Arlington, Va.—A new study of soil removal from commercial carpet has demonstrated that cushion, properly specified and installed under workplace broadloom, showed significantly better test results compared to the same style carpet installed without cushion. The vacuuming test results have important implications, noted Bill Oler, director of the Carpet Cushion Council (CCC), indicating the potential for improved appearance retention due to easier carpet maintenance. The study was conducted at Professional Testing in Dalton, and co-sponsored by the Alliance for Flexible Polyurethane Foam (AFPF) and the CCC. Testing the efficiency of dirt removal by vacuuming, a popular 26-oz. commercial loop construction carpet was installed with various cushion types, including leading versions based on synthetic fiber, rubber and bonded polyurethane.

“Carpet without cushion was installed to simulate the direct-glue method,” he explained, “while the carpet over cushion was installed in a manner simulating a stretch-in installation as well as that of a double-glue installation. When tested with a commonly used commercial bonded polyurethane cushion, the results showed a more than 40% improvement in double-glue installation and an even greater improvement in the stretch-in installation compared to the same style of carpet installed without cushion, noted Oler. “The results showed significant improvements with the use of cushion, compared to the uncushioned installation,” he said. “In each and every case, carpet installed with cushion outperformed uncushioned carpet.”

The vacuuming study demonstrates the potential of improved soil removal from carpet through the use of properly specified and installed commercial carpet cushion. “Dirt and grit that remain in a carpet can contribute to abrasion of the fiber surfaces, reducing a carpet’s luster over time,” said Mike Nor ton, AFPF’s technical advisor. “In a thorough maintenance program, improved vacuumability helps reduce abrasion and dulling, keeping carpet cleaner and looking better for a longer period of time. Costly Replacement Reduced “Appearance retention is critical to carpet’s longevity in commercial installations,” he added. “Improved cleaning and maintenance can impact the bottom line by reducing the frequency of costly carpet replacement. Easier maintenance and enhanced appearance retention are only two of the potential benefits carpet cushion brings to commercial installations. “Carpet cushion has also been shown to significantly improve sound absorption,” continued Norton, “and can save energy by improving thermal insulation.” The study is the latest in a series conducted by CCC and AFPF to show the positive effects of carpet cushion in the workplace. Test results were released late last year on cushion’s role in sound absorption ( FCNews, Dec. 9/16). More information on the vacuumability test results and carpet cushion can be obtained by contacting either the CCC at 203/637-1312, or AFPF at 800/696-2373.