Carpet has so much diversity in color, style, texture, and durability. It’s no wonder that carpeting is one of the most popular floor coverings for both homes and businesses. From nylon to wool and plush to utility, carpeting is definitely in demand from owners.
However, there are times when carpeting shows problems. The owner then calls in a flooring inspector to take a look at the issue. One possible problem has to do with the loss of twist in the carpet fiber, also known as yarn tip blooming.
Yarn tip blooming happens when the tips of a cut-pile tuft untwist. Most carpet yarns come together via two or three plies that twist together. When the yarn plies untwist or open, the effect resembles blooming, like the opening of a flower on a stem. Carpet fibers with a tighter twist are less likely to bloom, and different manufacturing processes result in tighter or looser twists. Heat-set carpet fibers are widely considered to be the type that holds its twist best.
Carpet inspectors test for blooming by collecting some of the tufts from the areas in question. The inspector uses wire cutters or a scalpel to cut the tufts from their base. They should also take some samples of yarn that is not blooming, preferably from an unused area of the carpet. The inspector analyzes and compares the tufts, then provides unbiased and accurate information to interested parties.
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