Carpet Flammability & The Benefits of Wool
Wool carpets have a long list of benefits, a lot of them stemming from its natural fibres. One of these is a natural resistance to flame. Carpets and other floor coverings made of synthetic fibres can encourage the spread of the fire, passing it quickly to furniture. Thankfully, fires are a terrible catastrophe and fortunately very rare occurrences. Wool carpets cannot stop fires from breaking out, but they can slow its spread significantly. The also produce a far lower level of smoke than other fibres.
Benefits of Wool
In the world of clothes, few question the advantages of wool. This natural fibre works like a spring and resists wrinkles. It can stretch by up to an additional one third of its dimensions and spring back to its original shape. Wool has very balanced thermal insulation characteristics. It is warm in winter yet cool in summer. Importantly, it resists bacteria yet absorbs harmful pollutants that are present in the air but does not re-emit them. When buying wool carpets, it’s important to remember that the wool will work in just this way when it is a floor covering. A natural wool carpet also absorbs pollutants from the air and resists bacteria, making it an ideal floor covering for occupants who may be asthmatic or allergic to dust and particulates.
Chemical Structure
A natural wool carpet is unique in its chemical structure, having a high nitrogen (approximately 14%) and moisture content. The benefits this structure provides include a high temperature for ignition, between 570 and 600 degrees C, and a high Limiting Oxygen Index of 25.2%. The latter measure indicates the percentage of oxygen needed for combustion to be sustained. The overall flammability index of wool is 38%, while the same index for polypropylene is 68%, for nylon it is 76% and for acrylic is 78%.
Fire Protection and Safety
Even when the carpet burns, it releases heat at a very low rate and, unlike synthetic fibres, does not stick or turn into molten globules as it burns. The burning carpet just forms an insulating char that protects other materials beneath, and it is also self-extinguishing. Many householders may be shocked at the cost when buying wool carpets. But this is a purchase that provides a lot of comfort – you can slide over a wool carpet but a synthetic fibre carpet will leave burns. It is also a smart investment, as these carpets will last for years. Vitally, it is a crucial home safety measure. In the event of a fire, occupants can crawl to safety on the wool carpet without any danger of inhaling smoke and so escape the building.
Where We Offer Carpet Fitting
Our team is available in many counties including Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and the outskirts of South West London (we do cover London and the whole of the South East of England depending on the scale of the project). Some of these areas include towns such as Banstead, Elmbridge, Epsom, Ewell, Guildford, Mole Valley, Newbury, Reigate, Runnymeade, Spelthorne, Surrey Heath, Tandridge, Waverley, Winchester and Woking. We have been established for over 50 years providing Carpet Fitting.
Main Coverage Area
Downs Carpets & Beds have a fantastic team of carpet fitters working alongside our in-store teams. Get in touch for a quote or visit one of our stores below for more information.
Explore our range of carpets, flooring & beds
Customer Stories
Once an order is complete we always encourage customer feedback. Here’s a selection of different projects and customer comments.
Flooring for complete house
We have used Downs in the past and once again the salesperson was very helpful, answering all my queries. The fitter was equally helpful and able to give knowledgeable advice for a future product. I highly recommend Downs as a local business.
Marian G
Carpet order
From the first enquiry to the fitting of the new carpet, we were warmly welcomed by friendly staff, which helped to make our choice and decisions easy. Carpet came much sooner that originally told but that was great as it meant we could get on with the other changes in the particular room. Many thanks for an excellent service.
Richard M
Kitchen/diner
Customer service is top notch. We have used CMS for all of our flooring requirements to date and will continue to do so throughout the renovation of our house.
Vicky B
Bedroom carpets
The sales team were really efficient and helpful, taking into consideration our requirements. The fitters worked well, efficiently and cleared up afterwards a real blessing. The choice of flooring was great and the prices very competitive. Recommend CMS carpets and would use them again. Thank you.
Karen P
The Downs Difference
At Downs Carpets & Beds, we stay true to our original core values. Take a look at why our customers choose us for their beds and carpets time and time again.
Free Measuring Service
We can visit you with carpet samples at a time to suit you. We will check your sub-floor, measure, plan and provide a free no-obligation quote.
Leading Brands
We aim to offer the largest choice of products at the very best prices, with all the leading brands of beds and carpets in one shop for your convenience.
Running For Over 50 Years
All Fitting Guaranteed
Every home or office carpet installation we undertake is covered by our one year Fitting Guarantee for complete peace of mind.
Specialist Expertise
We specialise in great quality carpets, flooring and beds at the very best prices, with friendly, knowledgeable staff to provide expert advice.
Speedy Fitting & Home Delivery
Most of our popular carpet, bed and flooring ranges are held in stock to ensure that we can offer competitive pricing and fast delivery times.
Our bespoke service
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Design consultation: Working collaboratively with you, your designer helps you select the right products.
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Technical consultation: We will conduct a technical survey, checking all measurements and any unusual angles.
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Supplying the product: Your chosen product will be ordered and delivered to you in the time frames discussed.
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Professional Installation: Our expert installers precision fits your product for an exceptional finish.
What Our Customers Say
James AvisonKev, Ash & Mark, our fitters, have been brilliant. Working at light-speed, they've been thorough, meticulous and professional. It's not every group of tradespeople that you'd be happy to recommend, especially in a predominantly female office environment but these three were respectful, thoughtful and good company to have around. We'd be glad to have them back and the quality of their workmanship is excellent. Thank you.
peter brunsdenExcellent job done, good price and very professional at all times. recarpet of first floor of period property, tricky job well handled. Highly recommended
Debbie AshworthI knew what I wanted when I went in and had the measurements as well. The person serving me was very helpful and we were able to get everything sorted easily.
Ian Fewtrell-SmithGood. There was a small hiccup but quickly resolved.
Carole HornerWe have found this company to be excellent with their service and with great recommendations for carpets in relevant rooms. So our latest purchase for lounge and 2 flights of stairs and landings. Process was well explained and nothing seemed too much trouble. The fitters were exceptional !
Yvonne HossackCarpets and vinyl lovely. Dave the fitter was so accomplished, he fitted the stair runner brilliantly. Both Dave and his assistant Andy were courteous and helpful
Katherine SingletonHi Simon, Thank you for getting all the carpets all sorted, you have been brilliant Simon, its been a pleasure and I appreciate you always being quick to communicate and answer any questions. I am very pleased I came back to you after 18 years! Stress free process and quality carpets and good honest prices! Barry the carpet measuring guy was prompt and has a nice friendly and polite manner. The fitters Kevin & Paul are nice chaps too. All in all a great team from start to finish. I wish all companies operated like you do. Well done and thanks again. Best Regards K
Yoshihiro SunbeamHad a superb experience when we went in recently looking for a carpet quote. Spoke to Simon and he was very helpful and accommodating, explaining how the prices worked and what the best underlay was for our particular situation. Would highly recommend if in the West Berkshire area.
Judith CursonVinyl for a small space fitted well and at much shorter notice than we expected
