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Carpet Buying and Care Guide | 1

Contents Buying Basics Carpet Materials Carpet Style Carpet Installation Carpet Care

Carpet Buying and Care Guide

www.springerfloorcare.com Contact Us (515) 262-9229 1320 NE 60th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50313

www.springerfloorcare.com

Carpet Buying and Care Guide | 1

Contents Buying Basics Carpet Materials Carpet Style Carpet Installation Carpet Care

Table of Contents

2

5

3

6

4B U Y I N G B A S I C S

Padding ................................................................. 2

Weight .................................................................. 2

Square Footage ................................................ 2

C A R P E T I N S T A L L A T I O N

C A R P E T M A T E R I A L

Wool....................................................................... 3

Nylon ..................................................................... 3

Polypropylene .................................................. 3

Polyester ............................................................. 3

C A R P E T C A R E

Vaccuum .............................................................. 6

Protect .................................................................. 6

Clean ...................................................................... 6

C A R P E T S T Y L E

Cut Pile ................................................................. 4

Loop Pile .............................................................. 4

Cut-Loop Pile .................................................... 4

With all of the types, colors, and styles to choose from, carpet buying can be a bit overwhelming. If you’re planning on replacing or adding carpet to your home, this is a great place to start. Check

out the following tips and tricks for buying and caring for your new carpet.

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Buying Basics

If you’ve never purchased carpet before, there are a few basics you’ll need to be familiar with. Carpet buying isn’t rocket science, but there is some terminology that you’ll need to understand to be successful in your endeavor. Here’s what you need to know before stepping into a showroom.

P A D D I N GChoosing the right padding can make all the difference in the life of your carpet. Carpet padding adds an extra layer to your flooring and helps to reduce the wear on the carpet itself. When you walk across carpet, most of the cushion actually comes from the padding. Padding is made using a variety of materials and is available in a range of thicknesses. Your carpet will only be as good as its padding, so don’t be stingy when it comes to this part of the process!

W E I G H TCarpet weight refers to the amount of fiber used the carpet pile. Weight can be a helpful tool when comparing similar carpet samples. Keep in mind that a higher weight doesn’t automatically equate to a higher quality carpet. There are other carpet qualities to keep in mind like twist and density that can impact the overall performance of your carpet. Approaching carpet buying with a thorough understanding of its basic qualities can help you make a well informed decision.

S Q U A R E F O O T A G EYou won't need to find the exact square footage of your room, but it is helpful to have a rough estimate when you begin shopping. To find the square footage of your room (or rooms), simply multiply the length of the room by the width. The amount of flooring you'll need will also be influenced by the shape of the room and the pattern of the carpet, so don't worry about being precise.

If you’re interested in

calculating carpet density,

follow this simple formula.

Multiply the carpet face

weight by 36, then divide by

the pile height. this will tell

you the density of the carpet

in ounces per cubic yard.

P RO T I P

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Carpet Materials

There are a number of different carpet materials on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s the lowdown on some of the most common fibers. There’s sure to be one that suits your needs!

W O O LThe crème de la crème of carpet materials, wool is extremely soft and luxurious. This natural fiber comes with a premium price tag, but its long lifespan and high-end feel make it worth the investment.

N Y L O N An incredibly durable option, nylon works well for homeowners with children or pets. It’s also ideal for heavy traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and stairs.

P O LY P R O P Y L E N EWhile this material can be prone to soiling, it is fairly soft and is used to mimic the texture of wool. It is most effective in a loop style.

P O LY E S T E RThis durable synthetic fiber is fade resistant, so it’s perfect for rooms with direct sun exposure. It’s also a good match for those seeking a hypo-allergenic option.

If you’re working on a budget, consider a

wool-synthetic carpet blend. You’ll get the

indulgent feel without breaking the bank.

P RO T I P

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Carpet Style

C U T P I L E All carpet is made with a “pile” of fibers. The cut pile style of carpet features fibers with cut ends. This tends to be very soft; however, it is more susceptible to wear and tear than other carpet styles.

L O O P P I L EAlso known as the “uncut” pile or “Berber” pile, loop pile carpet is made with all looped fibers. This style of carpet is usually more durable and tends to be easier to clean.

C U T - L O O P P I L EAs you might suspect, a cut-loop pile has fibers with both cut and looped ends. Sometimes, this effect is used to achieve a pattern in the carpet. Overall, the varying heights help to conceal wear and tear.

P RO T I P

There are several types of cut pile carpet, including velvet, saxony, frieze, shag, and cable. Consult your

flooring professional to find out how each of the various textures can work for you.

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Professional carpet installation can make a world of difference in your carpet buying experience. Our carpet installation services include a free in-home estimate, one-on-one consultation, and next-day installation options. Keep in mind that services vary from one installer to another, but generally, you can expect the following:

• Square footage calculation

• Old flooring removal

• Furniture handling

Carpet Installation

Make sure that you have a thorough

understanding of your carpet supplier’s quote,

as some of these installation services may be

complimentary while others are done for a fee.

P RO T I P

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The work doesn’t end once you’ve had your new carpet installed. Proper maintenance will help extend the beauty, condition, and life of your flooring. Here are a few simple ways you can care for your new carpet.

V A C U U MVacuuming on a regular basis can help to extend the life of your carpet. Removing dirt, debris, and dander from the surface of your carpet can help prevent it from settling deeper into the fibers or even the padding. Vacuuming can also help prevent odorous materials like pet hair from leaving their scent on the carpet.

P R O T E C TMake use of area rugs or barrier mats in high traffic areas of your carpeted room. Doing so will help prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the fibers and reduce the risk of mud-induced stains. If you can, try rotating your furniture throughout the year to alternate the main walkways in your carpeted rooms.

C L E A NTo keep your carpet looking fresh and new, treat spots and spills immediately. In most cases, it’s best to first soak up the stain with a dry towel. Blot the affected area until most—or all—of the moisture is removed. Then, use a gentle cleaning agent like club soda or dish soap to work out the rest of the spot. Make sure to let the area dry completely so that your padding doesn’t become musty.

Carpet Care

Most carpet comes with

a one-year warranty.

If you have your carpet

professionally cleaned

within the first year,

however, you can lose that

warranty! Talk to your

local carpet supplier to

find out the specifics of

your warranty.

P RO T I P

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For comprehensive carpet services in the Des Moines area, contact the professionals at Springer

Floor Care. Our team of experts can help you find the perfect carpet for your room, install the

new flooring for you, and even work with you to establish a regular carpet cleaning routine.

For superior quality and craftsmanship, Trust Springer!

www.springerfloorcare.com Contact Us (515) 262-9229 1320 NE 60th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50313