When you’re looking for durable carpet, you will likely be seeking methods to tell how well a carpet will handle the foot traffic you’ll be putting it through. The pile weight is one effective way to do just that. But carpeting also has sound-muffling properties, which can be important in households where there are a lot of members, or where privacy is desired.
Pile Weight, Defined
Pile weight refers to the amount of yarn fibres in one square metre of carpet. Pile weight will also speak to how dense the individual carpet strands are. Density is a characteristic of note because a carpet’s density – or the proximity of one individual strand to another – will affect how it performs under traffic, as well as how it will look over the long term. The higher the number of yarn fibres in a carpet, the more overall density it will have.
Usually, the density of a carpet is measured in ounces, with typical densities ranging from 30 to 60 ounces. Densities larger than 60oz are available, but are more costly due to the higher number of individual fibres in these carpets.
The Role of Pile Weight and Density in Noise Reduction
Any sound that originates from dropping objects on the floor, footsteps or when moving furniture is referred to as surface noise. The higher the density of a carpet, the better it will be able to convert loud surface noises to a more muffled variety. Carpeting will also cut the life of surface noise in half. In addition to choosing dense carpeting, you may also wish to consider underlay, as this can increase the sound absorption of a carpet by double its original number.
Noise annoyances are everywhere. But many have stated in surveys that the noise transmission from nearby flats was far more annoying than traffic and other neighbourhood noises. Better sleep and fewer disturbances are the result when high-density carpet and underlay have been installed.
The echo or noise transmission of a room can also be reduced with high density carpeting. Instead of noise in a room reflecting off of hard flooring and causing an echo, carpeting effectively absorbs this sound. This is possible due to the porosity of the carpeting.
Choosing the right Weight
Many times, the pile weight is available on the carpet label. But other times, companies like Westex Carpets will make carpeting in a number of weights and in the same colour ranges. This allows customers to choose the same brand of carpeting throughout their home. Homeowners wanting to use the same colour of carpet in every room can choose smaller weights for some rooms, which can save them money.
Although not all manufacturers will list pile weight on the products they produce, there are certain types of carpet which will. For example, the pile weight for carpets made with twist pile that are high in wool content will typically be available. Carpet pile weight is unlikely to be available for man-made, shorter pile carpets, as this is not the only factor which speaks to the quality of the carpet.
Where you find yourself considering more than one brand of carpet, it will be necessary to determine both the density and pile weight of each. You will also want to make note of the fibre that each is made of, as well as the backing type. Checking the warranty of all carpeting is also of great importance, as is checking to make sure the carpeting you choose has the right level of protection from stains for the room in which it will be installed.