Makes an impression on
Makes an impression on any carpet. The powerful Puzzi 30/4 from Kärcher. Maximum cleaning power for large carpeted areas: the innovative Puzzi 30/4 spray extraction cleaner with extra-large water tank and flexible suction lip. Dirt is sprayed, loosened and immediately vacuumed along with the cleaning water, meaning that the carpet is left clean and almost completely dry. The new Puzzi 30/4: the most efficient solution for professional carpet cleaning. www.kaercher.com
In The Field - with Jacques Bolze The “inside line” on product solutions and standards part 2 Flooring: Ideas & Analysis Soft Underfoot Criteria for selecting carpet for hotels In the previous edition of the SMARTreport, we looked at different ideas and trends in floor coverings for hotels. Today, more specifically, Jacques Bolze, Director of Product Solutions & Standards for the Accor Group, outlines the key criteria used by his organisation in the selection of carpet. The advantage of carpet in a hotel is it’s simply the cheapest solution, with prices – for example for 900 gram carpets – as low as 11 Euros / sq m. In terms of sound deadening, carpets are the most efficient - an important point to take into account. The drawback is that they are harder to maintain, because vacuuming a carpet is harder than vacuuming a hard surface. Another drawback is that carpets can be stained, and stains are difficult to remove if they are not dealt with immediately. In guest rooms, we avoid unicoloured or light-coloured carpets, opting for those with patterns or designs that will mask imperfections. SPECS FOR HOTEL CARPETS We tend to use polyamide or polyester carpets, but in high-end properties, we occasionally introduce wool blends. 100% wool is definitely not recommended, as it’s too hard to maintain, and tends to be flattened in areas or high usage. We specify 8mm pile, and we look for minimum 900-gram carpet. Even in our Ibis properties, where we previously employed 600-gram models, we have upped the weight to 900 grams, thanks to the economies of scale and high-tech production methods of the manufacturers. The pile should be twisted in order for it to remain vertical and not be flattened. As these are printed carpets, it is important that the printing be done using the Militron method, which ensures the injection of the ink right down to the root of the fibres. IIMPORTANCE OF INSTALLATION The preparation, just like for painting a room, will govern the longevity of the carpet. The floor should be perfectly flat and smooth, to avoid areas where the carpet will wear in an unusual fashion. The choice of glue is important. We increasingly use “re-positionable” glue. This is because in the life of a carpet – which is about five years, we ensure that the carpet can be taken up easily. If you have glue that is too strong, when you remove the carpet, you take up part of the floor with it and cause a lot of extra work before being able to install the new carpet. Re-positionable glue enables us to take up and re-position the carpet without causing any damage. Another factor we look for is that in the format or size of the carpet roll, they should be able to be easily manipulated, but also there should be as little waste as possible. UNDERLAY We avoid using underlay, as the carpets we use have their own foam backing, and if combined with underlay, the backing rubs-off and end up rotting, creating all kinds of problems. What’s more important, when looking for acoustic protection, is the weight of the carpet, rather than the underlay. KEY CARPET SUPPLIERS FOR THE ACCOR GROUP: BIG (Beaulieu International Group), Desso and EGE. See you again in the next edition www.cleverhotel.org Hotel & Tourism SMARTreport / Worldwide Edition N°24 / November 2014 - February 2015 11
