High traffic carpet  : The complete guide

Our comprehensive guide provides you with all the necessary information to select the perfect carpet for high-traffic areas. Explore the numerous advantages of this type of flooring, and learn about the quality and safety standards that need to be met.

Additionally, discover our specialized services for successful installation and optimal maintenance. This essential content will help you make an informed choice and ensure the longevity of your flooring.

High-traffic carpet  is the ideal choice for professional spaces with heavy foot traffic. Whether you're furnishing offices, hotel corridors, restaurant dining rooms, or reception areas, this type of flooring offers both durability and aesthetics, perfectly meeting the demands of high-use environments.

This complete guide will help you understand the various features and benefits of this type of flooring.

What is High-Traffic Carpet ?

Definition

A High-traffic carpet is a type of flooring designed specifically to withstand intensive and frequent use. Made from robust and durable materials, it can endure constant foot traffic without quickly showing signs of wear. Additionally, it maintains its appearance and properties even after years of intense use. The fibers used in the manufature of this carpet have specific characteristics that make it stronger and more durable compared to standard carpets.

Characteristics

Wear resistance

Durability is a crucial quality for high-traffic carpets. Here's how this durability is ensured:

• Robust Materials: Synthetic fibers such as nylon (also known as polyamide) and polypropylene are commonly used for their toughness and longevity. Nylon, for example, is known for its exceptional resistance to abrasion and crushing. Polypropylene is also valued for its stain and moisture resistance.
  
  
• Advanced Weaving Techniques: A dense weave is crucial for durability. A tight weave prevents fibers from flattening and fraying, even with intensive use. Techniques such as tight looped or dense velvet weaves help to reinforce the carpet’s structure and maintain a consistent appearance over time.
  
  
• Surface Treatments: Additional treatments, such as stain and soil-resistant coatings, increase the carpet's resistance to damage caused by liquids and debris. You can also opt for tailored maintenance techniques to protect your material. 
  
  

Benefits of High-Traffic Carpet 

Longevity

One of the main advantages is its longevity. It is made from high-quality, specialized fibers that can withstand intensive use, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. Indeed, this flooring material is primarily designed for professional use.

Comfort

In addition to its long-lasting durability, high-traffic carpet provides excellent comfort underfoot. With its thick padding and soft fibers, it reduces fatigue for employees and creates a pleasant and comfortable environment for your users.

Aesthetics 

Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, high-traffic carpets can be adapted to any interior decor. They help create aesthetically pleasing and professional spaces, contributing to a positive first impression for visitors and a pleasant work environment for employees.

Technical Advantages

Acoustic Insulation: One of the major benefits of carpet is its acoustic insulation. In a busy space, it muffles the sounds of conversations and footsteps, avoiding a noisy and oppressive atmosphere. A high-quality professional carpet plays a crucial role with its sound-absorbing capabilities.

Thermal Insulation: By trapping ( and fine particles ) in its fibers, carpet acts an insulating layer, helping you maintain a stable ambient temperature. Spaces equipped with carpet often notice a reduction in their energy consumption, resulting in significant energy savings. 

À LIRE AUSSI 👉 What is the lifespan of a carpet?

How to choose a high-traffic carpet ?

Selection criteria

When choosing a high-traffic carpet for a busy space, several criteria should be considered to ensure not only durability but also the performance of your flooring. Understanding the different criteria will help you make the right choice.

• Choose the Type of Materials: Nylon is highly resistant to wear and stains, maintaining its shape and color despite intense traffic. On the other hand, polyester, while offering good stain resistance and often being more affordable than nylon, may be less durable in the long term.

• Select Chemical Resistance: In some environments, such as commercial or medical spaces, it may be necessary to choose a carpet  resistant to chemicals to facilitate cleaning and ensure optimal hygiene.

• Check Fire Resistance: Ensure the carpet meets the fire safety standards applicable in your region. A carpet that delays the spread of flames can be essential for the safety of occupants.

• Choose Acoustic Insulation: If noise reduction is important in your environment, select a carpet that offers good acoustic insulation. This helps create a quieter and more comfortable space for users..

• Ensure Certifications and Standards: Verify that the carpet is certified to meet quality and environmental standards. These measures ensure a healthy and safe working environment.

Standards and safety

High-Traffic Carpet must meet specific standards to ensure their performance and safety in high-traffic environments. Here are some common standards and their implications:

• UPEC Classification (France): This rating evaluates the carpet’s resistance to four key factors: Wear (U), Compression (P), Water (E), and Chemical Agents (C). A high-traffic carpet should have high scores in these categories to guarantee its durability. For example, a U3P3E1C0 rating indicates excellent resistance to wear and compression, which is crucial for high-traffic areas like corridors or entryways. The UPEC classification is chosen based on the specific installation location.

• EN 1307 Standard: The European standard EN 1307 defines criteria for durability, comfort, and fire safety for textile carpets. Carpets that meet this standard undergo rigorous testing to ensure their resistance to fading, traction, and wear, even with daily use. This ensures that the carpet maintains its performance and appearance over time.

• Fire Resistance: Fire safety is crucial for any flooring. The carpet should be classified at least as Bfl-s1 according to the European standard EN 13501-1, which indicates low flame spread and low smoke production. This criterion is especially important in public spaces where occupant safety is a top priority.

By considering these various criteria, you will be able to select a high-traffic carpet that meets your practical needs while ensuring safety, durability, and cost efficiency.

Where to install high-traffic carpet

High-traffic carpet is ideal for various environments requiring enhanced resistance and durability to handle intense foot traffic. Here are some examples of places where it is commonly chosen:

• Hotels and restaurants: Reception areas, corridors, and guest rooms.
• Offices: Workspaces where employees move frequently, such as common areas and corridors.
• Healthcare Facilities: Clinics, hospitals, and medical centers often use this type of carpet for its comfort and ease of cleaning.
• Shopping Centers: Large stores and common areas.
• Educational Institutions: Universities and schools sometimes choose this type of flooring for corridors and classrooms, providing comfort and noise reduction.
• Leisure Venues: Cinemas and casinos also benefit from the robust features of this type of flooring.
• Transportation and Travel: This type of flooring is also found in airports, cruise ships, and buses.

How to maintain high-traffic carpet ?

Daily Cleaning

Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the lifespan of your high-traffic carpet. Frequent vacuuming is the essential first step. It is recommended to vacuum at least once a day in high-traffic areas. Use a powerful vacuum cleaner equipped with a rotating brush, which will help dislodge and remove dirt embedded in the carpet fibers.

Regular Professional Maintenance

It is also advisable to schedule  deep professional cleaning, using techniques such as hot water extraction or dry shampoo to remove dust particles and allergens. Composil offers these techniques for on-demand cleaning and regular maintenance programs, with a warranty extension of up to 10 years.

Transform your spaces with high-traffic carpet

Are you considering updating your flooring? High-traffic carpet is an ideal solution. Perfectly suited to business needs, it combines wear resistance with the preservation of its appearance and colors.

Discover our comprehensive services: 

• On-demand cleaning service or regular maintenance
• Removal and recycling of your old carpet
• Purchase of reclaimed carpet
• Cleaning of textile furniture