Can anyone point me to a manufacturer that provides carpet for a wall surface?
I have Architect that wants to run it up wall in a gym over gypsumboard and 20 gage studs.
Part 1: In specifying carpet for walls
- Take the architect out and shoot them. Watch out for blood spatter as this often ends up as evidence against the specifier.
- Wrap the body securely in a plastic bag
- Set up a good alibi for where you were during the trip
- Bury far away from home
- Do not return to the scene of the crime.
Part 2
I saw this in the early 70s on several bar room walls the shag carpet was (I discovered late one night) used to help the patrons stay upright as they were leaning against the walls. (True story)
Part 3
Application: If still intent on this folly dont use GWB as the paper facing will pull off with the carpet. In a GYM for heavens sake! Lets talk plywood as a substrate and assemble as you would a floor and forget about warranties as you will receive none.
Now the above is just my opinion Perhaps someone older and wiser would like to take a shot at it (pun intended)
Seriously, if the architect is still alive after Marc gets done with him/her, and is still convinced that this is the thing to do, make sure that the material meets the fire codes for walls (Class A?). You might have to check with the local authorities to be certain.
Then you want a felted, matted type of product - Eurotex comes to mind, but I think that’s an old name.
I agree with Marc, there’re better finishes if acoustical treatment is the intended purpose of the carpet, IMHO.
However, if you continue on this path, there’re some specific code-related issues you need to be aware of. The actual code depends on the local jurisdiction, but the 2003 IBC requires that the carpet be Class A (ASTM E 84) and be protected by an automatic sprinkler system, or meet the requirements of test protocol Methods A or B when tested IAW NFPA 265.
It has been a while since specifying wall carpet, so I do not know current manufacturers. As I recall, the fiber needed to be polypropylene and the fiber density was very light to meet the wall finish flame/smoke requirements.
Im glad Marc was first with the How 1970s! comment. My first thought was: if this is NOT burnt orange or avocado green shag carpet, how disappointing!
Seriously, Id second the thoughts: use plywood or something other than gypsum board; check the code issues carefully. Also, maybe you can drop an email to the Carpet Rug Institute I doubt they have anything online regarding this type of installation, but they might have some wisdom to share. http://www.carpet-rug.com/index.cfm
Unfortunately, we actually have a master for this product but I will say that it has not been specified for quite a long while. Here are the manufacturers we have listed (and they may have changed so you should verify, but at least it’s a starting point!).
Ozite Textiles, Fabratex “Elevations”.
Knoll Textiles “Furrows”.
MDC Wallcoverings “Century Plus”.
Follow-up to Ms. Javoroski’s suggestion–
http://www.eurotexinc.com/html/wall_products.html
Also, most AHJs will require that a manufacturer’s certificate be submitted, noting the fire testing and rating of the material as part of their approval process [as noted, a Class A rating would be appropriate].
By all means use a more formidable substrate-- avoid gyp bd!
Typical floor carpets are tested for flammability per ASTM E648 Floor Radiant Panel Test. This is a completely different test than ASTM E84, which is used for flame spread testing for items used on walls and ceilings. As has been alluded to in previous postings, you cant just use a floor carpet on the walls.
I agree that plywood would be a preferable substrate, but it may need to be fire-retardant treated; depends on the fire rating, if any, of the wall assembly. Perhaps consider one of the very high impact-resistant gypsum board type products, some of which are made without paper faces.
Per the 2003 IBC, all interior wall and ceiling finishes must be classified IAW ASTM E 84. ASTM E 648 is similar (if not identical) to NFPA 253 for Critical Radiant Flux, which is the test method required by the IBC. However, this is only required for floor finishes in vertical exits, exit passageways, and exit access corridors.
Laugh now, but you’ll probably see this project in “Architecture” with some mind-numbing drivel about societal milieu, contextual sensitivity, and neo-retro-pre-post-modernist BS.
Another supplier you could look at that provides a Class A rating for wallfabric:
Operable wall manufactures as Hufcor, Advanced Equipment use a this type of material. It is manufactured with nylon fibers. You will see it in the convention centers, walls leading into the restrooms, tackboards… It is velcro receptive so it is used a lot in the display booth arena as well.