Common Carpet, Rug, and Flooring Definitions
In an effort to extend our customer service online and for your convenience Ameri-Best Carpet Cleaning has compiled a glossary of frequently used phrases regarding carpets.
Blooming: When carpet fibers untwist due to poor cleaning habits, excessive heat, improper or neglected maintenance, or general wear and tear that occurs with age.
Carpet Tiles: Carpet tiles are sections of carpet squares that are commonly used in commercial settings due ultra durability and convenience for maintenance or repairs. Carpet tiles are diverse being available in different solid colors, patterned, or texture.
Crushing: Crushing, also known as matting is a term used to describe when the fibers have become compressed and disfigured, usually due to heavy furniture sitting in one place long term.
Denier: Denier is the total measurement of yarn per carpet area. Carpets labeled to be more denier have a higher yarn count.
Fibers: Fibers are the basic material used to manufacture carpets. Carpet fibers derived from synthetic materials such as nylon, olefin, and polyester are commonly used and those who are drawn to natural fibers will often see wool, cotton, silk, and bamboo among other organic types of materials used to make carpet.
Fray: Fraying is the side effect when carpet fibers become damaged, expanded, and/or changed in texture; usually produced in high-traffic that add to the wear and tear as well as improper cleaning techniques and incompatible cleaning products.
Hot Water Extraction: Hot water extraction is a common method for deep cleaning carpets. During the process the carpet is agitated to break down the soil and debris that is compacted deep within the fibers; highly recommended by carpet manufacturers as a part of regular maintenance.
Padding: Padding is the layer of constructed fabric that is laid on the subfloor prior to the carpet installation. Investing in a high quality of padding will prolong the carpet life, appearance, and quality along with other additional benefits.
Pile: Pile, or nap, is the visible portion of carpet fibers. With several different types and styles of piles, the most common types of piling are cut pile and loop pile.
Pile Reversal: Pile reversal is the disfiguration of carpet fibers in many directions, typically produced in high traffic areas. Pile reversal is noticeable in pivot point areas such as hallway corners and doorways.
Resilience: Resilience is the carpet’s level of resistance to crushing and matting.
Rippling: The wave-like or ruffled patterns that develop in wall-to-wall carpeting, typically because excessive heat and humidity conditions, is rippling. A professional carpet re-stretching service can correct rippling.
Seam: The visible line where two separate pieces of carpet intersect is the seam. Avoiding seams entirely is rarely possibility since most carpet is produced in 12-foot wide rolls, but qualified installing professionals can significantly reduce the appearance of a seam.
Shedding: Shedding is the loss carpet fibers, usually occurring immediately following new carpet installation; more common in cut pile and wool carpets and less frequently in synthetic fiber carpets. Controlling shedding simply requires regular vacuuming.
Soiling: When air pushes upward from under the carpet with enough force to thrust the dirt particles, germs, and grime buildup onto the surface is what is known as soiling in the carpet industry. Daily vacuuming and yearly professional cleanings can help you avoid soiling.
Tufting: The first step in the carpet manufacturing process, tufting is defined as the loop, cut or uncut, of the pile.
