Appearance Retention Scales

Appearance Retention Scales

Illustrative comparison of CRI carpet appearance retention scales used to evaluate crushing, matting, texture change, and traffic-related appearance retention.
Lab - CRI - ISO Appearance Retention Scales 3

Appearance retention scales

Lab - CRI - ISO Appearance Retention Scales 1

Appearance retention scales

Lab - CRI - ISO Appearance Retention Scales 2

Appearance retention scales

Matting

Matting

Sierra Exif JPEG

Scratches can dull the appearance

Sierra Exif JPEG

Twist loss

carpet showing traffic lane matting and loss of pile definition
Illustrative comparison of CRI carpet appearance retention scales used to evaluate crushing, matting, texture change, and traffic-related appearance retention. Lab - CRI - ISO Appearance Retention Scales 3 Lab - CRI - ISO Appearance Retention Scales 1 Lab - CRI - ISO Appearance Retention Scales 2 Matting Sierra Exif JPEG Sierra Exif JPEG carpet showing traffic lane matting and loss of pile definition

CRI Carpet Appearance Retention Scales

Floor Detective® Laboratory Testing Reference

Summary

CRI Carpet Appearance Retention Scales are standardized photographic comparison systems used to evaluate traffic-related changes in carpet appearance over time. The scales provide structured visual references for assessing crushing, matting, pile distortion, texture change, and loss of surface definition associated with service exposure and laboratory traffic simulation. Appearance-retention grading evaluates visible surface change rather than structural carpet failure, backing deterioration, or fiber loss. The scales are comparative visual tools and are not independent pass/fail defect standards. See also Contract Walker, Carpet Problems, and Flooring Laboratory Testing and Analysis for broader context.

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