Quality Mark

The Quality Mark is your guarantee that the suitability claims made by the manufacturer are true. It is endorsed and independently monitored by The Textile Institute, the worldwide professional body for textiles, which has members in over 90 countries. The Quality Mark is your assurance that your carpet has been tested under the Suitability Evaluation Scheme and has reached the suitability standard claimed by the manufacturer. A product cannot carry the Quality Mark if the suitability claim is not backed up by the Suitability Evaluation System test results so if you see the Quality Mark you really can believe what it says on the label!

But what affects the performance of carpet? The first thing is tuft density

1. Tuft Density

The number of tufts per unit area has an important influence upon how carpet feels and performs. Carpet with a high tuft density will generally perform better in terms of wear and appearance retention.

Tuft Density is quoted in terms of tufts per square decimetre (or square inch) and is calculated using: -

• Rows/Stitch Rate - per decimetre or inch (the number of tufts along the length)
• Pitch/Gauge - per decimetre or inch (the number of tufts across the width)

TUFT DENSITY is calculated by multiplying the two factors above to get the number of tufts per unit area (sq. decimetre or sq. inch)

2. Surface Pile Weight

Obviously the thickness of yarns used in the pile surface has an impact upon the luxury feel, the resilience, durability and appearance retention characteristics of the carpet.

Surface Pile Weight is expressed as a weight per unit area, usually grams per square metre, and this again gives a guide to the wear performance of the carpet.

Generally speaking, the higher the surface pile weight, the better the luxury, comfort and durability, but some account needs to be taken of the type of fibres used in the pile yarn.

3. Surface Pile Height

The height of the pile above the backing has an important influence on comfort and luxury and also the appearance retention of the carpet. But, there is not a simple relationship between pile height and quality because comfort and luxury have to be considered. Sometimes, a low pile height can be offset by high tuft density and pile weight to produce a durable carpet. Surface Pile Height is measured in millimetres and is the height above the backing.

4. Pile Yarn Fibre Content

The fibres and yarns used in carpet will impact upon its performance in a complex way linked to pile density, weight and height. All pile fibres have individual characteristics, for durability, resilience, appearance retention, luxury (and, of course, price!) Some fibres and fibre blends perform better than others but often there is a trade-off between performance in it's various forms and price. It remains a important factor in assessing the overall excellence of carpet.

5. Appearance Retention

All carpet looks good on day one when it is installed but the key question is, how will it look after a few years of wear? Will the carpet keep it's good looks and for how long? Appearance retention can now be assessed using standard tests and is a strong predictor of how the carpet will perform in use.

Other Factors

A wide range of other factors also play a part in the overall performance of the carpet in use:-

• Method of Manufacture
• Pile and Surface Texture
• Backing materials used
• Back Coating or Latexing
• Flammability Performance
• Colour Fastness
• Dimensional Stability
• Underlay and Fitting

However, in most cases, the factors described in (1) to (5) deliver the main product benefits for the consumer

And you can find the Quality Mark on the products of the following leading manufacturers: