Carpet Care 2000 is licensed and insured to cater to commercial businesses and residential homes for a number of services. We know all too well that the words and terminology used in our industry can leave some of our customers scratching their heads. In an effort to help you, we have compiled a glossary. As we strive to continue to help our customers with superior services and maximum customer service, we hope this helps you.
Glossary of Carpet Cleaning & Repair Terms & Definitions
Blooming: Blooming is the process in which the carpet fibers untwist. Blooming can occur for several reasons, more commonly they include; incorrect cleaning, improper heat setting, poor maintenance techniques, and general wear and tear because of the passage of time.
Carpet Tiles: Carpet tiles are unlike wall-to-wall carpeting. They are individual carpet squares that are commonly found in commercial settings because of their high levels of durability. Carpet tiles can be solid in color, textured, or patterned, and can be removed for individual spot cleaning and/or repairs.
Crushing: Crushing, sometimes, referred to as matting, occurs when the fibers become bent and compressed. Over time, all carpet will develop crushing. However, with the use of regular maintenance programs using firm padding below the carpet, and frequently rearranging furniture to re-direct traffic patterns can all help to greatly prolong crushing.
Denier: Denier refers to the total measurement of yarn per carpet area; carpets with more denier have a higher yarn count.
Face Weight: Very much like to denier, face weight plays a vital aspect in a carpet’s overall performance and durability. Face weight is defined as the total weight of fibers per square yard of carpet.
Fibers: Fibers are the basic material that carpet is comprised from. Typically, the majority of carpet manufactured today is constructed of synthetic fibers; nylon, olefin, polyester are just a few examples, other types of carpet are made from natural fibers such as wool, cotton, silk, and bamboo.
Fray: Fray occurs often when high-traffic, wear and tear, and improper cleaning methods like the use of incorrect cleaning products, scrubbing stains instead of blotting, and other improper maintenance methods occur and the carpet fibers are compromised. When fraying occurs, the carpet fibers become damaged, expand, and change textures.
Hot Water Extraction: Major carpet manufacturers often recommend this procedure; it is when hot water extraction is a cleaning process that agitates carpet to break down the soil and grime buried deep within the fibers. After a detailed rinse with eco-friendly cleaning solutions and a rapid turbo-drying process, carpets are left cleaner and more durable.
Maintenance Program: A scheduled program of cleaning and restoration services that is personalized and customized to meet the unique needs of commercial buildings, office spaces, educational settings, and other facilities along with residential homes.
Padding: Padding, or carpet cushion, is the layer of cushion that is installed between the carpet and the subfloor. Padding is essential in prolonging carpet life, appearance, and quality.
Pile: Pile is defined as the visible portion of carpet fibers and is sometimes referred to as nap. There are several different types and styles of piles, including cut pile and loop pile.
Pile Reversal: Pile reversal or shading occurs when high-traffic activity bends the carpet fibers in various directions. Pile reversal is highly common at pivot points, like the hallway corners, doorways, and so on, and directly results in the creation of a discolored impression.
Resilience: Resilience is known for the carpet’s ability to resist crushing and matting. Type of fiber, padding, backing, and other aspects are used to qualify the amount of resilience a piece of carpeting has.
Rippling: Rippling is the technical term for wave-like or ruffled patterns that manifests over time on wall-to-wall carpeting. It is often caused by excessive amounts of heat and humidity conditions. Rippling can be corrected by contacting a qualified contractor or carpet retailer to re-stretch the carpet in most cases.
Seam: The line where two pieces of carpet intersect is known as the seam. Avoiding seams is rarely a possibility since most carpet is produced in 12-foot wide rolls.
Shedding: Following the installation on new carpet, the fibers have a tendency to shed for several weeks. While shedding is more common in cut pile and wool carpets, it is still a minor issue for synthetic fiber carpets. Regular vacuuming is the most optimal solution.
Soiling: When dirt particles, germs, and grime build up in carpet fibers, soiling occurs. A maintenance program, regularly scheduled professional carpet cleaning services, and routine vacuuming are all ways to prevent soiling from occurring.
Tufting: Tufting is the first step in the carpet manufacturing process, and is defined as the loop (cut or uncut) of pile.
