Floor tiles for offices in the past were normally created from an institutional linoleum or vinyl. These tiles did not provide any character to the office space that they inhabited. As technology has evolved, the requirements of customers purchasing office floor tiles has changed. Businesses now require floor tiles that are durable, meet safety standards, and are easy to maintain and replace. The introduction of carpet floor tiles has provided business owners with these options.
The foot traffic in an office is much greater than that of a home. Previously, carpet tiles were used interchangeably and the production of office carpet tiles was not identified as a unique and specific industry. However, carpet tiles used in a residence do not have the same requirements as those used in an office. Residential homes do not have strict regulations regarding fire retardant and are not designed to resist stains from spills that are left unattended.
The foremost concern for many businesses is the cost of flooring for their offices. It is necessary that floor tiles meet safety requirements but also be durable and comfortable for the individuals who will be walking on them throughout each day. This required the development of unique methods for treating the threads that would be used in making the carpeting and developing chemicals that would be effective but safe for employees using the carpet.
The equipment used to make carpet tiles is designed to create a solid piece of fabric up to twelve feet square. Office carpet tiles must be snag and tear resistant and the weave must be very tight, but also provide the design and style that is requested by the purchaser. By treating the threads with the necessary chemicals during the dying process a carpet maker can create a tightly woven and unique piece of fabric that meets all of the requirements needed for office use.
Once the fabric has been woven it is necessary to select a backing, or padding, that will be functional and effective for the office that has ordered the carpet tiles. In many cases the carpets will contain a design or style that has been woven in the fabric which will be used in an entrance or doorway. This carpet will sustain the most amount of foot traffic so it is important that the padding chosen for the fabric be one that will protect the fabric and maintain its pristine colors or design.
While a carpet is the visual standard that is judged by most people, the padding is the critical element that will provide the durability and sustained life expectancy of the carpet floor tiles. Padding can be selected that has different degrees of thickness depending on the type of office in which it will be installed. However, a carpet that has a thin pad will not withstand wear or damage as well as a carpet with a padding specifically designed for office use. Padding is also selected based upon the type of sub flooring that is in place. Some padding is made especially for the concrete slabs that constitute most offices today. This padding is coated with a glue which becomes activated when it comes in contact with concrete and will stay secure on a concrete floor.
Froth foam backing is very popular in most residential homes and some offices. This backing does not resist stain and wear as well as the rubber backing that has recently been designed for offices. The rubber backing resists mold and mildew that may form on a concrete sub floor and protects the carpet from damage. In addition, the rubber backing does not break down as easily as the foam backing and lengthens the life expectancy of the carpet floor tiles.
When selecting carpet floor tiles it is important to remember that the dyes used to make the carpets changes with each vat. While a color may be close to the carpet floor tile that is chosen, unless it comes from the same vat as the carpet that is originally purchased there will be a color difference. When choosing carpet tiles then, it is important that an extra supply of carpet tiles be purchased to be used for replacement. When a carpet tile begins to show wear or is damaged there will be no noticeable difference when replaced with a carpet tile from the same dye vat as the original.
Author Resource:
Annie is an expert furniture and interior design writer.
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