Tension Lines/Streaks
Tension Lines (Carpet)
Floor Detective® Claims and Conditions Guide
Summary
Tension lines are linear appearance variations that run in the length direction of carpet and appear as light or dark streaks. The condition develops during tufting when slight differences in yarn feed tension affect how adjacent yarns sit at the surface. It may resemble shading, appearance retention, or side match, but remains consistent and does not change with viewing direction. Tension lines affect appearance only and do not indicate fiber damage, backing failure, or loss of structural integrity.
What You Need to Know
• Tension lines appear as lengthwise light or dark streaks.
• The condition is most common in loop-pile carpet constructions. ….
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