Skew
Skew (Carpet)
Floor Detective® Claims and Conditions Guide
Summary
Carpet skew is an appearance-related dimensional condition in which pattern elements, tuft rows, or backing alignment are not square to the carpet length, creating a consistent diagonal deviation across the width. The condition typically develops when unequal side-to-side tension, shrinkage, tracking, or processing control occurs during dyeing, finishing, backing, or drying operations. Patterned carpet constructions commonly make skew more visible because straight pattern rows no longer align perpendicular to the carpet length or architectural reference lines. Skew may be confused with related dimensional conditions such as bow or pattern elongation, although each develops through different dimensional mechanisms and presents differently during evaluation. The condition affects pattern alignment and appearance uniformity rather than tuft bind, backing integrity, or structural performance. See also Bow, Pattern Elongation, and Carpet Problems for broader context.
Carpet Problems
Carpet Fiber Identification (Field and Laboratory Methods)
Wool and Wool Carpet Properties
Carpet Beetle Damage
Fiber Properties
Missing Row
Wrinkles in Backing
Unraveling / Runs (Carpet)
Core Crush / Roll-Core Pile Reversal (Carpet)
