Office traffic can take its toll on your carpet’s lifespan and we at Carpet Care Systems have seen, at times, incorrect recommendations for the type of carpet you should be installing in your office. It is not always the most expensive carpet that will fit your needs. Another salient point would be the type of backing your carpet has. It can greatly affect the cleaning method that will be needed as well as the solutions that can be used. We, at Carpet Care Systems, recommend that when installing new carpets you do much research on carpet materials before placing an order and do not be swayed by end of the roll sales. Please talk to your carpet cleaning service for advice before laying new carpet.
Typically carpets are made of nylon, olefin, polyester or wool. Each fibre has strengths and weaknesses and that must be taken into account when picking out a carpet fibre. Carpet fibres react differently, some will flatten easily and will not stand up to foot traffic, others will absorb oil- based compounds, and no carpet fibre is perfect.
CARPET TILES
Carpet tiles are now recommended for commercial use because individual tiles can easily be replaced if they are damaged.
MATERIALS USED IN THE MANUFACTURING OF CARPETS
Advance Nylon, Nylon 6 – Of the most commonly used fibres the new nylons can be one of the most expensive but a more cost effective fibre in the long run. It is the strongest synthetic fibre, therefore making it excellent for commercial use. It stands up well to foot traffic and has excellence stain resistance.
Olefin – Because of the dying method used in its manufacturing olefin is resistant to sunlight fading. Olefin can be used for outdoor carpets as it has a built in resistance to mildew and moisture. It also has superior stain resistance except for oil-based stains. It is not the most resilient of fibres as it can mat and crush easily.
Polyester – This fibre is not as durable as nylon although it is non-allergenic, resists mildew, is fade resistant, stain resistant and comes in array of colours. It feels soft to the touch. It is susceptible to crushing and will absorb oil-based stains although cleans easily.
Wool – It is an excellent natural material and soft to the touch. It is the most expensive of all carpets but offers durability, flame resistance and repels water naturally. It is ecologically renewable. Wool does require special care. Carpet cleaning solutions used on other kinds of carpets can damage wool carpets so one should rely on a carpet cleaning company that is experienced in the cleaning of wool carpets.
