Outdoor, Garage & Boat Carpets
TRACKING
Tracking is the imprint left by footprints on your carpet. This is common on all cut pile surfaces and usually disappears after a thorough vacuum, however it will reappear after the carpet is walked on again. This is seen more often in high traffic areas such as doorways and hallways. These areas should be given more attention during vacuuming.
PILE REVERSAL SHADING
All cut pile carpets develop light or dark patches over time. Known as shading or watermarking. It is caused by the carpet fibres bending and reflecting the light differently. Shading can not be predicted or prevented but is more related to the carpet use rather than construction. When caused by foot marking and vacuuming, pile shading is temporary and can be reversed by vacuuming or brushing the carpet in the normal direction of pile lay. Shading does not affect the wear or lifespan of the carpet and is not considered a flaw or defect.
SHIFT LINES
Parallel lines that appear on the surface of loop pile carpets. More apparent with large designs or patterns. This can also be affected by colour and light sources.
SEAM PEAKING
Seam peaking is normal when joined carpet is stretched into place. Lighting conditions can accentuate a carpet seam and create the impression that the pile on the side closer to the light source is a lighter shade than the pile on the other side of the join. Carpet seams are never invisible but they should be straight, aligned and as flat as possible.
APPEARANCE RETENTION
All carpets change appearance over time. Carpet pile will flatten to some extent due to normal use. Regular vacuuming and periodic professional cleaning will reduce the degree of flattening. Matting is a wear-induced characteristic that is seen as the merging together of carpet tufts to the stage where they may become less defined. Matting occurs in all carpets to some extent and is not considered a manufacturing defect unless it occurs rapidly or to an unacceptable degree.
PATTERN MATCHING
Manufacturing processes introduce stresses and pressures on the carpet structure in both the length and width directions. As a result, a repeating pattern may not exactly match along the length of the carpet or across its width, particularly from one production run to another.
UNDERLAY
Like carpet, underlay is available in various grades and qualities. An underlay should be firm but comfortable. As a guide, standing on the underlay you should not be able to feel the floor with the heel of your shoe. If replacing carpet, do not be tempted to use the existing underlay. It will have the same wear patterns as your old carpet and these will quickly appear in a new carpet and will void your Belgotex carpet warranty.