Carpet Pile Crushing in Traffic Lanes

Pile crushing occurs when carpet tufts bend and compress. Pile crush is commonly found in the high use areas of the installation.

According to the International Standards (ISO)  crushing is defined as a loss of pile thickness of a textile floor covering under the action of static or dynamic loads. A static load would be concentrated pressure from something like a couch, chair or table.  Dynamic loads are marked by motion, such as foot traffic.

Crushing may or may not be correctable, depending on the resiliency characteristics of the fiber and the carpet construction.

Crushed fibers will have a tendency to appear lighter in color than non-trafficked areas due to the difference in light reflection from the greater surface area of the sides of the crushed fibers compared to the vertically oriented fibers.

Crushing is often accompanied by soiling.

According to the CRI, Carpet and Rug Institute, all carpets are subject to crushing. Crushing is prevalent in carpet and is most evident in high traffic areas and steps. According to the Carpet & Rug Institute's Claim Policy Guidelines, page 5 section 8, pile crushing is not considered manufacturing related.