Retention Rating Guidelines

Comparisons made easy

The Carpet Texture Retention Rating system identifies the level of appearance change of a carpet surface resulting from foot traffic. These guidelines are intended to assist designers, architects and specifiers in selecting commercial carpet with acceptable texture retention performance in specific end-use applications.

Scope: The Carpet Texture Retention Rating system identifies changes in appearance on a 1 to 5 numbered scale: 5 represents no change in appearance and 1 represents a very severe change. The ratings indicate the amount of change from the original in the texture of the pile yarn expected in a given traffic area during the first year after installation. The rating does not reflect the potential influence of variable factors such as soiling, staining, maintenance and improper installation. Carpet with a higher rating, such as 4.5 or 4.0, will retain its original new appearance longer under various traffic conditions than carpet with a lower rating. The rating numbers can often be found in architect folders on all commerical projects.

Texture Appearance Retention Rating determination: The Texture Retention Rating value is determined by grading the appearance change of a carpet subjected carpet subjected to simulated traffic exposure either from actual walkers or from laboratory drum tests such as from Hexapod or Vettermann Drum testers. Carpet is tested without underlay cushion material. After simulated traffic exposure, the exposure-conditioned carpet is rated according to CRI TM101-Assessment of Carpet Surface Appearance Change using CRI Carpet Appearance Retention Grading Scales.

To obtain the projected appearance retention performance, the carpet must be correctly installed following the manufacturer’s instructions and in accordance with the installation guidelines in CRI 104 Standard for Installation Specification of Commercial Carpet. Continuing must be in accordance with the carpet manufacturer’s recommendations.

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Table 1
Appearance Retention Rating Determination for Commercial Carpet

Based on a 12,000 cycle Hexapod exposure conditioning test, commercial carpets shall have at least a:

≥2.5 ARR for application in a Moderate traffic end use

≥3.0 ARR for application in a Heavy traffic end use

≥3.5 ARR for application in a Severe traffic end use

Use classification determination: The moderate, heavy or severe end-use classification is determined based on the expected number of users, type of traffic, anticipated frequency and intensity of use and similar factors. The classification system indicates the minimum Texture Retention Rating for an individual end-use application. At the discretion of the specifier, a higher rating classification may be specified for the end use application. Traffic level classification for stair applications should be rated as severe.

Table 2

Each end-use application is identified with either a moderate, heavy or severe traffic level classification. For an individual end-use application, select a commercial carpet with at least a Texture Retention Rating as indicated in the Traffic Level Classification column. A higher value rated carpet may be selected if so desired by a specifier.

End-Use Application	Traffic Level Classification
End-Use Application	Moderate	Heavy	Severe

Banks/Credit Unions
Entrance and customer banking space			≥3.5 ARR
Open office space		≥3.0 ARR
Private offices		≥3.0 ARR

Bowling Alleys
Concourse (excluding food service, working and storage areas)			≥3.5 ARR

Chapels and Other Religious Facilities
Educational wing		≥3.0 ARR
Worship areas		≥3.0 ARR

Child Care Centers			≥3.5 ARR

Clubs			≥3.5 ARR

Golf Course Clubhouse
Administrative (no golf shoe traffic)		≥3.0 ARR
Dining area (no golf shoe traffic)			≥3.5 ARR
Grill area (golf shoe traffic)		≥3.0 ARR
Pro shop (golf shoe traffic)		≥3.0 ARR

Libraries			≥3.5 ARR
Conference rooms			≥3.5 ARR
Corridors			≥3.5 ARR

Lodging Facilities/Dormitory, etc.
Conference rooms			≥3.5 ARR
Combination living/sleeping rooms		≥3.0 ARR
Dining facilities			≥3.5 ARR
Offices		≥3.0 ARR
Public areas (lobbies, lounges, TV rooms, day room, etc.)			≥3.5 ARR
Sleeping rooms		≥3.0 ARR

Medical Facilities (excluding patient treatment areas)
Assisted living areas		≥3.0 ARR
Chapels	≥2.5 ARR
Classrooms		≥3.0 ARR
Clinical waiting areas (outpatient/pharmacy/ancillary zone only)			≥3.5 ARR
Consultation rooms		≥3.0 ARR
Corridors			≥3.5 ARR
Dining areas			≥3.5 ARR
Elevators			≥3.5 ARR
Entrance areas (entry mats should be utilized)			≥3.5 ARR
Libraries		≥3.0 ARR
Lobbies			≥3.5 ARR
Lounges		≥3.0 ARR
Offices, private/semi-private			≥3.5 ARR
Patient rooms		≥3.0 ARR
Playrooms-OB/GYN-Pediatric clinic			≥3.5 ARR
Staff sleeping and watch areas	≥2.5 ARR
Combination living/sleeping rooms		≥3.0 ARR
Multi-purpose areas			≥3.5 ARR
Sleeping rooms	≥2.5 ARR

Military Housing
Bachelor Enlisted Quarters
Dining facilities			≥3.5 ARR
Offices		≥3.0 ARR
Public areas (lobbies, lounges, etc.)			≥3.5 ARR
Sleeping/living rooms			≥3.5 ARR

Retail Stores
Offices		≥3.0 ARR
Restaurant & cafeteria dining areas			≥3.5 ARR
Sales areas			≥3.5 ARR

Theaters			≥3.5 ARR

Training Buildings/Educational Facilities (including dependents’ schools)
Classrooms			≥3.5 ARR
Corridors			≥3.5 ARR
Staff/administration offices		≥3.0 ARR

Youth Centers			≥3.5 ARR

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