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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS       

Selecting Carpet

Q: What factors determine carpet quality and performance?
A: In cut pile carpet, the amount of face yarn is generally the most important, and the denser, the better. When comparing samples, bend the carpet and note how close the individual tufts are to each other and how much of the backing is exposed. Look closely at the cut ends of individual yarns to be sure they're neat and well defined and don't blossom open. Finally make sure your cut pile fibers are heatset, which enables yarns to hold their twist through extended use and repeated cleaning. All S&S Mills nylon cut-pile carpets are heatset. In loop pile carpet, the two most important elements are fiber type and carpet construction. S&S Mills uses the very best fibers and takes great pride in manufacturing the highest quality carpet in the industry.

Q: Which is the better material for cut pile carpet, polyester, or nylon?
A: We believe that nylon is definitely the superior choice. Polyester tends to mat and crush more quickly than nylon. In modern homes with skylights, French doors and palladium windows, you'll want carpet that doesn't fade easily. That's why S&S Mills uses nylon in all our cut pile carpets.

Q: How much carpet do I need?
A: S&S Mills has compiled a list of installers in your area. Contact an installer and have them come out to your house to measure the rooms where you want new carpet installed. If you want to purchase several styles of new carpet, make sure that you have separate yardage figures for each room.

Q: How do I choose the right color?
A: Color is basically up to the preference of the individual, however there are some general guidelines that will help you decide. Carpet color and texture affect the character of your room. If your room lacks sunlight, it can be "brightened" by using lighter colored carpets like whites, creams, or soft warm beige colors. Cool colors, like blues and greens, soften or "cool" a room that has a lot of sun and windows. Lighter color carpet will generally show less footprints, while dark carpet helps hide soil and stains. It goes to follow that light color carpet is best reserved for rooms that have less traffic like formal living rooms, dining rooms, and guest bedrooms.

Q: What about padding?
A: Under every gorgeous, long-lasting carpet, there's a worthy cushion. Padding is essential to a carpet's longevity. It also helps add comfort and absorb noise. S&S Mills features a variety of carpet cushions that are specially created for your home or office. All at prices substantially less than retail.

Q: How much should I spend?
A: Only you know how much you want to spend, but it is always recommended to buy the best grade of carpet you can afford. High quality carpets are guaranteed to provide more comfort, last longer, and are actually more economical for the long-term. One of the best things about S&S Mills is that you can actually buy better carpet for thousands less than you would spend at a retail showroom.

Q: Is there a minimum order?
A: No. You may buy as little or as much carpet as you wish.

Q: Do pattern and texture have an impact on performance?
A: Absolutely. Textures created by tonal patterns not only add to visual interest, they also help hide soil and camouflage wear patterns. We'll be glad to recommend colors, patterns, and textures best suited for your particular conditions.

Q: What are nylon generations and how important are they in carpet manufacturing?
A: Since 1947, the carpet industry has moved through five generations of nylon. First generation fibers were round, clear, and actually magnified dirt. Inherent static buildup was a problem. Second generation fibers changed shape to effectively reduce soil magnification and hide its presence by scattering light rays. Third generation nylon improved soil hiding by further modifying shapes and adding a delustering agent. Conductive filaments were incorporated to reduce static buildup. Fourth generation added carpet protectors to make fibers soil resistant, and anti-microbial treatments to prevent bacterial growth. Fifth generation makes use of improved stain release properties. Being at the leading edge, S&S Mills uses fifth generation in all our nylon carpet.

Q: Does S&S Mills carpet offer static control and fade resistance?
A: We make S&S Mills carpet with patented conductive filaments, like miniature carbon lightning rods, that eliminates static electricity buildup. So you won't be jolted with annoying shocks when the air is dry. While every carpet can fade from sunlight, ozone in the air, and everyday wear and cleaning, ours has been test approved for color fastness. So it will hold its beauty longer.

Q: What kind of stain resistance does S&S Mills offer?
A: Good stain protection can offset the stains on lighter carpet in high traffic areas. All S&S Mills carpet comes with some type of stain protection. Through utilization of permanently stain-resistant fibers that are inherently stain and moisture resistant, or. by using Solutia Wear-Dated II, Dupont STAINMASTER Carpet or Scotchgard Carpet Protector on our nylon products, we have created superior carpet that should give you years of beautiful use in your home.

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