We just completed the LGM Carpet Seminar, and you should have been there. There were several new issues to help you improve your business by exposing you to concerns for various types of product performance and also new business opportunities.

One of the concerns we addressed was the new "California Shag" style carpets. These are constructed of very heavy, thick cable yarn and thin Frieze yarn. This product is becoming increasingly popular, and it is also an expensive product.

One of the things we've found with this type of carpet is that it cannot be vacuumed with an upright vacuum cleaner with a beater bar and brush; using this type of machine, regardless of the type of vacuum cleaner, will fray the surface of the carpet and change its appearance.

To prevent damage you have to use a vacuum that does not have a beater bar or brush or one that the beater bar and brush can be disconnected or turned off. A central vac may do the job or you should refer to the Carpet & Rug Institute's, Web site, www.carpet-rug.org, to find an approved list of tested vacuum cleaners.

Another point of interest brought to the attendees' attention was the explosive double-digit growth of the synthetic turf or grass business. States like Nevada and Arizona are now granting tax credits for consumers who put down synthetic turf instead of real grass because it does not require water. This may be the case in Georgia and other states as well since the scarcity of water is becoming a real issue, and the demand for an artificial substitute has to be found. Synthetic turf is always green, never requires water, comes in a variety of styles and shades of green, can be filled with a number of materials to change the feel, does not require mowing and allows more time for a homeowner to do other things.

Speaking of water, another subject covered was the increasing amount of solution-dyed nylon and polyester being used in carpet. Let it be said that ingenious people run the carpet industry. Since water is a huge component in the manufacture of carpet, making and coloring fiber that does not require water is becoming more popular.

The benefits derived are a sharp cut in water use, fibers in carpet that are much more colorfast and inherently stain resistant, and a reduction in the steps necessary to color carpet and produce fiber. These steps save manufacturers money by lowering processing costs and by conserving energy consumption while at the same time giving you better inherent characteristics of carpet. This is also one reason why there is less staple fiber being used.

Another matter discussed was relative to installation and moisture vapor emission and its negative effects on floor covering installation. One major point mentioned was that no matter how old the concrete substrate, installation of a new flooring material, particularly one that is non-permeable, can be compromised and fail from moisture you didn't think was there. This is a huge issue that can result in a massive and painfully costly claim, and you should beg, borrow or steal to learn about it at our Concrete and Moisture Seminar, Feb. 20 to 22. Yes it's a plug, but it's one that may someday help save your business from a six-figure claim.