Berber is made of synthetic materials with a tight weave in a looped pile texture. Many varieties also contain a protective coating which further adds to stain resistance. Spilled liquids, if dealt with quickly, can often be blotted to avoid stains. The looped piles add extra cushion underfoot and the commonly speckled patterns allow for easy vacuuming without visible lines.
Though durable, just as with any carpeting, berber will not last forever. Here are some signs or situations in which it is advisable to replace berber carpeting:
Damage
Due to the looped texture, the most common damage berber carpeting faces is when individual loops are pulled or “un-zipped”. When a loop is snagged and broken, the thick strands will typically remain attached at one end leaving a long pile extended. These strands can be trimmed but overtime if many exist, especially if concentrated in one area, the carpet will appear to have thin or bare spots. Like all carpet types, berber comes in a variety of quality levels. The lower the quality, the more likely it is for loops to be pulled.
Fading Aesthetics
Berber carpeting fibers are often made of Olefin, a synthetic material comprised of polyolefin, such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Plastic pop bottles and other materials are recycled to create Olefin. While this material is one of the more eco-friendly options, it can wear differently than carpets made of nylon or natural materials such as wool. Over time, berber will begin to flatten out and creases may appear. Due to the looped texture and speckled design, debris may be less noticeable and sit atop the carpet. While this makes for easy vacuuming, dust and dander will eventually work its way down into the base of the carpet and become very difficult to remove. Likewise, when stains do set in, they exist deep in the fibers and can be nearly impossible to fully eradicate. Also, since berber is often made of synthetic plastic materials, it is susceptible to burns if hot objects such as irons are placed on it.
Changing Situations
The functional and aesthetic lives of flooring materials depend greatly on the amount and type of traffic they receive.
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moving or replacing furniture, especially heavy pieces without casters or protective feet, can pull loops or leave permanent impressions in the carpeting
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animals such as dogs or cats with long and sharp nails can easily snag the loops and stains from accidents can set in if not addressed immediately
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vacuums with heavy beater bars can also pull loops
Benefits of Berber Carpeting
Berber carpeting is a great option for many rooms in the home or office. Benefits of berber include:
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Durability
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Stain resistance
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Aesthetically versatile and appealing
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Comfort
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Affordability
When you’ve decided it’s time to replace your carpeting with new berber, a different type of carpet or any other flooring material such as hardwood, vinyl, or tile, meet with a flooring professional in your area. Discuss how your flooring will be used, what style you’re looking to achieve and total budget.
Not quite ready to replace the carpet all together? here are some helpful links:
Eckard’s Flooring and Design Center has flooring professionals in Savannah, GA and in Bethany, Carrollton, St. Joseph, and Stanberry, MO. Eckard’s Flooring Design Center is a family business with over 50 years of experience and can help you every step of the way to design and install your perfect floor.
