General SISAL floorcovering information

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REAL SISAL CARPETS are made from Sisal fibre is obtained from the fibres extracted from the leafs of Agave plant (Cactus) a native of Mexico, which grows in Brazil and East Africa.  The Sisal fibre is usually obtained by machine decorticating (removal of outer layer) in which the leaf is crushed between rollers and then mechanically scraped. The fibre is then washed and dried.  Once it is dried the fibre is mechanically double brushed. The lustrous strands, usually creamy white, average from 80 to 200 cm in length and 0.2 to 0.4 mm in diameter. The higher-grade fibre after treatment is left with a high sheen and stability converted into yarns and used in the carpet industry.

Even though Agave plant is a native of Mexico, which grows in Brazil and East Africa, is commonly sold to Belgium, China, South America to be manufactured into end-user products, such as Carpet & Rugs.

We have found that in the past some the finest Weavers & Colour blenders were manufactured in Belgium, obviously their products are far more expensive, largely to the Belgium’s labour rate

However, we find that African, Chinese, India, Mexican and other sisals manufacturers to be the better choice when taking into account Cost & Quality, as most Real Sisals are power loomed & latex backed, and other than some slight weaving imperfection, there is very little difference in the end product to justify sometimes up to a 400% price/profit increase.

The advantages of sisal fibres are:

QUALITY of the SISAL carpet is dictated by the type of fibres used, the weight of the yarn as well as the weight at which it is woven & whether it is woven on a hand-loom or power-loom . Over the years their has been significant Improvements in this product is a floorcovering, SISAL floorcoverings made on POWERLOOMS are always superior in quality & weight to those made on SEMI-POWERED & HANDLOOMS.
Real Sisal fibre can be used in most domestic and some medium to heavy contract situations. It also has the advantage of being totally anti static. However, castor chair use or areas of heavy footfall do require the added protection of appropriate key mats or loose laid mats.

What is the Fire Rating of Sisal Carpet ?

ASTM E648 test (the same test as NFPA 253) is ASTM's Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor-Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source. This test is designed to simulate thermal radiation levels from an adjacent fire, and to rate different materials for use in different occupancies.

The Critical Radiant Flux can be defined as the minimum radiant energy a fire needs to sustain flame propagation on the material. The lower the CRF result number the greater the tendency of the material to spread flame.

LATEX BACKING in Natural Floorcoverings it is a must for dimensional stability & to assist with the cleaning properties, As very fine dirt retention & filtration through to the underlay is a major part of ALL carpet degradation as it acts not unlike sandpaper once permeated. The latex backing itself stops a large majority of dirt filtration & because their is NO pile in Natural Floorcoverings, thus the dirt is easily removed with a good quality beater brush type vacuum.

UNDERLAYS Play a VERY important factor in the Life of ALL carpets, as excessive Underlay movement as well as impact abrasion is the majors cause of premature wearing.

We recommend the use of either 9mm Bridgestone AirStep Blue Rubber Underlay or 9mm CushionPad Underlay (70% Cotton & 30% Wool), these are the main two we recommend when Talking in terms of LONGEVITY.

Those two underlays will cost you a little more per sq metre than light weight Residential weight underlays, the small additional cost will provide a more softer, luxurious underfoot feel.

CushionPad Underlay is more suited to Commercial traffic, as if is firmer & beds into the Latex backing to reduce movement.

If you have any questions we suggest you contact us as their are a multitude of underlays & installations methods.

MARKETING "SECRETS": We would suggest not to waste "YOUR" precious time getting or asking a "normal" carpet installer / layer (one that installs conventional modern carpets) about any of the NATURAL FLOORCOVERINGS as most wouldn't know of each individual product characteristics & installation requirements, this is only one of the KEY areas that is most often overlooked & misunderstood by clients, I take it we have all seen the results of carpet with bubbles in them caused by, incorrect materials or/& unprofessional installation methods being used.
The choices are simple, QUALITY -v- QUANTITY, unfortunately this will be the simple difference between a Job# that, will give you long lasting satisfaction & trouble free maintenance for years to come, to You & Your Clients.

HEALTH: SISAL is a carpet that an increasing amount of people are turning to that require, a low dust & low allergy free environment that marries up to wooden flooring & creates a natural look & underfoot feeling that gives a wonderful foot massage, but still don't expect this product to feel as soft as a conventional piled carpet as it is a twine carpet.

MAKING A FLOOR PLAN: We can give you a QUOTE via the INTERNET, All you have to do is, draw a simple Plan & forward it with your inquiry. This pages will give you an INSTANT estimate on the cost and the usage of materials.

SAMPLE REQUESTS: We can post a few small samples in a standard envelope FREE of charge. In addition to samples, we can arrange for you to see roll stock of our natural floorcoverings.