1. Why is Wool so good?
2. What's the difference between a Plush, Twist, and Loop Pile?
3. Wool carpet and allergy sufferers?
4. Wool carpet, the indoor air ventilator?
5. What are the different carpet grading schemes?
6. What else should I consider when purchasing a wool carpet?
7. What underlay should I choose?
8. Who installs the carpet?
9. How is the carpet laid?

1. Why is Wool so good?

Wool recovers well from crushing because it has a natural permanent crimp, providing superior, natural texture and great resilience especially under furniture and in living areas.

Wool resists soiling and is easy to clean because it has a natural scaly outer surface which keeps dirt high in the pile of the carpet. Vacuuming is so much easier.

Wool wears well because its natural scaly outer surface provides flexibility
- a wonderful resistance to damage from furniture and heavy traffic.

Wool is easy to clean because it has a natural protective membrane which means most spills initially sit on top of the carpet.

Wool is comfortable to live with because it doesn't suffer from static electricity buildup, and can naturally absorb moisture in humid conditions and release moisture as the air dries out.

Wool is safe because it is naturally flame retardant and won't melt.

Wool is environmentally friendly because it is a renewable resource and biodegradable.

Wool is cosy and inviting because of its natural textural quality and ability to keep you wonderfully warm in winter and cool in summer.

2. What's the difference between a Plush, Twist, and Loop Pile?

Plush - Plush pile is achieved by cutting the tops of the loops so they stand upright and form an even surface. The yarn has been twisted lightly to give the effect of a lush velvet effect.

Twist - Twist pile is similar to the Plush pile except the yarn has been heavily twisted to withstand more wear and tear of everyday lifestyles. The twist pile carpets are especially more suitable for high traffic areas in the house, including stairs.

Loop - Loop pile is where the carpet pile is looped. This texture wears well and doesn't show up footprints. Level loop has loops of uniform length. Platters can be achieved by mixing the height and weight of each loop.

3. Wool carpet and allergy sufferers?

There is no reason why asthmatic or allergy sensitive people should not enjoy the comfort and good looks of a fully carpeted home. Wool is non-allergenic and does not promote the growth of dust mites or bacteria. Wool fibres are too long and too coarse to be inhaled and therefore do not affect asthma sufferers.

It is airborne particles, which affect allergy sufferers. As you walk over hard floors, dust is immediately disturbed, however a wall-to-wall carpet holds dust in its structure, preventing the whirling up of particles that irritate hay fever and asthma sufferers. Regular vacuuming will remove dust in carpet before it has a chance to build up.

4. Wool carpet, the indoor air ventilator?

Regularly cleaned wool carpets actually have a beneficial affect on people's health. Wool fibres actually purify indoor air by absorbing air pollutants and gases.

Many indoor building materials emit small amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Carpets actually emit fewer VOCs than paint, vinyl, polished and lacquered wooden floors, floor wax, wall coverings and nearly all other common building materials.

Not only that, wool fibres can actually absorb nitrous gases and therefore help to purify the indoor air quality.

Wool can also absorb up to a third of its weight in moisture. So, in humid weather, wool carpets absorb moisture, and release it again during dry conditions. Wool carpet naturally acts as an atmospheric buffer in exactly the same way as an evaporative air-conditioner!

5. What are the different carpet grading schemes?

Carpet grading schemes are an easy way of determining carpet performance. The carpet undergoes over 20 independent technical tests which include durability, colourfastness and appearance retention. The results indicate how the carpet will wear on your floor, given the correct installation and maintenance.

Medium Duty - Suitable for the lounge and living room of a small family, and not for areas subject to heavy traffic flow. This carpet may also be used for bedrooms, which double as playrooms or studies.
Heavy Duty - For general-purpose lounge and living rooms for two or three- child families. Use Heavy Duty in most hallways or lounge and living rooms- anywhere there is a heavy flow of household traffic.
Extra Heavy Duty - For all heavy traffic flow areas of the home including busy living areas and hallways. It is suitable for use in some commercial offices and shops.

6. What else should I consider when purchasing a wool carpet?

Tracking - Tracking is the effect of imprints on your carpet left by feet. It is more common on cut pile than loop pile surfaces but it is temporary and will disappear after vacuuming.
Shading - Shading is the development of irregular light and dark areas on a carpet. The effect is similar to that caused by footmarks, but it is permanent. If you are considering a cut pile carpet, keep in mind that, whatever the fibre, all are subject to the possibility of shading. The effect is more apparent in plain, dark colours. Shading is an appearance characteristic and it doesn't affect the carpet's durability. It isn't considered a defect of manufacturing.
Flattening - Most carpet styles and textures can show some effect from pile flattening or a change in pile lay due to frequent walking or other forms of traffic. This change of pile lay is often more noticeable in plain, cut pile carpets due to the difference in the visual appearance of the side and top of the tuft. Vacuuming and pile lifting will revive the pile temporarily, as will wet or dry methods of cleaning. After a period, however, the effect will again be evident.

7. What underlay should I choose?

Kruger Carpets only supply the recognised Bridgestone Rubber Underlay. Rubber waffle underlay, made of natural sponge rubber, is the form installed most widely in Australian homes. Rubber waffle underlay offers strength and durability and will provide excellent resilience. Rubber provides firm support for the carpet and long-lasting performance. It's 'waffle' or cellular construction allows air to circulate, minimizing dampness and condensation under the carpet.

Note: If you intend carpeting the whole house in the same carpet, establish your most demanding wear situation and select a carpet that will stand up to that traffic. If you are just carpeting the living and dining rooms, or bedrooms perhaps, you can consider carpets suitable for these locations, depending once again on the amount of traffic.

8. Who installs the carpet?

We at Kruger Carpets have a list of qualified carpet layers, which we recommend to lay your carpet. Using our installers also means you are on safe ground dealing with our company.

9. How is the carpet laid?

The usual and best method for most situations is tackless installation, or smooth edge. The carpet is held in place by angled spikes facing up from the strip of wood. This piece of wood is nailed, screwed or glued to the floor, parallel to the wall. The underlay is butted up to the wood strip and stapled or fixed to the floor with adhesive. Normally there wont be any problems with the fitting and laying of your new carpet. But if there is something you're not happy about, ask one of the friendly Kruger Carpets salespeople for an opinion.