Carpet Specification
Nov 1, 1998 12:00 PM
Warranties Several warranties commonly are offered by manufacturers as an assurance to the end users of long-term satisfaction and product performance. These warranties often are listed as part of the specification.
Common items typically covered by warranties are wear (loss from fiber abrasion), static propensity, tuft bind, edge ravel, dimensional stability, pattern match, staining and other non-specified latent defects. In most cases, the warranties are limited to a specific number of years, but in some cases, such as static, the warranty is, in effect, for the life of the product. Warranties should be reviewed carefully to determine the obligations of the end-user and the manufacturer.
Ensuring access The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which became effective January 26, 1992, is intended to ensure that people with disabilities have access to employment, public accommodations, government services, transportation, telecommunications and commercial facilities.
Ground and floor surfaces along accessible routes and in accessible rooms and spaces including floors, walks, ramps, stairs and curb ramps, shall be stable, firm, slip-resistant and shall comply with general requirements of ground and floor surfaces.
The carpet shall be securely attached; have a firm cushion pad or backing, or no cushion or pad; and have a level loop, textured loop, level cut pile, or level cut/uncut pile texture. The maximum pile thickness shall be 1/2 inch. Exposed edges of carpet shall be fastened to floor surfaces and have trim along the entire length of the exposed edge.
Changes in level up to 1/4 inch may be vertical and without edge treatment. Changes in level between 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2. Changes in level greater than 1/2 inch shall be accomplished by means of a ramp.
Specifying for good indoor air quality While there currently are no federal laws or regulations governing IAQ in commercial or institutional buildings, the federal government encourages builders, designers and manufacturers to adopt reasonable standards to ensure good indoor air quality. Although there are many factors that affect IAQ, one proactive way to ensure good air quality is to specify low-emitting indoor furnishings, building supplies and surfaces.
When specifying carpet, choose a product that bears the Indoor Air Quality Carpet Testing Program label. Under the program, carpet product types are collected from carpet manufacturers and tested quarterly for total volatile organic compounds (TVOC). Carpet products that do not exceed the established emission levels are allowed to display the label. The label has a number that identifies the manufacturer of the carpet. The label may be affixed to carpet samples and used in a variety of manufacturers' literature to architects, interior designers and specifiers. Using new carpet with the CRI label assures the specifier and the end user that the carpet is a low-emitting product, and its low emissions will have minimal impact on the indoor environment.
The following timeline will be an effective guide whether the installation is for a new facility or a replacement of carpet in an existing facility:
120 days before occupancy:
-Write specifications for carpet and installation.
-Request proposals.
90 days before occupancy:
-Review proposals.
-Check reference of carpet companies and installation contractors under consideration.
-Select company; place order.
-Prepare maintenance plan under the guidance of the carpet manufacturer.
60 days before occupancy:
-Confirm that order was placed with mill; confirm shipment date from mill.
-Schedule delivery, arranging for holding site.
-Confirm installation date.
30 days before occupancy:
-Check correctness of shipment: carpet style, color, pattern and dye lot.
-Check for manufacturing defects. (Note: Manufacturers will not replace carpet that has been installed.)
-Complete all other construction prior to installation to protect new carpet.
-Have carpet installed observing CRI 104/105 guidelines for installation.
-Ventilate during installation to protect indoor air quality.
-Have representative come to review punch list.
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