Mohawk Launches Optiback Carpet Backing

Dalton, GA, January 4, 2006--Not all of Mohawk’s new carpet innovations are on the visible side of the carpet. One of the most important is one that consumers may never see. Mohawk’s new Optiback technology is a step forward in carpet backings. Three times denser than the traditional carpet backing, the new Optiback means more strength, better warranties, and easier installation. “A typical carpet backing has a weave of 5 pics by 5 pics,” said Ed Williams, senior vice president of marketing. “Our new Optiback is 15 pics by 14 pics. That means much more dimensional stability and a stronger product. So much stronger, in fact, that Mohawk is offering its first backing warranty--ten years protection from backing delamination. There’s also another big advantage to the denser, softer backing--less risk of wall or baseboard damage during installation. “The roughness of traditional backings is caused by the latex flowing through the weave,” Williams said. "And that can scratch walls and baseboards, causing damage that the homeowner, or worse, the installer must fix,” he said. “With Optiback, this doesn’t happen, and the backing is smoother. The installer can work without the constant worry of damage.” The smoother backing also means that installation is easier because installers don’t have to exert as much effort to move the carpet around on the floor. “Some of the materials added to a backing to prevent wall scratches have made the installer’s job much harder,” Williams said. “Some materials create so much friction that installers have to use leaf blowers to push air under the carpet so it can be adjusted on the floor. With Mohawk’s Optiback, however, the smoother surface allows the carpet to be easily adjusted and moved as necessary, saving effort--and time--during the installation process.” Mohawk’s Optiback will be used on the company’s better quality goods beginning in 2006.