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Performance and Quality





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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.
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
       
Offices   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
Source CRI

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