The EssentialsA Buyer’s Guide to Carpet

to an earth friendly environmentwith wool carpet that is rich andvaried in visual textures andsubtle tone on tone patterns.

Since 1865, Godfrey Hirst has built areputation for quality and has evolved intoAustralia’s largest carpet manufacturer. It is acompany with a proud history of combininginnovation with tradition and skill in crafting itsfine wool products.The longevity and success of the companycan be attributed to its willingness to embracechange without compromising its standards ofquality and service. Our customers can rely on

our high standards. Godfrey Hirst has alwaysbeen at the forefront of the Australian carpetindustry and we continue to lead the waythrough successful strategies of verticalintegration.

The company is firmly focused on the future,investing in research and technology tomaintain its reputation for quality andinnovation, and to ensure that the GodfreyHirst name remains the standard by whichothers are measured. And as one of thelargest manufacturers of wool carpet in theworld, Godfrey Hirst can provide anexceptional selection of value priced carpets.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PATH

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Never underestimate the power of the floor - ithelps set the tone for the character of yourentire home. Godfrey Hirst has beenproviding beautiful, long-lasting wool for over150 years and will for years to come. GodfreyHirst, the brand you know and trust, offersmany solutions to your design needs. So,how do you choose?

We have developed this easy to use guide tohelp you better understand things you shouldconsider before purchasing your carpet.

Rest assured, no matter what type of carpetyou are considering, Godfrey Hirst brings youthe best designs, technology, quality andenvironmentally friendly carpet.

Which carpet is right for you?

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Luxurious and soft to the touch, with the integrity of outstandingenvironmental credentials, beauty, performance maintenance andhealth benefits -

With sheep grazing freely ongrass. wool grows continuously before being shorn every 9 - 12months and returned to their pastures to grow more wool.

In soil, wool readily biodegrates to produceessential plant nutrients such as potassium, nitrogen andphosphorous. Even in a landfill, wool pile will decompose leaving noharmful residues. Wool is composed entirely of amino acids, thebuilding blocks of life and at the end of its useful life, pile from woolcarpet can be returned to the ground, releasing nutrients as itdecomposes, promoting further grass growth.

Wool is produced from totally renewableand natural resources - water, sun and grass and requiring far lessenergy to produce than synthetic fibers. Wool carpet reduces heatingand cooling energy requirements by preventing heat loss and heatrise through floors.

Chemical stainresistance treatments are not necessary. Wool’s unique fiberstructure of overlapping, had, microscopic scales ( much like roofshingles), make it durable and hard wearing, while inhibiting dirtadhering to the fiber and giving significantly better soil release thanother fibers.

Wool does not attract lint so vacuum cleaning is easierand in wet cleaning fibers swell and release dirt particles.

wool is the only authentic naturally sustainablefiber that synthetics strive to emulate.

Wool is the ultimate renewable fiber.

Wool is biodegradable.

Wool is energy efficient.

Wool has innate stain and soil resistance.

Wool is the most forgiving and easiest fiber to clean andmaintain.

WOOL

A carpet’s appearance, texture and longevity aredetermined by its fibers. The pile can be natural,synthetic, or a blend of several fibers.Understand the properties of common carpet fibers

(wool, nylon, polyester, olefin, triexta and acrylic) andconsider them carefully when deciding what kind ofcarpet to buy to guarantee you make the right decisionsfor your home.

Green Tip:Get back to basics. Think howpeople lived generations ago,with natural materials, such as

wool products that lasteda lifetime.

Which carpet is right for you?

Carpet’s Appearance

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Wool is naturally safe.

Wool naturally improves indoor air quality.

Wool carpets provide all year comfort.

Wool carpets are naturally crush resistant.

Wool carpet is hypo-allergenic.

Wool carpet is affordable.

Wool is renowned for its outstanding flameresistance due to high moisture and protein content, difficult to ignite,with low flame spread and heat release properties. Wool does notmelt or drip and has excellent self-extinguishing properties.

Wool stabilizesrelative humidity by absorbing or releasing moisture during periodsof high or low atmospheric humidity. If maintained, it absorbs andneutralizes airborne particles and fumes such as formaldehyde,sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxides.

Wool provides underfootcomfort since is resistant to static build up and slips while providingexcellent sound absorption and heat insulating properties.

The wool fiber isnaturally curly which causes it to bounce back into shape whencrushed.

Wool does not promote thegrowth of dust mites or bacteria or give off harmful emissions.

Godfrey Hirst is one of the largestmanufacturers of wool carpet in the world, so it can provide anexceptional selection of value priced carpets.

Synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester and olefin aremanufactured from man-made petrochemicals. Theseproducts can take centuries to decompose and recyclingoften consumes more energy than original extrusion. Withlimited stain resistance, chemical stain resistancetreatments are necessary. This requires more energy tomanufacture. Stain and anti-static treatments are usuallynecessary for normal residential or commercial uses.

Nylon is generally the most durable (and expensive) of thesynthetic fibers, while lower cost fibers such as olefin lack

comfort, performance, appearance and flammabilitycontrol.

Triexta is a relatively new synthetic fiber made from

from renewable resources, while divertingresources from the food chain. Though stain resistancechemicals are not required, production of the fiber stillrequires far more energy than wool.

cornsugar, however only 37% of the fiber is actuallyderived

Which carpet is right for you?

Synthetic Fibers & Triexta

WOOL

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Making a commitment to the environment means more than simply recycling carpet.

Wool is the real definition of what “green” really means - to you and to us.

We hear various messages regarding “green” products. Many of the efforts appear to be good, but many have messages that are misleading and rarely addressed.Recycling of carpet is a good example. It takes millions of kilowatts to recycle carpet back to carpet or from plastic bottles into floor coverings. That, combined with thecost to collect and sort post consumer carpet, adds a component of hidden costs that are hardly ever disclosed. Even the corn fiber utilizes a high percentage ofsynthetic materials in the fiber.

The difference between natural and synthetic materials is vast. Synthetic fibers are made-made from plastic, and most plastic comes from oil. And plastic material isnot biodegradable and will remain in the landfills for many, many, years to come.

Making a commitment to the environment means more than simply recycling carpet. It involves finding the most effective and least wasteful methods from the start,including its choice of fiber.

Carpet from Godfrey Hirst is made from wool, which is renewable, sustainable and biodegradable. This is all part of an eco-system that works in harmony with naturewhile caring for our planet’s resources for future generations.

Noted for its luxurious feel and exceptional wear, wool makes an excellent environmental choice. New Zealand farmers follow strict animal welfare and landmanagement techniques that help contribute to its being the cleanest and whitest wool in the world.

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Making a commitment to the environment means more than simply recycling carpet.

Wool is the real definition of what “green” really means - to you and to us.

We hear various messages regarding “green” products. Many of the efforts appear to be good, but many have messages that are misleading and rarely addressed.Recycling of carpet is a good example. It takes millions of kilowatts to recycle carpet back to carpet or from plastic bottles into floor coverings. That, combined with thecost to collect and sort post consumer carpet, adds a component of hidden costs that are hardly ever disclosed. Even the corn fiber utilizes a high percentage ofsynthetic materials in the fiber.

The difference between natural and synthetic materials is vast. Synthetic fibers are made-made from plastic, and most plastic comes from oil. And plastic material isnot biodegradable and will remain in the landfills for many, many, years to come.

Making a commitment to the environment means more than simply recycling carpet. It involves finding the most effective and least wasteful methods from the start,including its choice of fiber.

Carpet from Godfrey Hirst is made from wool, which is renewable, sustainable and biodegradable. This is all part of an eco-system that works in harmony with naturewhile caring for our planet’s resources for future generations.

Noted for its luxurious feel and exceptional wear, wool makes an excellent environmental choice. New Zealand farmers follow strict animal welfare and landmanagement techniques that help contribute to its being the cleanest and whitest wool in the world.

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Some of the most important things to consider whenchoosing carpet are:

Our wide array of carpets haveinspiring looks from natural ranges to graphic designs.

We have a vast selection to choosefrom for every room in your home.

Different types of construction work well for avariety of traffic issues.

Answering these questions cannot only help you in your colordecisions, but also in the type of carpet construction you use. Darkercolored carpets or multi-colored or patterned carpets (compared tosolid colored lighter carpets) are especially effective in hiding soil.Performance of the carpet is related to the amount and quality of fiberin the pile. The better the fiber and denser it is packed, the better thecarpet’s performance. You should seek to buy the highest qualitycarpet that you can afford.

Color appearance can vary depending upon the type of light underwhich a sample is viewed and the light sources where the carpet isinstalled. You should seek to view the sample at your residence andunder as many different light conditions as possible prior to makingyour final decision.

What “look” do you want?

The room it will be in.

The amount of foot traffic to which the carpet will beexposed.

Do you have an active household? Children and petsshould be considered when deciding on the appropriatecarpet.

Flooring Considerations

Green Tip:Define your green. “Green” isdifferent for different people.

Some want natural “ingredients”,others, floors that last a very

long time or keep a homeallergy free.

Wool carpet is all of these.

Carpet Manufacturing Techniques

Carpet manufacturing today

Woven carpets

is a mix of 21st century innovation andold world craftmanship. Carpet is manufactured in two ways: tuftedor woven. Most carpets are tufted- consisting of rows of machinesewn yarns held together by adhesive and a backing. The tuftingprocess is similar to using a large sewing machine about 13 feet widewith hundreds of needles sewing the yarn into a backing. Tuftedcarpets make up 90% of all manufactured carpet.

are made on a loom and are known for their longerlife span (often over 30 years). These types of carpets are popularfor areas where longevity and design flexibility are a big part of thedesign process, especially in the hospitality industry. Manyhomeowners use woven wiltons and axminsters as designstatements.

Extensive studies have established that properly installed andmaintained carpet is safe and non toxic to humans and domesticanimals. However, there are isolated incidents of individualswho are hypersensitive to certain items including furnishings andcleaning materials. If you have experienced thishypersensitivity, consult an environmental medical specialist forguidance in selecting appropriate products.

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Types of Carpet Construction

CARPETS

Loop Pile

Loop and Cut Pile

have three basic constructions:

Cut Pile - achieved by shearing across thetops of the loops

- where the carpet pile is a loopformed as the yarn is threaded through abacking then sewn back through.

- a combination of bothcut and loop tufts.

Flooring Considerations

Level Loop: Often called Berber, carpetwith loops of equal height. It hides footprintsand vacuum marks. It is very durable andgreat for informal, high-traffic areas.

Multi Loop:

Sisal:

Yarns of varying heights, oftencreate patterns that help conceal dirt. Multi-loop is not as lush as cut pile, but longer loopsmake it softer than level loop.

A loop pile carpet made with texturedloops in straight rows. Popular due to itsclassical appearance and adaptability toalmost any interior design.

LOOP PILE

Cut and Loop Pile: Tufts of different heightgive a textured and patterned appearance, orlevel, providing a stylish finish with a smooth,soft feel. Because of its unique construction,a range of distinctive patterns can becombined with colors that appeal toindividual tastes.

Saxony: Sometimes called plush or velvet,a saxony has short strands of yarn that arecut evenly and twisted together for a soft,smooth, formal look. These carpets have atendency to display temporary shading fromfootprints or vacuuming. This is regarded asa characteristic of the style, and has nodetrimental impact on the carpet’sperformance.

Frieze: Short, durable, extra twisted yarn inthe frieze style often has flecks of color,giving it a casual look that’s highly versatile.Longer, more irregular friezes are calledshags. Quality of friezes have improved withbetter yarns and more varied constructionssuch as mixing thick and thin as well as longand short yarns. Extremely durable, it alsoprovides a sensual and luxurious feel.

CUT AND LOOP PILE

CUT PILE

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Insist on trained professional installers to install your carpet.Generally, your carpet dealer will have installers on staff orrecommend an independent installer. All carpet should belaid in accordance with the guidelines outlined by the Carpet& Rug Institute Installation Standard CR-105, along withspecific manufacturers recommendations where applicable.

Have a clear understanding of theservices provided by the installer and what you must handle,ie., who moves furniture? Godfrey Hirst recommends thatthe carpet be allowed to condition overnight, preferablyunrolled, in a temperature of not less than 65 degrees toallow the backing to be more pliable and easier to install.

Seams may be required during carpet installation.If possible seams should run perpendicular to windows tominimize light reflecting off the seam. There are no invisibleseams, and seams my be slightly more apparent with a looppile carpet rather than a cut pile.

Thicker carpet may prevent doors fromswinging free and clear, requiring trimming of the doors.

On stairways, the pile should sweep down. A littlehidden extra carpet should be folded back at the top andbottom of the stairs so, as the edges of the tread are worndown, the carpet can be moved to hide a wear point.Purchasing extra carpet to redo stairs is recommended.

You may notice shedding (caused bysome of the outside of the fibers of yarn bundles becomingdetached during early carpet wear stages) or sprouting(single tufts extending beyond the carpet surface). Frequentvacuuming in the first week, followed by regular vacuumingwill remove most loose fibers during the first year and anysprouts should be trimmed (do not pull them out). Shouldany tufts be missing or damaged, they can easily bereplaced by hand or by retufting, and be readily fixed on siteby a skilled installer. It is recommended a small piece ofspare carpet be retained to provide a source of additionaltufting yarn. There may be a “new carpet smell”, most ofwhich will generally dissipate within 24 hours.

Before Installation:

Seams:

During Installation:

Stairs:

After Installation:

Making Sense of Carpet Pad

All carpet need a pad (or cushion) underneath,and although you can’t see it, the pad is almostas important as the carpet itself. The right padcan add sole-soothing comfort to the carpet,and helps insulate the floor so your room feelswarmer and quieter. Generally, quality pad willextend the useful life of your carpet. The padalso allows air to circulate between the carpetand the floor, so your carpet can breathe betterand your vacuum will suction up dirt.

The composition of pads can range frompolyurethane foam and recycled bonded foamto natural materials, including wool. Carpetcushion and carpet are designed to worktogether as a complete flooring system. Askyour carpet dealer to match a quality pad withthe quality and proposed use of your carpet.

For residential uses, cushion thickness of notless than 1/4” not exceeding 1/2” with a 6 lb.per cubic foot of density for optimumperformance (or for berbers 3/8” and 8 lb.density). Firmer, thinner pads generallyperform better.

FAILURE TO HAVE YOUR CARPET INSTALLEDON APPROPRIATE PAD USING THE ABOVEGUIDELINES CAN VOID YOUR WARRANTIES.

Installation Considerations

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Performance Considerations

The Godfrey Hirst Difference

Design Excellence:

Performance Excellence:

Environmental Excellence:

Excellent Value:

The combination of design, performance, environmental sustainability and excellent value arethe reasons for the Godfrey Hirst Difference.

** Please refer to the Godfrey Hirst Cleaning Guide and Warranty Information Brochure

No matter what style of home, from classic to modern, there’s a Godfrey Hirst woolcarpet to suit your decor. For diverse styles and luxurious comfort in fine wool carpets, Godfrey Hirst isthe natural choice.

With a long standing tradition for quality and performance, Godfrey Hirstcarpets are produced from premium wools. As further testament to its reputation, every Godfrey Hirstcarpet comes with either a 7 or 10 Year Wear Guarantee.**

Sun, water. grass. Nature’s most elemental ingredients blend togetherwith sheep to provide the most sustainable carpet fiber - wool.

As one of the largest manufacturers of wool carpet in the world, Godfrey Hirst is able toprovide a vast selection of exceptional value priced carpets.

Warranties and Guarantees Carpet Care

You can establish specific guarantees applicable to aparticle carpet by checking the labels on the back ofcarpet samples, or by asking the retailer.

All our guarantees are subject to the generalconditions written on pages 10 and 11 of our

All the Godfrey Hirst guarantees are located on ourwebsite at:

Today’s wool carpet offer easy maintenance to keepthe carpet good looking over time. With regular care,you can add years to the life of carpet. Regularvacuuming, steam cleaning and spot cleaning allcontribute to prolonging its life and enhancing itsappearance.

More in depth information regarding the care andmaintenance of wool carpet can be found in our

on pages 4, 5and 6.

This information can also be found on our website at:

CarpetMaintenance and Guarantees.**

www.godfreyhirstusa.comwww.godfreyhirstcanada.com

Carpet Maintenance and Guarantees

www.godfreyhirstusa.comwww.godfreyhirstcanada.com

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1000 Holcomb Woods ParkwaySuite 118 B

Roswell, GA 30076678-461-7545800-480-7134

www.godfreyhirstusa.comwww.godfreyhirstcanada.com