Educational Series:
Carpet Construction
Backing Systems
Commercial carpet backing systems are more numerous and varied than those for residential use. Each fulfills a specific function.
Backing systems consist of three possible elements:
1) the primary backing,
2) the applied bonding adhesive,
3) the secondary backing or cushion/hard back.
In the most common system, the yarn is secured into the primary backing by the synthetic latex or vinyl, and a secondary backing (or cushion) is attached to provide further pile-yarn stability and to add dimensional stability to the carpet structure................
Moisture Barrier Backing Systems
Backing systems with moisture barriers from the base of the pile yarn to the floor prevent spills from penetrating the backing and seeping into the sub-floor. This type of backing, usually PVC or an alternative hard back, can be on either broadloom or carpet tile. Moisture barriers may be valuable in healthcare environments, where spills are inevitable and cleaning is frequent. The moisture barrier of the carpet itself and the sealing techniques for the seams may provide lower long-term maintenance costs................
Shearing
After drying and backing, a cut pile carpet surface may be uneven. In order to clean up the surface of the carpet, it will pass through a shearing unit, resulting in a clean, groomed surface. The shearing heads brush the carpet pile to make it both erect and uniform, and then pass it through a series of rotary knives or blades that shear, or cut off, the fiber tips at a precise height. Multiple-head shears have a double set of hard bristle or nylon brushes and two, three or more shear blades per unit. The shear head action is like a rotary blade lawnmower.................
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