Ah, the age old question; why choose wool over synthetic carpeting? First, a quick look at the science behind wool material;
Wool comes from sheep that produce the material to protect their bodies from a variety of climates and other natural elements. These qualities remain intact when man produces material made from this fiber to make clothing or carpet. Natural wool actually has two different types of wool cells – the orthcortex and the paracortex. Each lies on the opposite side of the fiber and grow at different rates. This causes a coil spring that makes the wool very elastic. The natural shock absorber allows the wool to quickly spring back to its original form. In fact wool fiber can be stretched more than 35% and still easily return back to its natural shape.
This protective barrier also stops water from easily penetrating the wool fiber making wool water resistant. But more than being water resistant, wool is able to absorb about 1/3 of its weight in moisture and yet still not feel damp. This natural quality of wool allows it to remain warm and recover from pressure points quickly.
These characteristics of wool translate to carpet in the following ways:
· Wool is very resilient and its texture allows it to very quickly recover from crushing or indenting caused by footsteps or furniture. This natural resilience also keeps the carpet looking new and fresh for longer periods of time.
· Wool has a natural ability to resist staining and soiling. In fact it has more than a 30% higher rate of stain resistance than even the best synthetic fibers. It’s so good at resisting stains because of the natural light wax that coats the surface of the wool. This coating helps stop dirt and stains from actually penetrating the wool leaving any soiling on or near the surface. That’s why when wool is stained it is very easy to clean.
· Wool fiber is also flame resistant providing natural flame retardant without the addition of chemicals. Because of this, wool is an excellent choice for carpeting for any room in your home and especially for children’s rooms.
· Wool is also very durable and will last for many years without showing signs of wear. Surprisingly wool carpet only costs slightly more than synthetic fibers and because of its exceptional long life it is by far a wiser choice than other types of carpet. You will quickly recoup the extra cost in the additional years of wear.
· Wool is also an excellent form of insulation, which becomes extra valuable during the long, harsh New England winters.
Wool carpet comes in many different colors, patterns, and styles. It is also produced all over the world, so each manufacturer creates its own brand of products. For more information about wool carpeting and how you can get it into your home, call us at 781-844-4912 or email needcptwrk@comcast.net.
