Shading, Watermarking, Pile Reversal, Pooling Carpet Defects and Problems

Shading is an apparent change of color in carpet pile caused as light is reflected in different ways when pile fibers are bent. This is also called “Pooling” or “Watermarking” or “Pile reversal”. The condition is normally permanent.

Pile reversal can also be caused by seaming. Always seam with the direction of the nap of the carpet to prevent pile reversal. Pile reversing can create a different light reflection, making the seam appear discolored. After installation, shaded areas may appear looking like a water spill - this is why this is called “water pooling”.

This is not a mill defect and does not affect the durability of the carpet. It is a characteristic of plush or velvet cut pile carpet.

Water pooling cannot be permanently reversed.

Three Other Construction Problems You May See in Carpet:

• Delamination is the separation of the primary and secondary backings.
• Rippling is usually due to failure to power stretch the carpet.
• Zippering of loop pile carpet