Side Match from Hue Differences
The manufacturer originally reported that the carpet was from one roll and dye lot. Latter they changed their minds.
THE CLAIM STATISTICS
PROBLEM REPORTED: Side Match
DIAGRAM MADE?: Yes
SAMPLES FROM INSPECTION: Carpet
PERSONS PRESENT: Inspector & Claimant
THE CARPET
FIBER/ ID METHOD: Nylon-Chemical
COLOR: Blue
CONSTRUCTION: Tufted Looped
STYLE: Level Loop
SQUARE YARDAGE: 380
BACK SYSTEM: Unibond
PRIMARY BACKING: Polypropylene
SECONDARY BACKING: None
THE INSTALLATION
TYPE OF SITE: Commercial
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Manufacturer
DATE INSTALLED: 12/13/95
METHOD: Direct Glue Down
SUBFLOOR: Concrete
AREA INSTALLED: Twelve Offices, Hallways, Conference Room, Reception Area, And Other Associated Areas.
USE & MAINTENANCE INFORMATION AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION
LITERATURE RECEIVED WITH PURCHASE: Not Determine
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 115
TEMPERATURE: 68°F - 20.0° C
RELATIVE HUMIDITY: 51%
VACUUM TYPE: Upright
FREQUENCY: Daily
ENTRY MATS: Yes
CONDITION of THE CARPET: Very Good
SOIL: Heavily Soiled
HEATING TYPE: Central Force Air Gas
COOLING TYPE: Central - Electric
CLEANING: New Carpet
INSTRUCTION FOR THIS INSPECTION
Determine if this problem is installation or manufacturer related
THE REPORT
Geographical Background Information
The geographical area is a small elevated valley, called the SANTA CLARITA VALLEY and is 32 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles and 28 miles due north of the Pacific Ocean. This single story commercial building was built sometime in the 80’s and is in an industrial business area and was undergoing remodeling at the time of the inspection. The claimant recently acquired this property in addition to their main headquarters.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION MADE TO THE INSPECTOR
The claimant reported that color variances were present and noted this during the installation. It was unknown whether more than one roll or dye lot was used. The problem was reportedly most noticeable at the seams. It was also believed that the hue was different from one panel to the next. There were no other irregularities noticed. Reportedly the dealer said that the carpet is a high end commercial grade. There was a strong desire that the problem needed to be addressed to their satisfaction. Other resolutions would not be easily resolved.
DETAIL PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION BY THE INSPECTOR
The problems are more noticeable in the trafficked areas and primarily at the seams. One side of some seams was darker than the other side as seen in all photographs number. The seam dividing the hallway from the conference room is white on one side as seen in photograph number one. Variances in hue from one carpet panel to the next were not obvious. The seams are not peaked. The appearance of the seam does not change when viewed in different directions or with different light. There is no appearance difference in pile height. There is also no apparent difference with the yarn in depth of dye, size, bulk, or density.
FIELD TESTING
A comparison on shade differences was made using a gray scale from the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. The result of the tests revealed a 2-3 shade difference in some areas and 2 in other areas. The two areas improved to a 3 shade difference after the areas were cleaned.
A pile direction test was done using a plain piece of paper and an ordinary pencil. The results of this test revealed that the carpet ran the length of the building in all sections.
A general spotting agent by Groom Industries called Perky SpotterŪ was applied to the affected area. The product was applied to a towel and the towel was blotted on to the affected area. The results of this test revealed that the white lines disappeared going into the conference room; other hue differences diminished substantially when this test was run.
THE ISSUE OF THIS REPORT
The question that I have been asked to address is: what has caused the carpet to have a shade difference?
CONDITIONS THAT CAN CAUSE THE PROBLEM
Sidematch Problems Can Occur When:
1. there is a difference in pile direction
2. there is a difference in pile height
3. there is a difference in texture
4. soil and other foreign materials contaminate one side of the carpet
5. there is a difference in hue.
INDUSTRY STANDARDS, PRACTICES & DEFINITIONS
Standards for shade differences are made by the American Textile Chemist and Colorist. Side-Match is also covered in the CRI CLAIMS MANUAL.
THE INSPECTOR'S ANALYSIS
1. Testing rules out the possibility of pile direction being the problem with this carpet.
2. Pile height would aggravate with light. In this case, light was not a factor, therefore pile height is not considered to be a problem.
3. Texture differences would show in photographs; in this case they did not.
4. Soil contamination on one side of the seam is the best candidate of this sidematch problem. As noted, one side of the seam was more soiled than the other and the problem appeared to be eliminated with a towel and a little deter-gent. The white line under the conference room door could possibly be related to sheet-rock dust that was filtered across the carpet when the door was shut.
5. A hue difference looked liked the possible cause until the detergent test was run. Afterwards there was no apparent hue difference until the pictures were developed.
CONCLUSION
Side match in the carpet in question was due to hue differences inherent in manufacturing.