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Side Match from Texture DifferencesThis report was done for the carpet mill.THE CARPET COLOR: Multi-Colored, Brown Back-Ground CONSTRUCTION: Tufted Looped STYLE: Level Loop SQUARE YARDAGE: 390 BACK SYSTEM: Conventional Tufted PRIMARY BACKING: Not Accessible SECONDARY BACKING: Not Determined THE INSTALLATION TYPE OF SITE: Commercial TYPE OF BUSINESS: Office Building DATE INSTALLED: 6/8/96 METHOD: Direct Glue Down SUBFLOOR: Concrete AREA INSTALLED: Five Areas On Three Level Of Walkway Entrances In The Garage USE & MAINTENANCE INFORMATION AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION LITERATURE RECEIVED WITH PURCHASE: Not Determined NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES 1500 TEMPERATURE: 74.9°F - 23.8° C RELATIVE HUMIDITY: 57% VACUUM TYPE: Not Applicable FREQUENCY: Not Applicable ENTRY MATS: Yes CONDITION of THE CARPET: Very Good SOIL: None Noticed HEATING TYPE: Not Applicable COOLING TYPE: Not Applicable REASON FOR COMMISSION The carpet’s hue reportedly does not match at the seam. THE REPORT Geographical Background Information The carpet in question is located on three different levels of a subterranean parking garage at the base of a 40 story office building. BACKGROUND INFORMATION MADE TO THE INSPECTOR A difference in hue of the carpet was noticed immediately after the carpet was installed. DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM AREA BY THIS INSPECTOR The problems occur at the seam on all sections of carpet. All seams run the length of the walk way. The problem varied slightly from one carpet to the next depending upon lighting conditions. One side of the carpet appears darker than the other. Viewing the carpet from different directions did not change which side looked darker. Also, there was an apparent difference in the texture of the carpet. FIELD TESTING An inspection lamp was used in these two rooms for closer evaluation and to create shadows. The appearance of a side-match was diminished when the inspection lamp was shone. A Pile Direction Test was done using a plain piece of paper and an ordinary pencil. The pencil is rolled on the paper while it is laying on the carpet. As it is rolled the paper begins to move. This movement confirms the pile direction of the carpet. The results of this test revealed that the the seam runs the same direction. 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? GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING THE ISSUE Sidematch Problems Can Occur When: 1. there is a difference in texture 2. there is a difference in shade. 3. there is a difference in pile direction 4. difference in lighting condition. 5. difference in pile height INDUSTRY STANDARDS, PRACTICES & DEFINITIONS CRI is The Carpet and Rug Institute of Dalton, Georgia. It is a national trade association representing the carpet and rug industry. Their membership makes-up 95% of all the carpet made in the United States. Their publications include standards for residential and commercial installation, areas of responsibility for manufacturers, dealers, and installers, and a manual for making claims with a carpet producer. The CLAIMS POLICY GUIDELINES in section 7 says this about sidematch claims: Claims will not be considered for sidematch on different dye lots. Color may differ slightly from dye lot to dye lot. Because of manufacturing variances, sidematch of pattern carpet cannot be guaranteed: therefore claims cannot be considered. Additional carpet yardage may be required for the installation of patterned carpet. No claims will be considered for slight color or texture variation between merchandise shipped to the dealer and his display samples. (See Chapter 10 of the Specific’s Guide for Contract Carpet Installation and The Carpet Specific’s Handbook, both published by CRI). THE INSPECTOR'S ANALYSIS The light test dispels the probability of being a hue difference. A carpet that had been turned a 180° would change in appearance as it is viewed from difference directions, thus lighting conditions can be ruled out as well. This leaves pile height and texture as being the culprits. Based upon the photograph taken, the problem is texture. CONCLUSION The side match in the carpet in question was created by texture difference inherent in the manufacturing. |