 | Patrick Goebel has been involved in the home improvement industry for over 10 years and is currently director of retail flooring of the Flooring & Decorating Division of Star Lumber & Supply Co., Inc. You may contact Patrick by email at pgoebel@starlumber.com or by phone at (316) 942-2221. |
Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering
2006-04-01 10:49:00
About ‘patterned’ carpeting
QUESTION: Can you tell me about patterned carpet? Is it difficult to install properly?
ANSWER: To your first question...yes, and to your second question ...no, if you know what you're doing. First, it might help to understand how patterns in carpet are created. The manufacturer uses pre-colored or pre-dyed yarns, whether the carpet be woven, knitted or tufted. Patterns can also be produced after the carpet is woven or tufted using undyed yarns and the pattern applied afterwards - a post-dyeing method. Two processes are commonly used in this approach, namely Screen Printing - flat and rotary; and Injection Dyed - computer controlled processes whereby colorant is injected into the carpet pile. Regardless of the method of construction, slight variations in yarn tensions, yarn feed, etc. can create changes in pattern configuration. Patterns created by the tufting process, tufted graphics, as well as screen printed and injection dyed carpet, require processing and finishing after the pattern is created. All of the subsequent finishing processes affect the size, straightness, and squareness of the pattern.A successful patterned carpet installation requires a thorough understanding of patterned carpet characteristics by designers, specifiers, and all others involved with the carpet selection and installation process. Carpet is a textile fabric subject to inevitable processing variations. These variations are more critical when patterns are introduced. Most manufacturers provide established tolerances and specific installation instructions for their patterned goods, although most do not guarantee an exact pattern match. Skilled, responsible, and competent craftsmen experienced in the installation of patterned carpet can effectively make adjustments within the manufacturer’s tolerances to provide a successful installation. To assist this process, the manufacturer's tolerances should be clearly understood, communicated, and agreed upon by all parties prior to the specification, bid, purchase, and installation. There should also be an understanding about the additional carpet that must be allowed for pattern match. Factors affecting an acceptable pattern match on the job site include, but are not limited to, the method of installation, the condition and levelness of the subfloor, and the type carpet backing system selected. It is imperative that realistic levels of expectation be clearly agreed upon between all parties before the carpet is installed. Installation of patterned carpet requires more time and expertise, often requiring the use of power stretchers and additional staffing, thus affecting the cost of installation.
