UnCut Loop Report
This report was commissioned by the dealer.
PROBLEM REPORTED: Lines
PROBLEM FOUND: Lengthwise Lines
THE CARPET
FIBER/ ID METHOD: Nylon-Chemical
FIBER HUE: White
CONSTRUCTION: Tufted Cut Pile
YARN STYLE: Cable Yarn
SQUARE YARDAGE: 220
BACK SYSTEM: Conventional Tufted
PRIMARY BACKING: Polypropylene
SECONDARY BACKING: High Density Polypropylene
THE INSTALLATION
LOCATION TYPE: Residential
METHOD: Stretch-In
CUSHION: Rebond
SUBFLOOR: Concrete on the First Level, Plywood on the Second Level.
AREA INSTALLED: Living Room, Ding-Room, Study, Downstairs Bedroom, Stairs, Upstairs 4 Bedrooms, Hallway, And Closets
USE & MAINTENANCE INFORMATION AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION
LITERATURE RECEIVED WITH PURCHASE: None Reported
TEMPERATURE: 69°F - 20.5° C RH 25%
ADULTS: 2 - CHILDREN: 0 - PET(S): 0
DO THEY SMOKE? No
SPOTTING AGENTS: None Yet
VACUUM/FREQUENCY: Upright Weekly
ENTRY-MATS? Yes
SOIL: None Noticed
HEATING TYPE: Central Force Air Electric
COOLING TYPE: Central - Electric
CLEANING: Never Been Cleaned
REASON FOR COMMISSION
The carpet has reportedly developed lines.
THE REPORT
Site Conditions and Geographical Information
The carpet was installed in the claimant's freestanding two-story house, located in a gated community in the Hollywood Hills, near the GETTY MUSEUM. The house was well maintained and was owner occupied at the time of the inspection.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION MADE TO THE INSPECTOR
Lines were noticed immediately after the installation and have not changed in appearance since then. However, a different lighting condition affects the line visibility. No correction attempts had been made at the time of the inspection. The claimant is looking for satisfaction on eliminating the problem.
DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM AREA BY THIS INSPECTOR
Lengthwise lines were immediately noticed throughout the installation running
contiguously in individual straight stitch rows. Intensity varied severely depending upon
where they were viewed. Distance between lines was nearly consistent at seven inches. Upon
close inspection, it was noted that yarns were shorter than the surrounding pile. Some of
these yarns appeared uncut or bent with no resiliency. There were no other variances with
regards to hue, twist, bulk, or texture.
A remnant was also examined and similar lines were noted. There was no corresponding distortion on the backside of the carpet.
ON-LOCATION FIELD TESTING
An inspection lamp was used for closer evaluation and to create shadows. The result revealed that the lines were more apparent when the light was brought down low and less apparent when shone directly overhead.
THE ISSUE
The question that I have been asked to address is what has caused the carpet to develop lines.
GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING THE ISSUE
Lines Can Be Caused From
1. Manufacturer’s defects from
- Oil contamination
- Dye
- Defective yarn
- From size
- Improper twist
- Tension variations on the beam
2. Elongated soil patterns remaining in the carpet following cleaning
3. Lines or ridges of uneven floor finish in rows
4. Installation errors
- Stretching
- Improper bending or fold marks
- When cushion seams separate, such as when there is no duct tape covering the seam
INDUSTRY STANDARDS & DEFINITIONS
According to the FLOORCOVERING DICTIONARY is says this about LOW LINES --
LOW LINES- Yarn is not fed properly to the Tufting Machine causing the yarn to pull tight: or blades and/or hooks are not adjusted properly.
THE INSPECTOR'S ANALYSIS
When there is an easily discernible yarn height difference creating a lengthwise line, tension variations in sheering is the best explanation. From the observations made, these clearly fit the definition of 'low lines'.
CONCLUSION
The lines in the carpet in question are low lines created by texture variations from a manufacturing defect.