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There are some general guidelines to help
you determine the durability of a carpet and
how well it will keep its original good looks.
Durability depends on three
important factors: The type of fiber, the
yarn twist, and the pile density. Choosing
a carpet based on any one of these factors
can be misleading. It's important to select
the right balance of all three.
First, choose a strong, resilient
carpet fiber such as nylon; this
is the strongest, most resilient carpet fiber
used today. Second, carpet with tight yarn
twist will resist changes in appearance and
texture. And third, the density of the pile
is important for good resiliency and appearance.
Look at twist. Yarn twist,
particularly in cut-pile, is critical to carpet
performance. All pile yarns in cut-pile carpets
have been heat set for permanence. The tighter
the twist, the better the carpet will retain
its appearance. Look to see that the cut ends
of the carpet pile are neat and tight.
Check pile density. Press
on the carpet with your fingers to see how
easily you push through to the backing. Then,
with tufts facing outward, bend the carpet
into a "U" and see how much of the
backing shows. The less backing you see, the
denser the carpet.
Some practical guidelines.
Light-colored carpets will show soil more
than dark colors, and dark colors will show
lint more than light colors. The appropriate
color carpet can help disguise soil tracked
in from the outside since the colors of dirt,
sand, and clay vary widely.
Tweeds, pebbled textures, and patterns are
good choices for rooms where spills and soiling
are likely to be a problem. The more pattern
& texture the better it will disguise
problem areas.
Final color selection. In
selecting your final color, it's wise to look
at large carpet samples in your home. The
color you choose in the store may appear completely
different in the room with your furnishings
and under different light sources.
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