Carpet: Broadloom and Tiles
Understanding the components of carpet construction and how they influence appearance and performance
is an essential part of the specification process. Some elements contribute primarily to aesthetics, while
others impact on performance.
A Description of each Element Follows;
Colour and Pattern
Colour is an important aesthetic consideration but it also determines the degree of soil hiding in the carpet.
For more heavily trafficked areas, multicoloured carpets with medium-value colours and random patterns should be
considered for optimum performance.
Texture
Texture is the second major aesthetic factor to consider in creating the overall look of carpet. For high-traffic
areas, loop, cut and loop with mostly loop or tip shear will give the best performance.
Fibre Type
Choice of fibre plays an essential role in determining carpet appearance and performance. Fibre impacts everything
from soil and stain resistance to matting and crushing.
Generic Terms in Specification;
Type 6, 6 Nylon
Provides unsurpassed resistance to crushing, matting and abrasive wear.
BCF
(Bulked Continuous Filament) fibre in a continuous form.
Staple
Short lengths of fibre that have been cut from a continuous filament tow - must be spun
into yarn before tufting- cut pile.
Solution Dyed Nylon
ECF yarn with pigment added to the polymer - colour is built in and resists fading and the effects
of harsh cleaners.
Wool
Mainly blended with nylon to produce an 80/20 mix for commercial broadloom carpets which enables a
luxurious appearance and performance.
Polypropylene
Cheaper man made fibre, takes on colour well however, does
not retain appearance as well as branded type 6,6 nylon.
Fibre Shape
This determines how the fibre hides soil and how much it can trap and hold soil. It also determines the extent
of crushing and matting.
Hollow Filament
Smooth, uniform outer surface with rounded corners which eliminates crevices where soil can be trapped.
Voids scatter light to make soil less visible most effectively.
Delta
Reduces soil-trapping crevices and scatters light well however, not as effectively as hollow filament.
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Density / Pile Weight
In loop pile carpets, crushing can occur if the density is too low. It is important to specify minimum
average pile density consistent with expected traffic conditions. In cut pile carpets, yarn twist level
and pile height determine texture retention.
Construction;
Carpet Backing
The carpet backing offers stability as well as other advantages to the carpet, depending on the material used.
Conventional Backing
Made of a primary fabric attached to a secondary with latex.
Woven
The same yarns make up the face and the backing.
Unitary Urethane
Resin that creates a foam - like texture when applied to the primary backing (can be hardback or cushion).
Vinyl
Compound applied to primary backing - used for tile or 6' products (can be hardback or closed - cell).
Thermoplastic
Molten resin or vinyl applied to back of carpet.
Construction Type
When specifying carpet whether it is broadloom or modular preference, budget considerations, backing performance
needs and facility requirements (installation, floor access).
Tufted Broadloom
Carpet manufactured on a tufting machine - a row of needles inserts fibres into a primary backing, then backed with chosen backing.
Woven Broadloom
Carpet manufactured on a loom in a single process.
Six Foot
Carpet, tufted or woven in 6' widths available in attached cushion or hardback.
Modular Tile
Available in various sizes as standard and precision cut to match access floor sizes.
Fusion Bonded Tile
Yarns sandwiched between two backings, then split to form two carpets simultaneously (cut pile only).
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Loughton House