Shaw's new LifeGuard carpet protection system covers the entire product, from face fiber to backing.

Shaw Floors' new LifeGuard is a carpet protection system that covers the entire product, from face fiber to backing, according to the company.

Carpets featuring LifeGuard are treated with Shaw’s patented R2X Stain and Soil Resistance Protection, while a patented 100% thermoplastic commercial-grade backing provides a moisture barrier that is highly resistant to liquids soaking into the carpet padding and subfloor.

"Some carpets promise protection against liquid spills and other accidents, including those caused by pets but they don't address the reality of what really happens when spills occur. Liquids still soak through the carpet backing and spread, leaving stains and potential odors,” said Trey Thames, vice president of residential marketing and product management. “LifeGuard’s patented backing system, on the other hand, keeps these liquids from seeping into the backing making it easier to clean and offering protection against odor-causing spills including pet accidents.”

Shaw’s new collection of carpets featuring LifeGuard comprise the first residential styles to offer a moisture-resistant barrier, according to Thames. Treated with Shaw’s R2X Stain and Soil Resistance System, the collection’s styles are protected against liquid stains and the LifeGuard backing provides an additional level of protection. LifeGuard also reduces wicking of stains and offers consumers more time to discover and clean up spills.

Liquid spills—and pet accidents—can initially go unnoticed and soak into the carpet backing, padding and even the subfloor. Certain liquids, such as pet urine and its distinctive odor, are extremely difficult to remove if not promptly cleaned. LifeGuard styles dissipate these odors, eliminating them in 30 minutes or less, Thames added.

“The R2X protection is also extremely effective in resisting soiling, much more so than topically treated carpets, and the stain and soil resistance won’t wear off even after repeated cleanings,” explained Chris Yarbrough, Shaw's director of carpet technology and performance.

According to Yarbrough, carpets with LifeGuard are much easier to clean and maintain. R2X protection keeps most liquid spills on the surface for easy removal, and the LifeGuard backing prevents any excess moisture from reaching the padding and subfloor. Even spills that were initially overlooked can be later cleaned thanks to the total fiber and backing protection.

Another LifeGuard advantage, according to the company, is ease of installation. The lightweight, flexible backing system allows installers to easily bend and manipulate the carpet to facilitate installation and it slides easily over the pad. LifeGuard’s backing is also easy to stretch and trim, and cold temperatures don’t affect the installation process.

"LifeGuard carpets are among the most durable luxury styles available. That’s why Shaw is offering unprecedented lifetime delamination, edge ravel, tuft bind warranty," added Yarbrough.

For more information, visit shawfloors.com.