In order to make the best carpet choice for your facility’s specific needs, you need to arm yourself with the right information.
Facility profile: The first step is to clearly define the type of facility for which you will be specifying carpet and outline the specific requirements of that facility. Some things to consider include the following:
Type of facility and specific area receiving new carpet
How long the carpet will be used (life cycle)
Types of dirt that may be tracked into the facility
Whether the area is a remodeled or a new installation
Whether access to subfloor is required
Whether there is modular furniture in the space
Location profile: To maximize performance, building owners and facility managers must first decide where the carpet will go to determine what type of carpet is most appropriate.
When should carpet be the floor covering of choice? Carpet is the norm in healthcare, education, offices, hotels and retail locations. Carpet is being used in all common public areas of facilities — corridors (for sound absorption and slip and fall safety), waiting rooms, lobbies and offices (for beauty and versatility). It is also being used more and more in patient rooms and nurseries in healthcare facilities (for the warmth and comfort) and almost exclusively in elementary and preschool classrooms in educational facilities.
Below are some location-specific questions to ask:
On a typical day, will there be spills and stains or dirt tracked into the building? If so, what type of spills? Food stains? Coffee or chemical spills?
What will the frequency of spills be? Excessive? Occasional?
Do you need moisture impermeability?
Is there exposure to harsh chemicals, intense sunlight or atmospheric contaminants (such as nitrous oxides or ozone)?
Will there be lots of foot traffic? Wheelchairs? Supply carts?
When identifying the location where carpet will be specified, it is also important to define the level of traffic expected.