Home > Rug Troubleshooting

 

Appearance Retention

Carpet in heavily traveled areas receives the most wear. For better appearance and longer carpet life, try to reduce the amount of traffic on these areas, or you may use small rugs in front of heavily-used chairs or furniture. Remove and clean these rugs while vacuuming the primary carpet or rug. Occasional moving of furniture and reversing of area rugs also is recommended. Although some change will eventually occur in the texture of your carpet, reducing the wear in paths and in front of furniture will retard this change.

 

Cornrowing

The tufting machine is set to insert the prescribed number of face yarns in the back. As the carpet or rug is made, the face yarns will stand erect. After the carpet or rug is placed on the floor and is subjected to use, there will be considerable pressure placed on the individual face yarns. If the density is high enough, the surrounding tufts help to hold each other erect; however, if the density is too low, there is less support from the adjacent tufts and some of the tufts may be pushed over. With some tufts standing, and others crushed, the cornrow appearance is created. This is not considered a manufacturing defect.  Cornrowing develops in the traffic areas or those areas subjected to more foot action, such as in front of chairs and television sets. Vacuuming alone will not raise the fallen yarns. Specially-designed carpet rakes will lift the yarns, but this may not be permanent.

 

Crushing

Crushing is the loss of pile thickness as a result of foot traffic. Crushing is not considered a manufacturing defect unless specifically cited in the manufacturer's warranty. Regular vacuuming may help reduce crushing resulting from traffic. Manufacturers' definitions of crushing may vary.

 

Depressions or Indentations

The weight of heavy pieces of furniture can cause indentations in carpet. Some depressions may be permanent. Use furniture glides or cups under the legs of heavy pieces, or move your furniture a few inches backward or sideways so that the weight is not concentrated in one place. To remedy depressions, work the carpet pile back into place with your fingertips or the edge of a spoon, and then, dampen the area and heat with a hair dryer, working the fibres with the fingers or a spoon.

 

Fading or Color Loss

Give your carpet the normal protection from direct sunlight that you give any colored fabric. Emissions from heating systems or chemicals, such as pesticides, household cleaning agents, and other household items, can also result in color loss.

 

Filtration Soil

Filtration soil may appear as dark or grayish lines on carpet along walls, stairways, and under doors. It is caused by airflow over and through carpet, allowing fine soils to settle on the carpet surface. It can often be attributed to an improperly balanced ventilation system. In most instances, the volume of air entering a room exceeds the HVAC systems capacity to remove air from the structure. Excess air volume will seek exit sources in gaps along walls and stairways. Prevent the airflow through carpet and carpet edges by sealing openings through the carpet and under doors and baseboards. Keeping the air in the home clean and using good filtration on the HVAC and vacuum cleaners can help to alleviate this situation. Filtration soils may require special cleaning treatment for effective removal. Contact a carpet cleaning professional for assistance.

 

Fluffing and Shedding

The balls of fluff, or loose fibres, found on carpet or in the vacuum cleaner bag are the normal result of fibre left in the carpet from the manufacturing process. Removing these loose fibres does not affect the carpet life or appearance. Because of their large size, these fibres are too large to become airborne or respirable. With proper vacuuming, using a quality vacuum cleaner, most shedding gradually disappears within the first year after installation.

 

Matting

Manufacturers' definitions of matting may vary. Matting is usually the result of untwisting of the yarn and intermingling of the yarn tips as a result of foot traffic. Matting may be caused by various factors, including improperly specified cushion, cushion failure, or improper maintenance. Matting is not considered a manufacturing defect unless specifically cited in the manufacturer's warranty.

 

Moth and Beetle Control

Most wool and wool-blend carpet made in the United States is permanently treated to prevent moth damage. Carpet and rugs made of man-made (synthetic) fibres are naturally resistant to insects. Synthetic carpet fibre is not a food source, and is resistant to beetles, commonly called carpet beetles. However, beetles already in the home may lay eggs in the carpet pile and hatch in eight to fifteen days. For assistance in removing beetles or other insects, contact a professional pest control specialist.

 

Odour

During and immediately following the installation of your new carpet there may be a slight odor. The odor may result from the removal of your old carpet and cushion or from the new carpet, cushion, adhesives, or seaming tape. Ventilation with fresh air is recommended. Ideally, windows and doors should be opened, and the HVAC system should be operated at maximum capacity for 48 to 72 hours.

 

Ripples and Buckles

Ripples and Buckles in carpet are most often caused by the failure to adequately stretch the carpet using a power stretcher, the use of an inappropriate or failed cushion, or excessive temperature and/or humidity. Ripples can be a combination of any of the above deficiencies. If ripples or buckles develop, consult your carpet retailer. Generally, the problem can be corrected by a qualified carpet installer restretching the carpet with a power stretcher.

 

Roll Crush

Roll crush usually occurs in areas of the pile yarn that have flattened because of the weight of the carpet roll. Areas of roll crush, or flattened pile yarn, are usually widthwise bands that may appear darker or lighter. Roll crush is not a manufacturing defect. Most roll crush occurs as a result of stacking a large number of rolls on top of one another. Roll crush may occur when carpet is stored at heights of three (3) or more rolls, or during shipping when rolls are loaded several rolls high.  Rolls of carpet will sometimes exhibit some degree of roll crush immediately after the roll has been unwrapped. In most cases, this minor roll crush will disappear after the yarn has been allowed sufficient time to "blossom" as it adjusts to ambient conditions. All but the most stubborn crush marks in carpet with nylon pile yarn usually can be removed with steam or hot water extraction cleaning.