Will Your Condo be t he 2023 Condo of the Year Winner?

Cut Pile

• can be tufted as cut or tufted as looped then tip sheared to create additional cut pile areas to create texture

• more luxurious appearance than loop

• generally, may not be as durable as a loop

• may be more expensive than looped given the extra step of cutting

Cut and Loop

• have the benefits and drawbacks of each category above

• provide a more interesting appearance

• potentially more expensive than just cut or just loop

Broadloom vs Carpet Tile – Generally, broadloom is used in condominiums as it provides a more residential feel. Office, amenity, and industrial spaces are usually the only areas where carpet tile is considered. Qualities of each include:

Broadloom

• greater choice of design and colour and can be customized

• best suited to larger patterns and seams are easily hidden

• can be ordered with an under pad which provides additional plushness and with some types of backing can prevent some leakage into the subfloor

• generally, broadloom is less expensive than carpet tile, but this can be offset with the higher installation costs and additional waste with broadloom

• full sections of broadloom need to be replaced for stains

Capet Tile

• although there is considerable choice in colour and patterns, the installation and seaming can hinder the choice of design

• best suited to office, amenity, industrial space as seeming is very visible as it has an industrial look

• carpet tile is manufactured with its own integrated backing and base and doesn’t provide the cushion that broadloom with under pad does. Additional cushioned backing is available on carpet tile at an extra charge

• easy to install and easily replaced but after time a replaced tile will become more noticeable relative to the surrounding tiles

• may have less wastage for large irregular shaped corridors

Under pad affixed to broadloom at the factory, is usually recommended in residential corridors as it provides a more luxurious feel, absorbs shock, can prevent carpet fibers from breaking down and the carpet backing from stretching, therefore adding time on to the lifespan of the carpet. Some under pads can also act as a full moisture barrier. There are manufacturers that can provide a carpet product with closed cell cushioned padding that prevents moisture penetrating the sub floor which prevents it from resurfacing. This moisture barrier product is not available in broadloom carpet, typically specked for condo common areas, as it adds a great deal of weight to the product and only comes in 6ft widths.

The cost of a carpet with under pad is about 20% more than one without (for labour and material). If cost is an issue you can benefit from the plush feel of a carpet by increasing the face weight of the carpet and forgoing the under pad.

Knowing the basics of what makes up a carpet’s quality and durability in addition to the impacts of design will help you un- derstand the factors that make up the large costs associated with replacing carpet in your condo. There are ways to modify some of these variables when budgets are tight without always compromising quality, durability, and design.

Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) Industry Standard for Commercial Carpets. It is important to note, when we are talking about commercial carpeting, the designation given by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) regarding VOCs in commercial carpeting products. The Green Label Plus is a designation given to carpets by the CRI, which ensures that customers are purchasing the lowest emitting carpet, adhesive, and cushion products on the market. The CRI designed the Green Label Plus program for architects, builders, specifiers, and facility managers who want assurance that carpet, adhesive, and cushion products meet the most stringent criteria for low chemical emissions. Ensure the carpets that you use have this designation.

I would like to credit Tarkett Hospitality for their contribution to this article. C V

Murray Johnson Co-Chair, Conference Committee

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