Tai Ping Protection Of Ax

1. Protective Coverings Used for Carpet
Experience has shown that when installed carpets are covered with a temporary protective covering, the risk
of pile shading effects developing is a possibility. Two factors contribute to this:
1. One factor is that during the time the carpet is covered, it is not being vacuumed and we know
vacuuming/brushing assists the pile recovery from compression.
2. The other factor is that moisture can be trapped beneath the protective floor covering if it is
impervious and may cause a degree to adversely ‘set’ the pile in its compressed state when vacuuming
is not taking place.
In an ideal situation, therefore, we would not recommend covering a carpet. In practice, however, we know
that considerable damage can be inflicted on a carpet when work takes place after the installation, and the
protective covering is the only option. Products used include woven polypropylene fabrics, PVC, polythene
sheeting and hardboard. Alternative materials may include other woven fabrics (cotton dust sheets) where
only light work is being done over the carpets and no wet spillages are expected. Flame retardant versions can
be obtained.
Tai Ping Recommendations
1. Where a protective covering has to be used, choose a breathable covering if possible, but this will
depend on any spillages expected.
2. Avoid covering the carpet for long periods of time (above 2 weeks) particularly if it is going to be
walked upon.
3. If the carpet has to be covered for extended periods of time it would be beneficial to the carpet if the
covering could be removed periodically to allow the carpet to be vacuumed.
4. Where possible, avoid completely sealing the carpet under an impervious covering.
5. Choose a covering strong enough to withstand work traffic; hardboard can be used where wheeled
traffic is likely.
6. When the covering is removed, vacuum the carpet thoroughly with an upright cleaner, which
incorporates a brushing action.
7. If minor shading effects are seen when the covering is removed, a light clean using a hot water
extraction machine incorporating a power brush will assist in their removal.
Whilst it may be fine for a carpet using an all man-made fibre, the specified 80% wool/20% nylon blend fibre
Woven Axminster Carpet is predominantly an all-natural fibre. Natural fibre is prone to absorb moisture
(humidity) in the atmosphere, particularly in a tropical climates, thus carpet should preferably be left totally
uncovered and allowed to ‘breath’. Failure to do so by covering, will entrap moisture caused by condensation
build-up under the water resistant sheet, thus mildew may also develop causing irremovable discolouration
(staining) within the base of the carpet pile and emit an unpleasant odour. In addition adhesive tapes used to
fix the protective covering to the carpet pile can leave a tacky residue once removed, which can later attract
air-borne dust and dirt in a short period of time leaving a dark line at the carpets edges.
To conclude, we can not guarantee any reaction or effect to the carpets caused by the contractor or client
applying a polyurethane or polythene sheet onto the surface of the installed carpet for any length of time,
whereby any affect such caused will not be recognised nor considered by Tai Ping as just claim on the given
period of Guarantee of ‘Wear Performance’.
January 1st 2005
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