Loop Carpets
Considering a loop style? Learn about the different types of loop carpeting and how they can work in your home.
Let’s start off with just a few basics. There are different types of loop carpets. You’ve got level loops, uneven loops or patterned loops and cut and loop. We could probably keep going but let’s focus on these types for now.
The manufacturing of carpet – which can be described as sewing strands of yarn into a backing material – creates thousands of yarn loops. When these loops are tufted and left uncut, they are loop carpets. If the tufted loops are even or level, you have a level loop. If the carpet is tufted with a high and low loop and left uncut, you have an unlevel, hi-lo or patterned loop. You can also have a patterned loop referred to as a cut loop. This occurs when some of the loops are cut, usually to form a distinctive pattern in the carpet.
When loops are tufted very tightly, the carpet is often very dense and is typically a great choice for higher traffic areas, A tight loop construction also minimizes footprints. Most loop carpets are good for high traffic areas; just make sure to keep the little ones from pulling on the loops and shoo away the cats that tend to pull on the loops.
Because the loops are connected to each other; a pulled piece can cause a zippering effect. If this happens, DO NOT PANIC and do not cut the pulled yarn! Lay the yarn down gently and contact the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). They can send a professional to your home to correct the issue using a technique called reburling. In most cases zippering is not covered by residential carpet warranties.