Evironmentally Safe Flooring Choices - Carpeting

As mentioned in the previous post, I am kicking off a series of floor covering posts in which I will discuss how to locate floor coverings that are safer for the environment. I'll give you three guesses as to the first material.

Carpeting

Shopping for 'green' carpeting does not have to be a big event. With a few simple guidelines you can find the perfect carpeting that is environmentally safe and a durable, lasting addition to your home.

Specifics can be daunting when you want to locate an environmentally friendly carpeting. Rather than going through the detailed list of what to look for, it might be more beneficial to just cover the certifications to look for and what those certifications mean for you, the purchaser.

• Global Organic Textile Standard
• Directly quoted from their web site:

Our mission is the development, implementation, verification, protection and promotion of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).  This standard stipulates requirements throughout the supply chain for both ecology and labour conditions in textile and apparel manufacturing using organically produced raw materials. Organic production is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic, persistent pesticides and fertilizers. In addition, organic production relies on adequate animal husbandry and excludes genetic modification. | Visit the site

• Scientific Certification Systems
• The site from this body makes the following statement:

We partner with companies, government agencies, and stakeholders worldwide to identify and drive practices, policies and processes that advance the goals of sustainable development and give innovators a competitive advantage. Working with capable leaders across the forestry, green building, energy, agricultural, fisheries, and consumer products sectors, we proudly provide services in every corner of the earth. These services are enabling policy-makers, procurement officers, company decision-makers and consumers to make informed decisions based on the highest level of environmental, ethical and quality accountability. | Visit the site

• Carpet and Rug Institute
• And this organization has this to say about their efforts:

CRI applies science to make carpet better and last longer. CRI works with its member companies, allies in the field, independent testing laboratories and government agencies to continually improve its best practices in product improvement, environmental responsibility and customer care. The result of this pursuit of excellence means that CRI exceeds industry standards and meets customer expectations. | Visit the site

 In short, keep an eye open for labels that specify an approval of one or more of the above organizations and you will be on your way to improving the environment.

The Pros and Cons of Loop Pile Carpeting

Advantages and Disadvantages of Loop Pile Carpets

When looking to replace carpet or add carpet to a room in your home, you may discover that there are a number of options when it comes to selecting a carpet that suits your specific needs.

In a previous post, I discussed the pros and cons of cut pile carpet types. I am going to continue the consideration of benefits one can expect from various carpet styles. This post will focus on the loop pile  group. If you are not familiar with the different types of carpeting as specified by the pile, you might find it helpful to take a look at my post discussing the various carpet types.

Loop pile carpets are generally talked about as a group because each of the three kinds - Berber, Level-Loop, and Multi-Level Loop - carry similar benefits.
Loop pile carpet is somewhat traffic resistant and it is not as subject to crushing under foot. Because of its loop, vacuum marks are not as noticeable and if the right pattern is chosen carefully, it can hide spots and marks.

Berber carpet differs from the Level-Loop and Multi-Level Loop in that it is constructed with one continuous thread from beginning to end. This construction feature can be a problem if a tuft gets pulled because it can cause a run along the whole length of the carpet. Because Berber's fibers are tighter packed, it can be more difficult to clean and vacuum and because it is not a Plush carpet it may not feel as comfortable on the toes.

All in all, Loop pile carpeting is a nice choice for traffic areas and is becoming more and more popular. If you are seeking a carpet that is relatively durable yet attractive appearance, it might be the right choice.

Carpet Types Simplified

Understanding Carpet Types

Often times, people think of carpeting in terms of how it looks or how it feels on the feet. In the carpet industry though, carpeting is classified in terms of its construction. This post will serve to breakdown the carpet types into groups. Each carpet type has specific features and setbacks associated with it. However, these details will be covered in later posts on a style-by-style basis.

Carpeting has two basic parts. First, the 'pile'. Pile is the part of the carpet you see and feel. Second, the 'backing'. Backing is part of the carpet that the pile is attached to and is what is attached to the floor during the installation process. Carpeting is generally classified by its pile type and then sub-classed accordingly.

• Loop Pile
• Level-Loop
• Multi-level Loop
• Berber
• Cut Pile
• Saxony
• Plush
• Friezé
• Textured
• Cut-Loop Pile

From the breakdown list above you can see the three main pile types. A loop pile has yarn that is looped at the visible end. The cut pile is a carpet with the loops cut so that the ends are straight. And finally the cut and loop pile is one that has both kinds of ends on the yarn.