’ or 15’ in width and length can go upto 30m. Broadloom carpets have fewer seams and are easy to install. The wastage is around 5-10%. The weight is around 880-990gm/Sq.m.

CARPET TILES –

Carpet tiles come in sizes of around 50x50cms or 60x60cms. They are easy to install and easy to transport and can be laid directly on top of concrete/vinyl and needs no underlay. The main advantage is that the tiles are easy to clean and if damaged, only the single damaged piece needs to be replaced. The wastage is lesser and is around 2-3% only. The weight varies from 750-990gm/Sq.m.  

PROPERTIES OF CARPETS –

INSULATION – R VALUE

R value is dependent on the total thickness than the type of fiber.

A good rule of thumb is R value = Thickness in inches X 2.6

SOUND ABSORPTION –

Most of the carpets have good sound absorption properties. Padding will increase the absorption of sound. Also, cut pile carpeting is more effective than loop pile.

FLAMMABILITY –

Most carpets are flame retardant but not flame proof. The Local building codes need to be referred for the exact standards.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CARPET –

FACILITY SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS – THINGS TO CONSIDER

Step 1 - Developing requirements based on profile.

• Type of facility and the specific area receiving the new carpet
• How long will the carpet be used? i.e. expected life cycle.
• Types of dirt that may be tracked into the facility
• Whether the area is renovated or is a new installation?
• What is the type of furniture in the space?
• Will there be lots of foot traffic – wheel chairs, supply carts?

Step 2 – Specifications –

• Carpet construction – tuft, woven etc.
• Performance considerations – Level pile, multi-level etc.
• Broadloom or modular carpets?
• Colour, pattern and design
• Cushion & Backing – primary, secondary backing etc.
• Budget
• Installation

POINTS TO CONSIDER WHILE INSTALLING –

• Seams must be kept as minimum as possible.
• Should run along the direction of the main traffic flow
• Transitions between edges of carpet and other flooring should be protected and terminated with required trim profiles.
• Do not install carpets over expansion joints.
• When 2 pieces of the same carpet are adjacent, pile direction should be the same.
• Ensure clean finish details around floor boxes.

CARPETS & THE ENVIRONMENT

The carpet choices we make play an important role in mitigating environmental impacts and the quality of the building interiors.

Ensure that the new carpet and its accessories have high recycled content and are recyclable.

Carpet tiles are a better choice over rolls as they aid in spot replacement, hence lesser wastage and also have longer life.

Check if the new carpets meet the indoor air quality requirements.

Ensure that you buy a certified carpet.

Try to use tackless strips and other non-adhesive fastening systems for fixing.

If adhesive is needed, use only solvent free, low-VOC products.

Pre-ventilate new carpets thoroughly and also ensure maximum ventilation during the installation.

In order for a carpet to be considered ‘Green’ under the green label plus program, its total VOC content should be less than 0.50mg/sq.m h.     

Today, environmentally sustainable materials like Jute, Sisal etc. are available, with which different patterns and designs are produced, which are aesthetically pleasing as well as environment friendly.


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