Compared to other types of flooring, carpet offers a huge range of colours and styles, thermal insulation and energy saving as well as acoustic benefits for the family. There are virtually unlimited possibilities for creating a distinctive environment that is both cosy and beautiful.
Selecting the right carpet colour and pattern for your home is an important decision. The first rule of thumb is don’t limit your choice by looking for neutrality or a match with wall toning’s. Let your floor be an integral part of the décor.
Make a fashion statement with colour, texture, and pattern design
When you choose deep and rich colours, you will generate a feeling of warmth in a room while cool crisp colours give a feeling of freshness and space. Clients choose subdued colours or earth tones to create a quiet mood, while light colour carpets will open up a dark room.
Families make an energy saving statement with thermal insulation
Carpet is an exceptionally good thermal insulator. The insulation value of carpet is like fibreglass insulation and can be substantially higher than other floor types. Further increases in thermal insulation are obtained when carpet is installed over underlay.
Carpet can help to significantly reduce energy costs in heating and cooling and make a positive contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Carpeted floor feels warmer underfoot and does not require the heating that a room with a smooth surface would. Adding further energy savings.
Enjoy the acoustic benefits of carpet
Australian families find that carpet softens harsh sounds and creates a quieter, more peaceful indoor environment.
The installation of carpet with underlay is the only method available for eliminating excessive noise generated by floor impacts such as noise produced from footfalls, chairs scraped across the floor and objects dropped on the floor. This is particularly important in homes where children running and jumping can produce heavy floor impacts, contributing greatly to ambient noise levels.
Carpet and underlay also help to control sound reverberation (the term used to describe the degree to which sound lives on within a room). Collectively, the installation of carpet and underlay will contribute towards a reduction in noise levels along with acoustic ceiling tiles and panels.
Safety for the family
Most falls occur in the home with flooring and stairs being a risk factor. Carpet is slip resistant because of the product’s piled surface which can eliminate or reduce the severity of injuries.
Choosing carpet means prioritising fashion and design to set a home apart, thermal insulation benefits to reduce energy costs and contribute positively to the reduction in greenhouse gases, acoustic benefits to reduce noise around the home and finally, to improve the safety of the home for all members by greatly reducing slip injuries.
Introducing the CIAL
The Carpet Institute of Australia (CIAL) is the lead industry organisation for Australia’s carpet and flooring industry. The CIAL represents carpet and flooring manufacturers accounting for 95% of Australian carpet production and over 400 retail stores nationwide. Included are suppliers of other related goods and services including carpet and flooring providers of technical services.
Their many services to members include:
The CIAL has produced training programs entitled Carpet Manufacturing, Carpet Standards and Test Methods, Environmental Issues in Carpet Manufacturing, Carpet Product Knowledge Guide and Carpet Laying Apprenticeship modules. They have also been successful in attracting, and training and retention of apprentice flooring technicians.
The CIAL is also involved in the development of Australian and New Zealand carpet industry standards as a member of the Standards Australia committee on textile floor coverings.
The CIAL is responsible for the administration of the Australian Carpet Classification Scheme (ACCS) and is one of the most comprehensive ‘all fibre’ carpet grading schemes in the world. Carpets are classified according to suitability for use in residential and contract installations and in different pedestrian trafficking conditions described as light, medium, heavy, and extra heavy. Governments in Australia require ACCS certified carpets in their procurement process.
Their ECS program is the environmental certification scheme used in the industry. The scheme has multiple certification levels with incrementally more demanding performance criteria. ECS Levels are recognised by the Green Building Council of Australia.
Further Information
Contact Carpet Institute of Australia Limited on 03 9804 5559, email
info@carpetoz.com.au or visit the website www.carpetinstitute.com.au
