Carpet is thought to have many more appealing benefits than any other floor covering. Its relative use-life can be greatly enhanced by regular maintenance. The average cost of carpet has actually decreased when compared to other consumer goods and floor covering alternatives over the past twenty years. Tufted carpet is manufactured principally in the United States and the carpet industry offers a significant positive contribution to the U.S. balance of trade. The U.S. exports over $750,000,000 in carpet per year and carpet exports are in the state of infancy.
Carpet is more visually appealing. Floorcovering is the single largest area of design in any facility. The psychology of color and softness of touch will create any mood desired. Many psychological studies indicate color can produce a calming effect or hyperactivity or attentiveness, depending on the color selected and the desired response. Carpet has what many people refer to as "built-in attractiveness". Educators enjoy the feeling underfoot and will testify to the fact that physically, teachers complain of back and leg problems on carpeted floors. A recent survey of Florida teachers indicated more that 80% of the teachers surveyed prefer carpet over all other flooring surfaces. This is due to carpet's ability to absorb shock and reduce impact. Color coordination can be more easily achieved and students are more appreciative of its aesthetic values.
According to a university study, students learn at a faster pace on carpet versus VCT. Carpet enhances learning by improving the activity space and creating a more "homelike" atmosphere. Students are more relaxed and more receptive with carpet.
Carpet provides outstanding acoustics. Testing has shown that carpet acts as both a superior floor covering and a versatile acoustical material. Carpet absorbs ten times more airborne noise than any other flooring material and as much as most other types of specialized acoustical material. Lower noise levels reduce disciplinary problems. Excessive sound will disrupt teaching and disturb adjacent classrooms. Since no other floor covering material offers a dual purpose such as this, the initial costs of carpet should be compared to hard-surface flooring with the addition of sound insulation materials. This aspect offers a unique perspective of the "total value" that carpet represents. Carpet offers a much better safety factor than any other floor covering.
According to the National Safety Council, falls are the number one cause for most indoor injuries. Wet or polished hard surfaces are a major contributing factor in a number of these cases. Fewer "fall down" injuries occur due to the non-skid surface of carpet. Carpet reduces the incidence of slips and falls in areas that were previously identified as "high accident" areas. Carpet's ability to cushion falls and prevent serious injuries has limited medical costs and lowered litigation fees. A significant number of grocery stores are converting from tile to carpet due to safety considerations. Also less breakage occurs reducing inventory losses. Another advantage which was discovered by accident is less maintenance time is devoted to "dusting" bottles and cans. Carpet absorbs airborne dust and fungi whereas hard surfaces allow these particulates to remain airborne. In a classroom situation this is extremely important since classrooms are a breeding ground for various illnesses. Carpet can absorb these contaminants until they can be removed by proper maintenance. A recent study in two Florida classrooms indicated a lower airborne particulate count in an occupied, carpeted classroom than in an adjacent occupied VCT classroom despite a higher student population in the carpeted classroom. These respirable particles can increase visits to the school nurse and lower Average Daily Attendance (ADA) thus reducing federal funding . By increasing ADA funds this can lower the cost of carpet even further.
Carpet provides a feeling of warmth with a higher R factor than other types of floor covering. The pile construction of carpet is a highly efficient thermal insulator. Carpet's excellent insulation properties are one factor that is frequently overlooked when cost figures are evaluated. Studies indicate that carpet may aid in sustaining building temperatures over weekends and other non-use periods. Because of its insulation properties most day care centers and elementary schools install carpet to extend the usable learning space in classrooms to the floor. Children can work or play on the carpet as they do at home in total safety and comfort. Data confirms that carpet offers fifty-three percent more insulating capabilities than the finest hard surface floor covering material. While carpet is an excellent insulator and helps reduce energy costs it also offers a psychological effect of warmth and comfort. The cozy atmosphere that carpet creates is much more conducive to learning.