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Patrick Goebel
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
2003-06-01 15:46:00
Lots to know about carpet
ANSWER: I will provide you with what I can, but it might take a couple of issues to get it all in.    First... the difference between fibers:   Nylon is the most widely used synthetic fiber in manufacturing broadloom carpet today. The advantage of nylon over other fibers used in making carpet is its ability to bounce back after heavy use and its resistance to abrasion. Even though nylon has good stain resistance it needs to be treated for additional stain resistance. It is very good in accepting dyestuffs making the range of color virtually limitless. Polyester: Polyester is reasonably durable, though it is not in nylon's class for resiliency. Polyester is easily cleaned although it is somewhat more susceptible to oil-based stains. This fiber is most commonly used in cut pile carpets. Because it tends to "pack down" easier than nylon the level of the yarn twist and the density of the pile are crucial. Polypropylene: Polypropylene is moisture resistant making it inherently more stain resistant than other synthetic fibers. Polypropylene has no memory and tends to "pack down" more so than any other fiber. Polypropylene is generally used in low pile level-loop commercial carpeting where maintenance is top priority. Polypropylene is also widely used in looped Berbers where the pile height is generally low in profile. Polypropylene is often blended with nylon to help give it more resiliency while taking advantage of its ability to resist stains. Wool: Wool is an extremely durable fiber although wool typically does not clean as easy as the synthetics. Wool does not melt so it is resistant to cigarette burns. Wool, being a natural fiber, tends to be expensive. Wool carpets are available in fewer shades since it doesn't take bright color dyes as well as the synthetics.    QUESTION:  What is "Berber carpet"?    ANSWER:  Simply put "Berber" means "flecked" carpet. Berber carpet can come in looped, cut pile or frieze styles. The term "Berber" was generally attached to looped styles of carpet that were reintroduced in the early 1980's.    QUESTION:  How do I figure square yards?    ANSWER:  Square yardage is computed by multiplying the width of the room by the length of the room (in feet) and dividing the answer by 9. There are 9 square feet in a square yard. Remember - broadloom carpet does not come in squares so the actual amount of carpet needed may be slightly higher.    QUESTION:  What widths does carpet come in?    ANSWER:  Broadloom carpet typically comes in a 12 foot width. Since the popularity of looped pile ( Berber ) carpets the mills have began manufacturing 13'-6" and 15'-0" wide carpets to help place the seams in less conspicuous locations. Looped style carpets are notorious for producing seams that are visible. Consider this if you are interested in purchasing a looped pile carpet.In the July issue we will talk about wrinkles, seams, cleaning and padding.
 
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