Crushing

Crushing

Crushing on steps

High-traffic area

Steps

High-traffic area

Crushing

Vacuum cleaner raises pile

Matted area

crushing

Comparison with new carpet

Crushing

Rolling traffic

Crushing

Appearance retention scales

Comparison with new carpet

High-traffic area

Crushing

Pattern walkout

Pattern walkout - New compared to installed carpet

Contract Walker

Crushing / Pile Compression (Carpet)

Floor Detective® Claims and Conditions Guide

Summary

Crushing, also referred to as pile compression, is an appearance-related condition in which carpet pile yarns lose height, resilience, and surface definition under repeated traffic or sustained static loading. The condition develops as pile yarns bend, compress, and change orientation over time, altering light reflectance and apparent surface density rather than manufactured density, fiber integrity, or structural performance. Crushing commonly develops in traffic lanes, pivot points, and areas subjected to concentrated use or furniture loading, and visibility may increase under directional or low-angle lighting conditions. The condition reflects appearance retention behavior associated with construction characteristics, traffic exposure, cushion interaction, and maintenance patterns rather than manufacturing defect or backing failure. See also Matting, Appearance Retention, and Carpet Problems for broader context.

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