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Stain Resistance Can be FixedThe manufacturer commissioned this report and then agree to have an independent cleaning firm to apply a product from STEAMWAY INTERNATIONAL to fix the problem.THE CARPET FIBER/ ID METHOD: Nylon-Chemical FIBER HUE: Off White CONSTRUCTION: Tufted Cut Pile YARN STYLE: Saxony SQUARE YARDAGE: 174 BACK SYSTEM: Conventional Tuft PRIMARY BACKING: Polypropylene SECONDARY BACKING: Action Back THE INSTALLATION METHOD: Stretch-In CUSHION: 1/2 Inch Rebond SUBFLOOR: Concrete on the First Level, Ply-wood on the Second Level. AREA INSTALLED: Living-Room, Den, Stairs, Loft, Hallway, & 3 Bedrooms. USE & MAINTENANCE INFORMATION AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION LITERATURE RECEIVED WITH PURCHASE: See Report TEMPERATURE: 76.8°F - 24.8° C RH 59% ADULTS: 2 - CHILDREN: 0 - PET(S): 0 SPOTTING AGENTS: Just Water VACUUM/FREQUENCY: Upright Weekly ENTRY-MATS? Yes SOIL: See Report HEATING TYPE: Central Force Air Gas COOLING TYPE: Central - Electric CLEANING: Never Been Cleaned REASON FOR COMMISSION To determine the effectiveness of the stain resistance in the carpet in question. THE REPORT Site Conditions and Geographical Information The carpet was installed in the claimant’s free standing two story house located in a developing residential neighborhood in a hilly area of the Santa Clarita Valley. The house was well maintained and was owner occupied at the time of the inspection. BACKGROUND INFORMATION MADE TO THE INSPECTOR The carpet was selected when the claimant was purchasing and moving into this house. There were no problems noticed with the carpet during installation. On August 9, 1997 a down stairs toilet flooded a portion of the carpet that led into the garage. In the last part of August a two week problem with the air conditioner leaking onto the upstairs carpet was resolved. Neither the down or up stairs problem was addressed by professional water damage company. Afterwards some discoloring was noted in the areas that got wet. Also, the claimant noted a paint stain and scuff marks from a shoe. DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM AREA BY THIS INSPECTOR Very faint discoloring was noted in the area leading from the down stairs bathroom to the garage as well as in the upstairs bathroom. A small paint stain the in upstairs loft was noted as well as the dark spots reportedly made by the shoe scuffs. No other problems were noted with the carpet. ON-LOCATION FIELD TESTING Numerous moisture tests were performed using a Delmhorst Moisture Sensor. This test would indicate the presence of moisture locked-up in salt compounds from urine and detergents. The results of these tests showed that there was no moisture throughout the installation. A DuPontŪ Stain Resist Test was performed to determine the amount of possible stain resistance on the face yarn. Samples of yarn were taken from a remnant found in the garage that was being used as a door mat. This is the same area that was reportedly affected by the water damage. The results of this test revealed that the yarn was not stain resist, but could be made so. THE QUESTION THE INSPECTOR HAS BEEN ASKED Determine the amount of stain resistance in the carpet in question. GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING THE ISSUE Stain Resistance can be missing when: 1. the carpet has been cleaned with chemicals inappropriate for stain resist carpet. 2. the carpet has been maintained or used in an inappropriate manner 3. stain resistance has not been properly applied during manufacturing INDUSTRY STANDARDS & DEFINITIONS Warranties on Tuftex Carpet as well as nearly all carpets are not covered after water damage occurs. THE INSPECTOR'S ANALYSIS · The moisture test indicated that there was no enduring moisture in the carpet. · The ultra-violet light test indicates that other chemicals such as industrial strength detergents were not present. · The stain resist test indicates that the yarn was not stain resist, but could be made so. Since the test was taken from a remnant and ultraviolet light and moisture testing indicate that inappropriate chemicals have not been used, the lack of stain resistance was likely not in the remnant before the water damage. Although inappropriate cleaning has not taken place and the carpet has not been used in an improper manner, many unknown factors exist in water damage that causes manufacturers to exclude claims after prolonged exposure to unclean water. Stain resistance is not an exception since it is more chemically sensitive than other components of the carpet. Water damaged corrections should be in compliance with the S-500 WATER DAMAGE STANDARDS to assure proper drying and eradication of microorganisms. Moisture testing indicates that no enduring moisture remained in the carpet. On-locations service correcting stain resistance are possible through a program started by DuPont called the MASTERSERIES. Professional cleaners that have been licensed by DuPont can restore stain resistance with DuPont approved products in that program. CONCLUSION Stain resistance in the carpet in question that was missing could be reapplied, but was not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty based upon previous water damage. |