Secondary Backing Systems & Their Applications for Hospitality
Action-Bac is a synthetic polypropylene fabric that, by applying latex, is laminated to tufted carpet's primary backing during the finishing process to provide a stable secondary backing. It is hospitality's standard for secondary backings for stretch-in installations over separate pad/cushion for "rooms" carpeting. The combination of carpet and separate cushion is best suited to rooms carpeting because these areas must have maximum comfort underfoot. ActionBac is economical, flexible and the combination of carpet with separate cushion increases appearance retention. ActionBac is often used for direct glue installations but is not recommended and not warranted, particularly for cut-pile products. (Note: Cushion must be a flat commercial pad, not less than 1/4" and not greater than 3/8" thick with 6 lb. minimum density.)
ActionBac w/ Print-Base Latex This system has the same stretch-in installation applications as standard ActionBac but with improved physical properties i.e. increased moisture resistance, tuft bind, and delam strength. While ActionBac w Print-Base Latex has improved properties, it has no "visible" difference when compared to standard ActionBac.
Unitary is a dense latex laminated to the primary backing without the use of a secondary fabric. It is designed for direct glue in high traffic areas. Unitary increases tuft-bind and eliminates the possibility of a secondary backing to delaminate or for carpet to buckle in extreme traffic installations. This system is not recommended for stretch over pad because it has very limited stretch for tackless installations or for pattern match at seams as compared to ActionBac. It is sometimes used for purely short-term economy installations. Since designed usage is without separate cushion, obviously the direct glue of carpet to floor surface will reduce appearance retention.
Unitary w ActionBac or "Double-Lock" In this process, the dense unitary latex is laminated with ActionBac secondary for dimensional stability. It is designed primarily for glue down installations. Its benefit is in providing improved tuft-bind and delam properties over standard ActionBac. Please note that because of the rigidity and stability of this backing system, it has minimal capacity to stretch when compared to conventional backings. Therefore, for stretch in installations, this system is made available only at customer's discretion and understanding of stretch limitations.
Note: Unitary or Unitary w ActionBac (Double-Lock) are often thought of as moisture resistant. While it is true they are extremely non-porous, continuous exposure to moisture can eventually disintegrate these Unitary backings.
Dura-Bond is Templeton's unique backing system that locks yarn tufts and backings together during manufacturing. In this process the yarn is tufted thru two backings at the same time. A special dense latex is then laminated to the back of the tufted carpet. This process provides maximum tuft-bind and lamination strength and virtually eliminates excess bow or skew problems. With this system, Templeton can warrant 10-year high tuft-bind and 10-year no-delam. These performance features are of primary concern for loop or cut/loop products. Please note that because of the rigidity and stability of this backing system, it has minimal capacity to stretch when compared to conventional backings. For stretch-in installations and areas involving pattern match, additional effort and conditioning will be required by the installer. Therefore, this system is made available only at customer's discretion and understanding of stretch limitations.
Attached Polyurethane Cushions (12' - 13'6 ft. width available)
1. What is an Attached Polyurethane Cushion? This process begins by precoating
and attaching an ActionBac secondary to the carpet with a high quality Print-Base
Latex. Then through a partnership with TEXTILE RUBBER & CHEMICAL CO.,
we apply one of three available grades of polyurethane cushion over the top
of the ActionBac. These premium polyurethane attached cushions provide comfort
underfoot while maximizing appearance retention and durability.
2. How are these attached cushions installed? For these installations,
the standard direct glue method of these backings to the floor means you
only glue the finished carpet to the floor one time. This obviously is more
cost efficient than double-stick or double glue-down installations where
a separate cushion is glued to the floor and then the carpet is glued to
the cushion. An excellent or "Premium" multi-purpose adhesive is
required for installation of these polyurethane attached cushions.
Below are the two grades of KangaTrac and the one System TR/18 offered by Mattel / Templeton and Textile Rubber and Chemical Company:
KT-24 24 oz. cushion at 24 lb. density, KT-24 is designed for corridors because its firm density provides ease of roller mobility for carts or any wheeled traffic.
KT-30 30 oz. cushion at 30 lb. density, KT-30 is for areas requiring extra firm density for increased ease of roller mobility AND increased moisture resistance. KT-30 was actually designed for Health Care because of the need for these superior performance features.
TR/18 30 oz. cushion at 18 lb. density, TR/18 is for hotel lobbies, casinos or any public areas with heavy foot and roller traffic, but where more comfort underfoot is important. It is softer, less dense than KT-24 or KT-30 in order to provide this comfort. TR/18 is the only backing of the three that has a layer of synthetic lino-weave scrim for increased ease in installation as well as for ease in later removal.
Note: To assure performance, a specified dense carpet construction is required in these high traffic areas.
Note: All KangaTrac & TR/18 backings are moisture "resistant" with KT-30 being the most moisture resistant of these three products.
Note: All installations must be performed in compliance with CRI 104, THE
CARPET AND RUG INSTITUTE STANDARD for INSTALLATION of COMMERCIAL CARPET.
This installation guide emphasizes the requirements of power-stretching and
seam-sealing as well as many other proper installation procedures that improve
carpet performance and reduce claim potential.
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