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Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my carpet?
The typical cycle is 5-7 years. We can help you lengthen this cycle by installing attractive and compatible durable flooring in high traffic areas, such as entries and hallways.
Why is there a big range in carpet prices?
All carpets are not created equal. The properties (face weight, backing system, density of the tufting, etc.) which are engineered into the product during the manufacturing process have a direct bearing on performance and life cycle.
Why are some carpets measured by square yard and others by square foot?
Until a few years ago carpeting was always measured by the square yard. Recently, the common measurement was changed to square footage to make it less confusing for homeowners.
Is a carpet with a higher face weight better than a carpet with a lower face weight?
Not necessarily. Density is also a factor to consider along with the backing system and the warranty offered. In fact, carpets that have lower yarn face weights with attached cushion can outperform higher face weights with conventional backs, due to resiliency.
What are the different styles available in carpeting and what benefits do they offer?
Carpet comes in many different styles or textures. The three basic types of carpet are cut pile, loop pile, and cut loop styles. Cut pile carpets are known for their versatility and elegance. Loop pile carpets are great for withstanding heavy traffic, making them a common choice for commercial applications. Cut & Loop piles can be used to create a variety of unique designs and textures, and have excellent soil-hiding capabilities.
Do I need to use padding or a carpet cushion under my new carpet?
Most carpet will require padding or a cushion if installed in a residential space. Some carpets are designed to be installed without cushion, and some are designed to be directly glued to the subfloor. Pads and cushions will almost always give you a more comfortable feel as well as extend the life of your carpeting.
Our experienced professionals will assist you in selecting the padding that best suits your needs and budget.
What is corn-based carpet fiber?
Some carpet manufacturers are now using innovative manufacturing processes to make carpet from the sugar derived from corn kernels. These carpets are considered eco-friendly as corn is a rapidly renewable resource and using these products reduces our dependence on petroleum.
Where does the new carpet odor come from and how long will it last?
The odors are caused by low levels of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), most of which are harmless and usually dissipate within 48-72 hours after installation. Carpet is one of the lowest emitters of VOCs and is manufactured under very strict IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) requirements.
Why does my new carpet appear to be shedding?
Some shedding or piling is very normal for new carpeting. When the yarn is sheared at the factory pieces will fall into the pile of the carpet, which become loose after installation. Most shedding will stop in a short time with regular vacuuming. Some take longer than others and this is determined by the way the carpet was manufactured.
Should the carpet pile being installed going up the stairs or down the stairs?
If possible, carpet pile should go up the stairs to prevent slipping or falling.
Why can I see carpet seams?
No carpet seams are invisible. Carpets are manufactured with certain tolerances. With pattern product, the deviation is expressed as bow and skew. Of course, some correction can be made by the installation team. However, no perfect pattern match can be guaranteed. Unfortunately, all textile products have seams; if you look at the garment you are wearing, for example, you will notice seams at the shoulder and side panel areas. Defective seams are generally gapped and raveling, or completely coming apart. Our certified installation experts are all trained to minimize these issues.
Why are the seams in my loop-pile carpet unraveling?
This can be caused by a couple of different things. When your carpet was installed the installer could have cut thru some of the loops, leaving loose ends that can be caught and unraveled. Another cause could be that your installer did not seal the seams with a latex binder which is normally recommended on Berber carpets. It also could be from pets that are getting their toenails caught in the loops.
Our experienced professional installers will assure that your carpeting is cut and installed correctly. We stand behind our work with a warranty you can count on!
Why is my carpet buckling?
When the carpet was installed, it may not have been stretched properly. You may have used too much water during cleaning, or your carpet may be affected by high humidity. It can also be caused by sliding large furniture across the floor. A certain amount of buckling will occur as older carpeting ages. Re-stretching previously installed carpeting can eliminate buckling and extend the life of your carpeting.
What are the differences between shading and color fading?
Shading is the term for color differences between areas, caused by normal wear and random pile lay direction. The sides of carpet fibers reflect, appearing brighter and lighter than the ends. Color fading is the result of the carpet becoming lighter in color due to contact with sunlight.
Is any carpet mold and mildew resistant?
Most synthetic carpet fibers, such as polyester, nylon, polyester, acrylic, and triexta, are mold and mildew resistant. Regardless, if moisture reaches between the carpet and the subfloor, where it sits for an extended period of time, mold can grow and cause issues.
How should I clean my carpet?
Vacuum carpet regularly and schedule periodic professional cleanings by a professional as recommended by your manufacturer. To remove a spill or stain from carpet between professional cleanings, use water with a white towel or cloth. Blot the stain (do not rub as it will disfigure the tips of the yarn) until it dissipates, then place a dry, white towel or cloth on top of the area with some weight on it to draw out leftover moisture.
What is steam cleaning?
This is the hot–water extraction method, and no steam is actually produced. This is done from a truck–mounted carpet cleaning unit, or a portable, self–contained system is brought into the cleaning area.
I just had my carpet cleaned. Why is it bubbling?
Several factors could have a bearing on this situation. Over-wetting, in conjunction with high pressure steam cleaning methods, is the cause in most instances.
Why do stains reappear after my carpet has been cleaned?
Stains will go through the carpet and settle in the backing, and may even penetrate through to the sub-floor. Cleaning with a water extraction method will reactivate the staining material, which may then wick back to the surface of the carpet. This is what causes the stain to reappear. Excessive soap and ineffective rinse can encapsulate the fibers, causing rapid re-soiling.
I want a maintenance-free floor. What can I get?
No floor is maintenance-free. However, certain types are easier to care for. Our design consultants and salespersons will assist you in choosing the flooring that best suits your needs.
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