Handwoven carpets
Handwoven carpets are an artisan product and, as such, can have irregularities and imperfections which are considered part of their charm. Variations in weave, tension and shading create a carpet with its own distinctive character and, in turn, making it unique. Any irregularities found within a handwoven carpet are to be celebrated and not considered a manufacturing fault and are inherent to the beauty of a fine handmade carpet.
Heathered Carpets
Heathered carpets are created using random blends of colour, resulting in in some linearity (coloured flecks) which are a natural feature of a heather carpet and form part of the beauty of the design. These coloured flecks or linearity are not always visible on samples and will vary from roll to roll. They are not considered a manufacturing fault.
Colour Matching & Shade Variations
As with all textile products, colours may vary slightly from batch to batch. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accurate colour matching from one batch to another, natural undyed wools can have inherent variations in colour due to factors such as the source of the fibre, the specific breed of the animal, and environmental and seasonal influences. Even with careful production processes, these natural variations can result in slight colour differences between batches.
To address this concern and if your requirements are particularly colour critical and you require an exact colour match, it is advisable to request a dye batch cutting from your Authorised Dealer before placing your order. By obtaining a sample from the specific batch you intend to purchase, you can assess its colour and ensure it meets your expectations.
If you are using the carpet in adjoining areas, please make sure you tell us so that we can take your cuts from the same colour batch.
Shading
Shading, also referred to as watermarking, roll crush, or reverse pile.
Carpets may develop light and dark shaded areas particularly in heavy traffic areas. This phenomenon is known as ‘shading’ and can occur on both cut pile and cut/loop pile carpets. It is important to understand that shading is an inherent effect of the product and is not specific to any particular fibre or quality.
Despite extensive industry research, the exact cause of shading remains unknown. Additionally, the rate at which shading occurs is unpredictable, making it difficult to prevent or control. Currently, there are no known methods to intentionally induce shading, nor are there methods to prevent it from happening. Therefore, shading is not considered to be a manufacturing defect and claims will not considered for this condition
It is crucial to inform customers about the possibility of shading in carpets so that they are aware of this inherent characteristic. By managing their expectations and providing this information upfront, customers can better understand and appreciate the nature of shading in carpets. Normal foot traffic and frequent, thorough vacuuming should improve this condition.
Installation
- Our carpets should always be sold and professionally installed in accordance with BS:5325, using a good quality underlay.
- Newly opened rolls of latex backed carpet may have an aroma. This will dissipate over a period of time.
- All of Riviera Home’s woven products should be cut from the face of the carpet, following the row.
- Protective plastic covers should not be used on bamboo carpet during installation, as the adhesive may permanently affect the bamboo pile.
Expansion and Contraction
The hydroscopic nature of natural fibres, such as wool, means they have the ability to adjust to environmental conditions by absorbing or releasing moisture. As a result, these fibres are constantly in motion, adapting to the humidity and temperature of their surroundings.
To ensure proper installation and acclimation of natural fibre carpets, where possible, it is recommended to perform a ‘loose-lay’ for approximately 24 hours in the room where the carpet will be installed. This allows the carpet fibres to adjust and acclimate to the specific temperature and humidity levels that they will typically experience in that environment.
By allowing the carpet to acclimate in this manner, you can help minimize potential issues such as expansion or contraction of the fibres after installation. This process helps ensure a more stable and durable installation, as the carpet will have already adjusted to its new surroundings during the loose-lay period.
Seaming
For optimum side match and finished seam appearance, we recommend that our carpets are installed with seams running perpendicular to major outside lighting sources. This positioning can help minimise the visibility of seams and enhance the overall appearance of the installation.
It’s important to note that no claims will be considered for carpets that are cut or installed with visible defects or pattern mis-matches. This highlights the importance of carefully inspecting the carpet before installation to ensure its quality and pattern alignment.
When cutting woven products, it is advised to cut from the face of the carpet following the row. This approach helps maintain the integrity of the pattern and ensures a clean and accurate cut.
By following these guidelines and best practices, you can enhance the overall visual impact of the installation and minimize potential issues with visible defects or pattern mismatches.
When it comes to handmade products, it’s important to understand that pattern repeats and dimensions can vary. As a result, achieving an exact pattern match at seams may not always be possible. While side matching is achievable, it can be a challenging task. In some cases, seams may require trimming, shearing, or colour balancing to ensure a professional finish. It’s crucial to note that these adjustments are not due to defects but are necessary steps to bring the installation to a satisfactory conclusion.
It is essential to advise your customers that seams will never be completely invisible in handmade products. Despite the best efforts to match patterns and dimensions, there will always be some visible evidence of the seams. However, skilled craftsmanship can minimise the visibility of the seams and create a visually appealing result.
By informing your customers about these aspects beforehand, you can manage their expectations and ensure they understand the inherent nature of handmade products. This transparency will help foster a better understanding and appreciation of the of the unique qualities and craftsmanship involved.
Common Irregularities
Bowing
Bowing can be a common occurrence in handwoven broadloom carpets. The tolerances for bowing can vary depending on the specific product but they generally adhere to industry standards which allows for up to 2% bowing on woven broadloom carpet. This means that slight variations in the straightness of the carpet may be present but they should not exceed this standard threshold. It is important to understand that these variations are inherent to the manufacturing process and should be taken into consideration when planning for a seam.
When planning for a seam, it is important to consider the potential bowing of the carpet. Properly aligning and matching the carpet at the seam can help minimize the visibility of any bowing or variation in loop size. By accounting for these factors during installation, a more visually pleasing and seamless result can be achieved.
Variation on loop size
Variations in loop size are a common characteristic of carpets made from natural fibres such as wool. These carpets may have irregular yarns that can create the perception of differences in loop size, whether in the warp (lengthwise) or weft (crosswise) yarns.
Within these standards, variations in loop size can include both thicker and thinner yarns compared to the normal average. It is important to note that variations of either thick or thin yarns within 50% of normal thickness are within acceptable industry standards. This means that yarns within this range of 50% thicker or thinner than the average can be present in the carpet without being considered a manufacturing defect.
These variations in loop size are inherent to carpets made from natural fibres, especially those woven by hand, and add to the unique and organic character of the product. They should not be seen as flaws but rather as a part of the natural variation and charm of the carpet.
Shedding
Shedding of loose fibres is a normal occurrence in carpets and is a natural result of the manufacturing process. During the production of carpets, a combing process takes place to remove short and broken fibres. Some of these loose fibres may fall onto the surface of the carpet pile as “fluff” and can be removed with gentle vacuuming.
It’s important to note that shedding can vary depending on the type of material used in the carpet. Some materials may shed more initially, while others may shed less. Shedding is typically more noticeable in the early stages of the carpet’s life and tends to diminish over time with regular vacuuming and foot traffic.
Care & Maintenance
If installed and maintained correctly, our carpet should give you years of good services.
Fading
Natural fibres used in carpets, such as wool, can undergo colour changes over time due to various factors. These colour changes are a natural characteristic of the wool and should be taken into consideration when selecting and caring for a carpet.
Bleached natural fibre products may darken gradually over time, while dyed fibres can experience fading. These colour changes are typically a result of exposure to environmental factors such as sunlight, heat, and chemicals.
To protect your carpet from colour changes, it is recommended to provide the same level of protection from direct sunlight that you would give to any coloured fabric. Sunlight exposure can cause fading and discolouration, so using window coverings or UV-protective films can help minimize the impact of sunlight on your carpet.
It’s also important to be aware that fading can occur due to emissions from heating fuels or chemicals found in household cleaning agents, pesticides, and other household items. Proper ventilation and caution when using these substances can help mitigate the risk of fading caused by chemical exposure.
Cleaning
Spillages should be spot cleaned immediately. Always dab and not scrub with a clean cloth. Never saturate your carpet with water or cleaner as this may stain it. Dry extraction methods of cleaning spills and stains are recommended. Always test the cleaning method to ensure that the colour is not affected . Test in a small concealed area first. Please visit the WOW for more detailed information.
Tencel and bamboo fibres are hydroscopic; therefore, we advise that carpets containing these fibres are not installed in areas where there may be greater risk of spillage, as contact with liquids can cause permanent changes in their appearance. For major spillages, consult a professional carpet cleaner contractor.
We also recommend from time to time you use a professional carpet cleaning contactor to look after your carpets.
Application of any protective treatments such as Scotchguard is at the customer’s own risk and the use of any such protective treatment carries inherent risks, including the possibility of altering the appearance, texture, or performance of the carpet. Therefore, customers should weigh the potential benefits and risks before deciding to apply any treatment to their carpet. Riviera Home will not be held responsible or liable for any claim resulting from its use.
We recommend the use of chair mats under office chairs with rolling caster to preserve the appearance of your carpet and act as a deterrent towards accelerated wear.
Dragging heavy objects can put excessive strain on the carpet fibres, leading to pile distortion or even permanent damage. It is advisable to use furniture glides or lift heavy objects instead of dragging them across the carpet.
Vacuum Cleaning
Regular and thorough vacuuming is the best care you can give to your carpet. It helps to remove dirt, debris and prevent soil build-up, thereby prolonging the beauty and lifespan of the carpet.
Below are some additional guidelines for effective vacuuming:
- Vacuum from different directions: Vacuuming from different directions ensures that you cover the carpet fibres from various angles, allowing for more effective removal of dirt and particles.
- Multiple passes: Making several passes over each area ensures that you capture more debris and dust. Heavier traffic areas may require more attention and should be vacuumed more frequently.
- Test vacuum and technique: It is always recommended to test your vacuum and vacuuming technique in a small, inconspicuous area before proceeding. This allows you to ensure that the vacuum is not causing any damage or excessive fuzzing of the fibres.
- We recommend using a vacuum cleaner with adjustable settings or a suction-only mode for loop pile and delicate carpets. If a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar is used, it is important to adjust the beater bar or brushes of the vacuum properly, preferably disconnecting them. Setting them too low can cause damage to the carpet fibres. Ideally, the brushes should barely touch the face of the carpet. Avoid using vacuums that automatically adjust, as they may set the brushes too low.
- Be cautious with certain vacuums: Some vacuums may not be suitable for certain carpet types and can cause excess fuzzing or sprouting of the fibres. It is important to check the manufacturer’s recommendations or consult with a professional if you are unsure about the compatibility of your vacuum with the carpet.
It is worth noting that while regular vacuuming is crucial for carpet maintenance, every product may react differently to various vacuums or techniques. It is not possible to know the specific reactions of every carpet to every vacuum and the responsibility for any damage caused by vacuuming lies with the user.
Aggressive vacuuming techniques, such as using a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar or brush roll that is too harsh for the carpet, can cause excessive fuzzing. Regular vacuuming with proper techniques, such as gentle strokes and appropriate attachments, can help maintain the carpet’s appearance while minimizing fuzzing.
By following these vacuuming guidelines and being mindful of the specific needs of your carpet, you can maintain its appearance and ensure its longevity.