How Does Carpet Protect Floors?

The Carpet

A carpet is a walk-on covering placed over floors. Carpet is usually a durable woven fabric such as wool or acrylic. Carpet protects floors by providing a barrier against weather, temperature, spills or wear. It protects wood floors by acting as an insulation barrier keeping heat and cold from transferring quickly. It absorbs liquid that can damage floors and make walking hazardous. Carpet traps dirt that is blown onto the floor or carried by foot traffic. It provides a cushion to spread weight impact, minimizing dent and chip damage to the floor.

Uses

Carpet is replaceable and protects the floor from traffic damage. It may be fixed carpeting such as wall-to-wall that covers the floors through an entire house. In some homes, hardwood or other flooring is not carpeted for maintenance reasons. Floors that are frequently used such as entryways and kitchens may be without carpet as mud and other wet debris is easier to clean from smooth flooring than carpet. Kitchen and laundry areas are easier to clean without carpet. When whole house carpeting is not practical, area carpeting gives cushioned flooring in living areas such as dining rooms and bedrooms.

Due to its ability to provide stable footing to bare feet, carpeting is becoming common in bathrooms. Carpet runners are long narrow carpets that can be placed on bare floors or main carpet areas to provide protection against high traffic wear on hardwood floors. Carpet runners also help prevent falls on slick floors. They are easily replaced when worn and may have non-slid backing.

Benefits

Carpets are easier to replace than hardwood or tile floors. They absorb the majority of wear that would permanently damage the basic flooring. When worn, they are removed and replaced often the same day. By insulating against sound and energy loss, carpets provide a high comfort factor for people. Carpeting absorbs noise as the sound waves are partly absorbed by the soft surface and are not transmitted clearly to adjoining rooms. New carpets have non-allergenic materials and trap pollen. When dust settles onto the carpet pile, it is held in the fibers for collection by vacuum. The cushion effect of carpet, particularly when installed over a pad, eases walking impact on feet and body joints. This is especially important for older people and toddlers who may have coordination problems. Falls are less injurious because of the carpet padding effect.

Design Features

Carpeting may be smooth, shaggy or sculpted. It offers color and texture opportunities for interior decor. Properly chosen, it hides stains and wear of a growing family. Runners or area rugs are often used seasonally for entertainment such as game carpets in child rooms or sport carpets in family rooms. Outdoor carpet gives the illusion of extended living area on a patio or deck. It visually connects the indoor and outdoor spaces. Carpet may be colored or trimmed for a room accent or used as a wall hanging. Carpet adds dimension and functionality to room design.

Resources

• Carpet and Rug Institute