Pinyan favors some variation in color and pattern to mask the effects of traffic. "Darker colors and solid colors don't perform as well. They show the dirt and lint and all other debris," says Pinyan, noting that the construction method ? preferably loop ? and dye methods are two key factors in her specifying decisions. "When budgets allow, we go with solution-dyed carpets." Pinyan also notes that carpet tiles, the fastest growing component of the carpet industry, have their place. She specified them for Georgia Southern University's new College of Information Technology, where computer access flooring was used throughout much of the building. "They're more expensive initially, but they are easier to replace as individual carpet tiles become damaged. If the school has the budget for them, carpet tiles can have a longer life cycle," she says. Carpet tiles ranged from a modern pattern in common areas to those with color and warmth in the professional development area to classrooms where less pattern and stain hiding ability were considerations.

Carpet performance ratings, found on the carpet label, are a tool used by some manufacturers to help specifiers select the most appropriate carpet for various areas of a facility. Rated from 1 to 5, the scale represents the carpet's ability to withstand extended wear. A carpet with a higher performance rating such as 5 or 4 is one that will maintain its new appearance longer in various traffic conditions than one with a lower rating. A rating of 4.0 is considered outstanding. These carpets are recommended for a school's heavy traffic locations, which would include such areas as entrances, corridors, student break areas and classrooms. A rating of 3 or higher is predicted to provide normal durability and would be appropriate for libraries, conference rooms, media centers or classrooms with limited use. A rating of 2.5 or higher is predicted to be appropriate for teacher or administrative offices.

These ratings do not take into account soiling, poor maintenance or other factors of use; just the change of texture related to matting and crushing that might occur from walking on it. For these reasons, it is not practical to associate years of wear with the performance ratings. To obtain the projected appearance retention performance, the carpet must be correctly installed following the manufacturer's instructions and in accordance with industry installation guidelines and must be in accordance with the carpet manufacturer's recommendations.

The Texture Retention Rating value is determined by grading the appearance change of a carpet subjected to simulated traffic exposure either from actual walkers or from laboratory drum tests such as Hexapod or Vettermann Drum testers. Carpet is tested without underlay cushion material. After simulated traffic exposure, the exposure-conditioned carpet is rated according to an assessment of carpet surface change using industry grading scales.

Sustainability. With the plethora of carpet types available in the marketplace, selecting the most sustainable carpet can be a challenge. NSF 140-2007, certified by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), is the prevailing standard for sustainable carpet. The standard is voluntary, based on life-cycle assessment principles, and provides a single rating system that recognizes levels of achievement ? mandatory minimum standards of sustainable performance as well as silver, gold and platinum levels that define a more sustainable carpet. It establishes performance requirements and quantifiable metrics throughout the supply chain for public health and environment; energy and energy efficiency; bio-based, recycled content materials; manufacturing; and reclamation and end of life management. While the standard can be used to evaluate any carpet product, it is primarily intended for commercial carpets as its evaluation methodology is complementary to emerging commercial green building standards.

Standards for Installation

Proper installation is critical to carpet performance. Specific installation instructions from manufacturers should be followed. A professional installer will understand these guidelines and know that carpet must be installed correctly to perform satisfactorily over time. Most school carpet is installed using the direct glue method of installation, whereby the carpet is adhered directly to the subfloor with an adhesive.

Carpet installed in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation and with the industry standard will escape many common installation problems, such as the development of wrinkles and buckles, zippering, and seam failures. Adequate adhesive should be applied and seams secured with seam sealers to prevent the most common causes of installation complaints with school carpet.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Architects who can advise clients on product care and maintenance will help to increase the life cycle of the product. Pinyan says she has steered clients to professional carpet care. "School maintenance people tend to use topical treatments, which can be magnets for dirt," says Pinyan. "We favor hot water extraction cleaning, which can actually make a carpet look better over time."

When it comes to carpet, appearance depends not only on its color, pattern, density, fiber, but its maintenance program. Like many of today's consumer products, carpet can have a long life if properly cared for and maintained. Generally speaking, carpet can last from seven to 12 years. But when carpet wears out or "uglies out" well before its time, it not only results in a financial loss for the owner, but it doubles or triples the product's environmental footprint. For example, an educational facility that purchased 4,800 square yards of carpet at a cost of $67,200 found that the product uglied out in only two years due to poor cleaning and maintenance procedures. The loss in value to the facility: $56,000.

Carpets are more stain resistant than ever, making them easier to clean and maintain. However, maintaining the life and beauty of carpet depends on several factors: the quality of products and equipment used to clean carpets; the frequency and methods by which carpets are cleaned; and the skill and knowledge of the people doing the cleaning. It's important to note that there is a big difference between cleaning carpet and maintaining carpet.

Cleaning is the removal of apparent soil. For many commercial carpet owners, cleaning takes place irregularly, on an "as needed" basis. Soiling, however, is a cumulative process which, if allowed to go too far, cannot easily be reversed. Maintenance, in contrast to cleaning, is a scheduled on-going process of soil removal designed to maintain carpet's daily appearance at a consistent level of cleanliness. In caring for carpet, schools are advised to follow a regular maintenance program using cleaning products that meet rigorous standards.