Pile reversal creates a permanent change in the carpet’s appearance and the visibility of the change depends on the nature of the carpet. These appearance changes are caused by the way light reflects off the tips and sides of the yarn as the pile lays in different directions. Sections of carpet may appear to have had water spilled on it or it may appear dirty. Common terms in the industry for pile reversal are pooling, shading and highlighting. Pile reversal is most distinguishable in smooth surfaced, densely constructed plush type carpets but can occur with any fiber. Exactly why pile reversal occurs is not known. What is observed is that pile reversal is usually found at turning or pivoting points in carpeted areas and when carpet is laid over an uneven subfloor. Pile reversal is not a defect from the manufacturing process or due to the materials used to produce the carpet. Once the condition has developed, it CANNOT be permanently removed.
