'Cam Lines' in carpet?

[steviebobs]

After one year of fitting, my hall carpet showed distinct lateral lines, both on and off the main wear areas. After reporting to the retailer (who may be named later...) they sent one of their people to investigate. He said there appeared to be a problem and took some photos. They then responded to me by letter saying there actually was no problem. I complained of course so they arranged for the manufacturer to sort out an 'independent' inspection. That inspector also thought there was a problem and took a myriad of photos. (I actually recorded a question I put to him asking 'do you think there is a problem?' To which he replied positively. I then received the report from the independent company also saying that there was no problem, the issue was 'Cam Lines' which are a result of 'fractional variations within the tension as the yarn moves during the production of the carpet'. Elsewhere in the report they are called 'Can Lines'!

At the time I accepted this, but then decided to google the expression 'Cam Lines' and 'Can Lines' and I found nothing. Being a tad suspicious, I contacted my local independent carpet retailer (not the one I bought from, but the one I should have done !!) and they asked a few of their suppliers/manufacturers and none have come back with knowledge of 'Cam Lines'.

I cannot believe that the Independent Inspector would make up a term to fob me off, especially in writing, hence this post.

Has anyone experienced similar treatment, or even heard of 'Cam Lines'?

Sorry for long post.

SjH

 

[crazydaze]

Who made the carpet? can you post photo's?

If there are line faults in the carpet, it should be replaced, if the lines are to do with the type of machinery the carpet is made on, it may not be a fault but a feature of the product. Not all carpet is manufactured to a single uniform finish, there are some plain ranges that will have a line or texture to the finish due to the type of yarn/machinery/price point of the product.

 

[steviebobs]

Hi and thanks for your interest 'crazydaze'.

The carpet is an Abingdon Amore (Chocolate). Re price point - £24 sq m. and I have 26+ sq m's of it, so not ridiculously expensive but also not bargain basement. I have included a pic but to be honest it has been difficult to get a decent snap of this. It is most noticeable when the sun shines, because the carpet runs the length of our hall with the afternoon sun shining through the glazed front door, and looking toward the sun/door, it is most obvious.

I have sent a letter to The Carpet Foundation asking assistance but, to be honest, I have given up hope of any support - I am probably following this through due to pure 'pedantics' !! Retirement gives you time to pursue those things you couldn't be Ar5ed to follow up before..

It is still interesting that since my original post, I still have nobody indicating that they actually know what Cam Lines are...other than the independent assessor who, to avoid (me) being taken to court, I would rather leave nameless just now, but they are a big name in this game. The supplier and assessor to be exposed when I feel more confident, although the supplier is an anagram of CSS....

Ta for all who have taken the trouble to read my original verbose post.

SjH

 

[crazydaze]

So the lines are all the short variations all over the carpet?

I am not familiar with that particular range as its not one that we stock, however, if it is all those 'lines' that are the issue, that may well be a feature of the finish and not a fault.

The shading should be expected that shows in the pic for sure.

 

[steviebobs]

Thanks again crazydaze. You are right about the shading - no issues there - I have tried to attach a bit of video to try and show the lines but the forum appears not to support video files. I can PM it to you if it is of interest?

I cannot believe this is a feature of the carpet because everyone that sees it comments on it being a fault. And again - even a guy like you 'in the business' has not identified with the expression Cam/Can Lines.

I think I have reached the point of giving up now. I have received a response from the Carpet Foundation indicating that neither SCS or Abingdon Carpets are members of that organisation so they cannot help.

I find it strange that both the attending inspectors from SCS and Renew (The independent inspector commissioned by Abingdon) commented on there being a fault but the written letters/report that came back denied this, using an expression that the rest of the industry appear to struggle with, but Renew would appear to be au fait with it.

If there are any professional carpet people out there that would like a look at the report, let me know!

Ah well lesson learned.

Support your local 'High Street' suppliers and trades-people, you will miss them when they are gone. I am staggered by the support I have since received from my local carpet guys, considering I didn't buy anything from them - I wish I had...

Regards to all who have read/contributed.

SjH

 

[crazydaze]

It's a tough one. Cam or Can lines will be a term that should be familiar with the factory, but it's certainly not a term that I have come across personally. I have seen those lines in carpets before, and attributed them to be a feature of the carpet rather than a fault. I have seen them in expensive Twists from a couple of manufacturers in various installations.

I'm not sure who you can turn to now, but the retailer should be able to provide you with a clear explanation of a can/cam line, escalate your complaint if possible, if there is a fault there, even the 'big sheds' find it important to protect reputation, I'll ask some of the rep's that visit us and see if they have come across this terminology too.