Whether you’re having new carpet installed or need to repair a water damaged carpet, it’s helpful to know some of the terminology used in the industry.
Of course, reputable water damaged carpet professional will understand the different components of a carpet and how the finished product is assembled and then installed, but it’s useful to know if you ever need to do a little repairing yourself. Here are 11 words and phrases used when talking about carpeting.
1. Backing
Carpet backing is the part of the carpet that binds the carpet together as well as to the floor underneath. There are two main types of backing:
- Primary backing: found on the back of the carpet, primary backing ties the tufts of the carpet together
- Secondary backing: this protective backing creates a layer of protection between the floor and the carpet’s padding. Natural and synthetic materials are often used, with anti-mould backings being widely available as well
2. Bulked Continuous Filament
Also referred to as BCF, this commonly used manufacturing process involves the weaving of one continuous fibre throughout the carpet backing.
3. Carpet Cushion/Padding
An integral component of any carpet is its padding, sometimes referred to as the cushion. As the name implies, padding determines the softness and comfort of the carpet. Padding is installed between the floorboards and the carpet itself.
4. Crush/Matte
Crush is more a phenomenon than a component, yet it’s commonly misunderstood by clients. When the fibres bend under heavy and constant pressure, such as from heavy foot traffic or furniture, parts of the carpet are crushed and give off a different appearance that seems to be soiled. Unfortunately, repairing crushed parts of carpet involves more than simply cleaning as this type of damage is often irreparable.
5. Fibre
Most carpets are made of natural or synthetic fibres. Many types of materials are common, including: wool, nylon, polyester, olefin, polypropylene, or triexta. Fibres should be one of your first considerations for your carpet since it gives your carpet its colour, texture, softness, and comfort.
6. Pile
Pile refers to the visible portion of the carpet. It consists of tufts of yarn which are walked on, and it’s available in two main categories:
- Cut pile: loops are cut, resulting in a carpet with many straight tufts;
- Loop pile: loops are left uncut. Berber carpets often use loop pile.
7. Seam
Wherever two pieces of carpet join, the line formed by the join is referred to as the seam. They are caused by the fact that carpet is purchased in rolls of a predetermined width, which will likely not match the exact dimensions of your carpeted room. Seams are often impossible to avoid, but a quality carpet installer can hide seams effectively.
8. Stapled Fibres
The manufacturing process commonly used to attach individual tufts to the carpet known as stapled fibres results in a lot of fuzz being left over in the carpet. The shedding of fuzz normally lasts no longer than half a year and requires frequent vacuuming to remove.
9. Synthetic
Most carpets are manufactured using artificial materials, such as polyester and nylon. These differ from natural materials such as wool.
10. Tack Strip
During carpet installation, edges of the room to be carpeted are prepared with wooden strips with fine tacks attached. These tack strips anchor the carpet to both the floor and wall as well as to the carpet backing.
11. Tufts
Groups of fibres woven together are referred to as tufts. During the manufacturing process, one of the first steps is to weave yarns into tufts which are subsequently attached to the carpet.
Contact A Professional
If your carpet’s been damaged by water, you need to have it repaired in order to keep you and your family safe from the dangers of mould, bacteria, and the discomfort of having a ruined carpet. Electrovac should be your first call in the event that you find your carpet damaged. Our staff of friendly experts will be happy to help.