Carpet is everywhere. Almost all facilities have carpet concerns. Carpet care, maintenance, and eventually, replacement are subjects that pertain to all facility managers. This article covers the basics of what you need to know, which includes different types of carpet construction, the fibers, and their importance.
First, the types of carpet construction:
1. Loop – Just as its name implies, the fiber is looped through the back and returned to the backing. Meaning the thread won’t have ends that fray and break down.
2. Cut Pile – This type allows for a more stylish look and has a softer feel to it; not typically utilized in high-traffic areas of facilities or commercial buildings. Over time, since the fiber is not looped, it can fray.
3. Carpet Tiles – This is more of a subset of the types of the carpet construction. It can be looped or cut-pile, but it manufactured into tile-like squares that are similar to ceramic tiles. As with regular tiling, if one flooring gets damaged, it can be replaced without redoing an entire area. Besides, these tiles help in areas where carpet typically buckles or stretches. Depending on the needs of the area and type of traffic/ usage, it can be a good option, although the price is a factor since it tends to be more expensive.
Now onto the makeup of the fibers themselves:
1. Nylon – This is accepted to be the best material for commercial carpet. It will last longer, and the look of the carpet will hold as well.
2. Olefin/ Polypropylene – the synthetic fiber that does the job, but it is not quite as strong as Nylon. It is more cost-effective and has some other qualities, such as being low-static, abrasion-resistant, and lightweight.
3. Polyester – This is also a cost-effective material, but it does not hold up well in moderate-use or high-traffic areas. These fibers do an excellent job of holding color initially and are a softer fiber, but they are not very resilient.
More info on Fibers:
1. CFF, BCF, and CFN – As the name states, Continuous Filament Fiber (CFF) means that during the process of making the actual carpet, the run is in one continuous fiber. BCF means Bulk Continuous Fiber, and CFN means Continuous Filament Nylon. Why is this important? These styles will drastically reduce or eliminate any “shedding or fuzzing.”
2. Staple Fiber – This style of carpet manufacturing is with multiple, short strands spun together. The potential downside to this process is that shedding or fuzzing may occur after installation, and these issues are not typically covered under warranties. They may not happen, and the price may be a factor in your decision-making. But beware, shedding and or fuzzing are real possibilities that can occur even a year after installation, and they can be a headache after the fact.
Here’s a quick summary of other details of carpet construction:
Pile Density – The more dense carpet, typically the longer the durability in both wear and appearance.
Pile Height – For most commercial applications, experts recommend a pile height of less than ¾”. Heights above that can lead to crushing and matting the fiber.
Face Weight – Also known as” Pile Weight,” this pertains to the actual weight of the fiber itself. It excludes the backing in the calculation. For most commercial applications, this ranges from 16 to 40 ounces, but residential carpets range from 45 to 100 ounces.
Here are some terms commonly used in the carpet flooring world:
Yard – a measurement of carpet used for installation. Most installers price and define the quantity of carpet in yards vs. square feet.
Nap: Is the pile height, from the backing to the end of the fiber
Carpet Cushion: Commonly called pad or padding. It utilized for carpet that installed with glue or adhesion to the floor. It is prevalent in residential installations.
Density: This speaks to the number of fibers or carpet strands, how closely or tight they manufactured into the backing of the carpet.
Weight: or face weight; this is the density measured. Manufacturers listed the weight in ounces.
Shedding: Occurs with new carpet that some of the fibers “shed” in the early after install, if it is continuous, check with the installer and possibly the manufacturer.
Fiber: This is the strand or fiber, the individual piece. For most carpets the fiber is synthetic, only 5-10 % of carpet is natural fiber.
Backing: or Primary Backing this is the back of the carpet that holds the carpet together. The importance of the backing is in determining the quality and or if it has been damaged in an event such as water damage or a defect from the manufacturer. It is crucial since it holds the carpet together.
Matte: application of weight (like a high traffic area) on an installed carpet produces this visual effect
Carpet Dyeing: The process of coloring the carpet both in production and for some occasions after the carpet has been in use for a time to add color to improve the look.
Textured: This way of manufacturing cut pile, creates a two-tone effect in the carpet
Transition: This is when the carpet or any flooring meets another surface. Depending on the material, there are different options on how to best meet or transition the two flooring surfaces.
Once you know what you want, here are some tips for working with the Seller and or Installer:
1. Make sure the installers or suppliers list exactly how many yards of carpet they are installing. This matters for a couple of different reasons. Depending on how the measure or layout the carpet can affect:
The quantity of carpet quoted (which will affect the price)
The layout, where the carpet seams will run, this can be an issue when it comes to wear and tear and how the patterns of traffic will make a difference.
The look of the carpet, seams can be unsightly, especially when done poorly, make sure that the installer explains the options and pros and cons of different layouts.
Sometimes they will need to be pushed to provide an alternative way of laying the carpet from their first selection.
2. Request the installer break down and list the cost of removal, disposal, and prep in the bid. This breakdown will help you understand the cost comparison between vendors. You will find that an installer can and will look at this part of the job differently. Hidden or undisclosed fees can get you after the project is complete. When issuing a purchase order, the last thing you want to do is go back to corporate for more money and show that you didn’t do your due diligence.
3. Get a transparent spec sheet on the carpet. See the illustration above for details. Examples of spec sheets are Carpet Fiber, Density, and Staple vs. Continuous Fiber. Obtain this from the proposal and ensure it written in the quote. You want to make sure that there are no changes in the material you were presented and sold vs. what you got on the day of installation.
4. What is the installation warranty, and what does it cover? Most installers give a one-year warranty. If there is a manufacturer’s warranty, get that info too. Keep in mind that the company selling you the carpet may not be the company installing. Make sure to inquire who is putting the carpet down and get everyone’s information. Beyond knowing the duration of the warranty, it is good also to have an idea of what circumstances where the guarantee is enforceable. It may even make sense if time permits to contact the manufacturer and see if they have a representative in the area. If you proceed with the installer’s recommendations, they could be a potential issue after the fact. If you get into a warranty issue and the manufacturer’s the rep may come out (for the first time). He may state that the carpet selection made is not appropriate for the area and could cause an issue with warranty coverage.
5. Make sure prep is inclusive in the bid. One thing to watch is the installer coming back to you about the preparation of the floor. In some cases, there may be a genuinely unforeseeable issue with the subfloor. The installer should provide or allow for floor prep in the bid. In removing the old carpet or flooring, there will need to be some mechanical removal of old glue or carpet. If this is not inclusive in the bid, it leaves the door open for them to come back to you and say that it is far more complicated than initially priced. If there is a legitimate issue, then you can deal with it accordingly, but that makes the point that you should budget (when possible) for 10-20 percentage for these types of unforeseen issues.
Besides the removal of the old adhesive, there may be other issues to contend with:
- Moisture, this can be an issue depending on where this is on the building, typically on grade or 1st floor can be an issue.
- If the floor has low spots or needs leveling:
6. Along with floor prep, there is the disposal of the old flooring. Now, this can be for some another line item on top of material and installation. You need to make sure they have the disposal of the carpet and debris figured into their number. In some cases, installers will come and say,” I just thought I could utilize your dumpster.” Depending on your trash needs, this may be fine, and sometimes that won’t work. If you can use your dumpster, it can be a way to shave a little bit off the price.
7. Furniture – Some installers will charge for the removal and replacing of furniture. You want to know what this charge is upfront if it is not inclusive with their price. Depending on your staffing, it may make sense to have your maintenance crew do the lifting and replacing. If not, be aware that this might come up when receiving the bill.
How much does carpet cost?
Depending on your location, commercial carpet is sold in either square yards or square feet. If you are buying it at a home goods store, most likely they will retail that in square feet. That can present an issue if you are purchasing it for your installer.
If that is the plan, then you would want your installer to provide you with the quantities of the carpet, this will avoid issues of running short or over purchasing.
A national average for the carpet itself for 2019 is $2 to $7 per square yard
Installation can range from $3 to $5 a square yard.
When is the best time to buy carpet?
The best time to get your proposal for carpet is in the fall or winter, and this is the time when most installers are at the slowest and will be the most hungry for work. Even if you do not plan for the install till spring, the of the mindset of the installer will benefit you by getting the price when they are slower vs when they are busy and not as aggressive in their pricing.
How to determine whether I should buy the good stuff? Or figure that in 5-10 years I will have to replace it anyway.
A great question and one to think about before bidding and pricing this work: several factors can weigh on this decision.
How much traffic would you rate for the area? Not only in people walking but does the area have dollies and other wheeled items (deliveries, wheelchairs, equipment being moved) adding to the pressure the carpet faces.
Exposure to non-typical elements If you are in the lobby you may get an excessive amount of salting ice (depending on your climate), dirt and if construction projects that may track in the different elements may sway to go with a less expensive carpet until the capital projects are completed.
Is the area prone to experience an above regular exposure to moisture? (Pools, High humidity areas)
What colors are you looking to pick? When darker shades are in use, it hides and does not show the wear as fast as the lighter colors do. Even with regular cleaning in time, the colors will be affected.
Things to be aware of during installs
There are a few things to be aware of when your installer comes to your property, building, or facility.
- The will be in the way. By nature, they will be in an area that is used so if the installation is during the day, you will need to give everyone notice that the area is inaccessible. A number of facilities may elect to have the carpet installed during evening hours so that there is not an issue with downtime. This will also reduce or prevent people from wandering into the work area and creating a liability issue.
- Odors – Adhesives are a low odor product, but even low odor adhesive will have an odor or smell. Depending on how sensitive people are that will be using the area, they may also be sensitive to the VOCs of the new carpet itself. Again off-hours can allow for ventilating the area before people entering the area. At least notice can be provided so the people that may be affected by this issue can plan accordingly.
- Noise – If any heavy floor prep is required, grinders or other means of mechanical tools may be used to prep the floor. They are thus creating a noise concern for sensitive areas.
- Dust – Again, the removal or demolition of the older carpet will introduce dust and fine dirt particles into the air, depending on how sensitive the area, it may make sense to contain the area and even requesting negative air to be used during the process.
- Space – When the installer comes to the site, they will need a laydown area or place to install the carpet prior to install.
- Access – depending on the size of the doorway, there may be an instance of the need to remove railings and or doors to get the flooring into the area.
Summary
Hopefully, this overview gives you enough information to ask the right questions of both the carpet installer and what to expect out of the carpet. Depending on how much flexibility you have with the options for flooring can allow out of the box solutions for flooring. Sometimes a combination of tile and carpet can work depending on the use. An experienced installer can shed some light and provide some real-world case studies or examples of what has worked in other facilities.
What carpet type and quality are right for you, there are a number of correct answers, it just takes a little due diligence and thought to buy the best commercial carpet for your building, property or facility.
We did not discuss maintenance and care in this article. We will provide a deep dive into that subject of floor care and maintenance in an upcoming article.