The following three issues are only some of the recurring questions we get from floor covering dealers on a regular basis. The questions of air filtration soiling and carpet odor are two that are asked about most frequently.
Air Filtration Soiling: this is a dark discoloration around perimeter areas, under doors, at the edges of stairs and other locations. It is seen with light colored carpets. It is reported as a carpet concern when in fact it is an environmental and home issue. Light colored carpets will show the condition but it does exist with dark carpets as well; it just isn’t visible with dark colored carpets.
Air filtration soiling is caused by air in a home passing through the carpet as it circulates from a low pressure to a high pressure area. Simply explained, the air in a room (low pressure area) will be drawn to the furnace fan (high pressure area) or other force, through a constricted space – baseboard, under a door, etc. As the air passes through the carpet it deposits airborne particulate soils which actually impregnate the carpet fiber leaving a dark, soiled discoloration. Most often this will look like a black, sooty discoloration. A consumer may think this soiling is due to a problem with the carpet when in fact it is due to the air movement in their home. Areas or rooms with closer proximity to the furnace or drawing force may have a darker deposit. Burning a lot of candles can make the condition worse and an unbalanced or poorly working furnace can also make matters worse. Further, the more air that passes beneath the wall space the worse the condition will be.
Air filtration soiling is difficult if not impossible to clean or remove. It is not a carpet problem. It can be prevented by filling the space at the base of the walls where air can pass through with insulation, polyethylene plastic sheeting or a spray foam insulation material.
Carpet Odor: all new materials and products have an odor, carpet is no different. Normally new carpet odor will dissipate in a very short period of time, a few days or so. There is nothing in a new carpet, or in the odor one smells, that is harmful. The carpet industry is very sensitive to this issue and has conscientiously lead the way in making sure its products are safe and as odor free as possible. If a consumer feels a carpet has an offensive odor that is bothersome there may be surrounding issues causing the concern. If there is new construction it may be another material or materials at fault. There may be a number of new products in a space contributing to a bothersome odor. In very rare instances there may be a component in the carpet at fault – PVC or sour latex. These odors are very distinct and detectable for what they are. If this is the case the carpet manufacturer should be notified immediately so they can take action accordingly.
Another question that came up this week was a scarring or line in a carpet caused by dragging something across it. This happens most with carpets constructed of polypropylene (olefin) fiber. Polypropylene has the lowest melting point of any synthetic fiber used in carpet. Dragging an object on top of the carpet generates heat from friction. The heat generated by this action is enough to melt or fuse the tips of the yarn leaving a line or scar in the carpet. This is very common. Even a fast stop on the carpet with a soft soled shoe may be enough to melt the tips. The evidence left by whatever affected the carpet is irrefutable. There is no denying the cause.
This brief information should help you answer customers questions as to what causes some of the conditions and concerns they experience. If you have a question on a floorcovering product or issue, call us. We’ll have an answer when no one else does – this is what we do.
Author: Lewis G. Migliore
LGM and Associates – The Floorcovering Experts