Rug delamination
Now, if you've heard of delamination you will more likely have associated this issue with carpet delamination. This is because carpets are more often compiled of a number of backings that are adhered together with latex. The issue occurs when the latex has, for whatever reason, disintegrated to some degree and is no longer adhering the layers together. The result being that the carpet now has room to move and this will cause a rippling effect. This is a particularly pesky problem as there is no easy solution to repair the damage.
Rugs however are generally woven or knotted so the rug backing and its fibers are actually one entire product. If you have a rug delamination problem this is because the rug has been created using the tufted method.
Tufted rug
Tufted rugs are not woven, instead they are created by pushing wool fibers into a mesh backing before being glued into place at the reverse. A covering is applied to the back to mask the glue backing (this you will not see on any form or woven rug) and the top of the rug is sheared to the desired pile height. These rugs are generally a cheaper more mass produced type of rug.
Your rug is most likely to suffer delamination due to 6 key reasons:
- Age - Latex will eventually break down and this often leads to cracking, this is likely to happen even in good quality old rugs.
- Poor latex quality - Some rug producers have been known to cut corners on latex quality by adding bulking agents to the mix, such as concrete, so that the product goes further (often found in U.S. of Indian rugs). This will lessen the durability of the latex, the result of this will again be that the product will break down into a crumbly mess.
- Water damage - if water has penetrated the latex and been left for a period of time it is likely that the latex has started to crack and break down - especially if the latex is of poor quality. This will now allow movement as the latex is no longer providing a stable, secure base.
- Solvents - some cleaning solvents will actually start to dissolve the latex if they are not adequately removed after use.
- Urine - cat or dog urine starts out as an acidic compound that will turn alkaline and will start to dissolve the latex also.
- Heavy furniture - if heavy furniture has been pushed around on the rug this can cause damage to the latex.
Art of Clean are proud to be the only Master Rug Cleaners in Cambridge and part of the Wool Safe Organisation.
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Working for domestic or commercial clients throughout Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.
