Performance and quality of carpet are associated with lots of things. It is necessary, therefore for a specifier to understand how all the individual elements work. For instance the construction method should be correct for the end use and the traffic requirements; the yarn size and the gauge should be in relation to each other; the backing systems should be appropriate; and the dye technique must be consistent with the end use.Thus not only the construction factor but other factors such as pile yarn density, gauge, the yarn size and many other construction parameters are also important. These factors can be determined by individual manufacturers. It is therefore important for specifiers and end users to explain how they want the product to perform and allow the manufacturers to make the construction decisions to meet the identified needs.
The performance of carpet is closely related to pile yarn density, the amount of pile yarn in a given volume of carpet face. Lower pile height and higher pile yarn density, for a given carpet weight, will yield the most performance for the money.
Number of tufts per inches also affect the density. The tufts per inch is counted across a width of carpet, for example, a 1/8 gauge carpet has eight tuft rows per inch of width and a 1/10 gauge carpet has 10 rows per inch of width; and the size of the yarn in the tufts. For more heavy traffic conditions a density of 5,000 or more is required.
Both bulked continuous filament (BCF) or staple (spun) fibers imparts durability to the carpet. When carpet is manufactured with staple fiber, there will be initial shedding of shorter fibers. It will soon stop, depending on the amount of foot traffic and frequency of vacuuming. Wool is a naturally staple fiber whereas nylon and polyester can be staple or continuous filament; and olefin (polypropylene) is usually BCF.
Appearance and performance are two different aspects. Aesthetic value decides the appearance whereas retention of texture is a performance issue. Though these are different yet they are closely related. Heavy foot traffic and soil can discolor carpet and can influence design decisions. Mid-tone colors and the color of local soil are the best to use in high traffic areas, especially near entrances.
Assessment of Texture Retention of Carpet
On the basis of 12,000 cycle Hexapod exposure conditioning test, commercial carpets should be:
2.5 ARR for application in a Moderate traffic end use- 3.0 ARR for application in a Heavy traffic end use
- 3.5 ARR for application in a Severe traffic end use
ARR- Appearance Retention Rating
ARR on the basis of Application
The table below clearly shows the relation between the traffic density and the desired ARR.
ARR on the basis of Application
The table below clearly shows the relation between the traffic density and the desired ARR.
End-Use Application | Traffic Level Classification | ||
Moderate | Heavy | Severe | |
Banks/Credit Unions | |||
Entrance and customer banking space | 3.5 ARR | ||
Open office space | 3.0 ARR | ||
Private offices | 3.0 ARR | ||
Bowling Alleys | |||
Concourse (excluding food service, working and storage areas) | 3.5 ARR | ||
Chapels and Other Religious Facilities | |||
Educational wing | 3.0 ARR | ||
Worship areas | 3.0 ARR | ||
Child Care Centers | 3.5 ARR | ||
Clubs | .5 ARR | ||
Golf Course Clubhouse | |||
Administrative (no golf shoe traffic) | 3.0 ARR | ||
Dining area (no golf shoe traffic) | 3.5 ARR | ||
Grill area (golf shoe traffic) | 3.0 ARR | ||
Pro shop (golf shoe traffic) | 3.0 ARR | ||
Libraries | 3.5 ARR | ||
Conference rooms | 3.5 ARR | ||
Corridors | 3.5 ARR | ||
Lodging Facilities/Dormitory, etc. | |||
Conference rooms | 3.5 ARR | ||
Combination living/sleeping rooms | 3.0 ARR | ||
Dining facilities | 3.5 ARR | ||
| 3.0 ARR | |||
Public areas (lobbies, lounges, TV rooms, day room, etc.) | 3.5 ARR | ||
Sleeping rooms | 3.0 ARR | ||
Medical Facilities (excluding patient treatment areas) | |||
Assisted living areas | 3.0 ARR | ||
Chapels | 2.5 ARR | ||
Classrooms | 3.0 ARR | ||
Clinical waiting areas (outpatient/pharmacy/ancillary zone only) | 3.5 ARR | ||
Consultation rooms | 3.0 ARR | ||
Corridors | 3.5 ARR | ||
Dining areas | 3.5 ARR | ||
Elevators | 3.5 ARR | ||
Entrance areas (entry mats should be utilized) | 3.5 ARR | ||
Libraries | 3.0 ARR | ||
Lobbies | 3.5 ARR | ||
Lounges | 3.0 ARR | ||
Offices, private/semi-private | 3.5 ARR | ||
Patient rooms | 3.0 ARR | ||
Playrooms-OB/GYN-Pediatric clinic | 3.5 ARR | ||
Staff sleeping and watch areas | 2.5 ARR | ||
Combination living/sleeping rooms | 3.0 ARR | ||
Multi-purpose areas | 3.5 ARR | ||
Sleeping rooms | 2.5 ARR | ||
Military Housing | |||
Bachelor Enlisted Quarters | |||
Dining facilities | 3.5 ARR | ||
Offices | 3.0 ARR | ||
Public areas (lobbies, lounges, etc.) | 3.5 ARR | ||
Sleeping/living rooms | 3.5 ARR | ||
Retail Stores | |||
Offices | 3.0 ARR | ||
Restaurant & cafeteria dining areas | 3.5 ARR | ||
Sales areas | 3.5 ARR | ||
Theaters | 3.5 ARR | ||
Training Buildings/Educational Facilities | |||
(including dependents’ schools) | |||
Classrooms | 3.5 ARR | ||
Corridors | 3.5 ARR | ||
Staff/administration offices | 3.0 ARR | ||
Youth Centers | 3.5 ARR | ||
