New backing technology has finally been developed and has been exposed to the masses. Probably the most extraordinary new backing system is Amoco's AdBac Composite System being exclusively used, at this point, by Globaltex Carpet Mills on four new product lines. This system is unique because it uses no latex whatsoever. It is a marriage of woven polypropylene primary, felted polyester and a woven polypropylene secondary. It is a thermobonded system which actually melds the components together into a contiguous backing material. As a result, some unique characteristics have been achieved. The backing will not delaminate since it is actually melted together. Therefore, it is the only true residential product which doesn't require seam sealing. Though this may sound sacrilegious, the technology has arrived which totally prevents the backing from delaminating, therefore there is no need to seal the cut edges of the carpet.

The product is extremely easy to work with, handle and cut. It will not damage walls when installed and it remains pliable. It can be bent, folded, rolled, curled and contorted in any way without damage to it or the surroundings. There is no need to acclimate the product because it doesn't have to relax in the installation environment. It can be frozen at well below zero temperatures without becoming stiff, so you can take it from the cold of a warehouse, to the cold of an installer's truck directly into a home and install it right away. There is virtually no worry of buckles or wrinkles developing later as the product is always inherently acclimated and will not contract or expand. In this respect the broadloom is exceptionally dimensionally stable.

ODOR FREE

Because there is no latex, the product has no odor, therefore there should be no complaints of "new carpet smell." Everything associated with the product, from the Globaltex polyester yarn to the polypropylene backing, is a thermally created synthetic. No other additives or physical properties are included to influence the formation of an odor. Also, because there is no latex installers will not go through nearly as many blades. The material is easy to cut and doesn't wear out the blades with latex fillers. Since carpet with this backing is extremely pliable, it's perfect for doing upholstery work on stairs without showing unsightly gapping and seaming.

While seaming, the installer has to use a lightweight, low profile tape because the carpet with AdBac is thinner and heavier tape will telegraph through the face of the seams. The seams also must be made with a hard surface beneath them such as a strip of plywood because the carpet is soft and a good seam cannot be made unless the product is supported. If not, ledging of the cut edges will occur, that is one side higher or uneven from the other at the seam. The iron should also be set at about the two setting so as not to distort the backing and a heat shield should be used. This is actually no different than making a seam in any standard backed carpet if you want to do it correctly.

The tackstrip used must have a lower pin height because the carpet is thinner. This will prevent anyone from poking themselves in the foot when walking over the strip and prevent you from having what we refer to as a "Stupid Complaint." The carpet is also much lighter, therefore it is easier to handle, carry and work with. A weak installer can easily maneuver a 40-yard roll with no problems whatsoever.

This product is an installer's dream. The learning curve is very easy to adapt to and once the installer works with this product, he'll be spoiled. In our research to see how good Adbac really is, we've received only high praises from the installation community.

The only concern the retailer may have is that the carpet feels lighter. Well, that's what they said about plastic too but look how much a part of our lives it has become.

I'm impressed with AdBac so far and with the products Globaltex has chosen to use it with. They aren't cheap. I am also impressed someone took the initiative to be the first out on the street with this new technology. So often we suffer from lack of advancement because no one wants to be the first to make a difference. It may not be perfect, but what we have so far isn't either. The very least you can count on is the backing isn't going to fall apart in your hands. That alone is an accomplishment.