Regardless of whether your floors are covered with polyester, nylon or berber carpet, you may wonder how long does carpet last and if the time has come to make an upgrade. You understandably want to replace carpet if it is outdated or seriously damaged, but there are other factors to consider as well. After exploring the longevity of carpet in greater detail, you can make an educated decision about the need to replace it and about the selection of new flooring.
How Long Does Carpet Last: Factors That Influence Longevity
Generally, broadloom has a lifespan up to 15 years, but low-grade carpeting may need to be replaced after only five years. One factor that affects longevity is the material that it is made out of. Polyester carpet fibers are not as resilient as nylon fibers. Once they are trodden, they generally will not return to their originally shape regardless of your efforts to restore it. Nylon fibers on the other hand, may be restored through professional carpet cleaning. Berber has a closed loop design, and it may be made out of nylon or polyester. While the visibility of wear is reduced with Berber carpet, Berber comprised of nylon fibers may last longer. Professional broadloom cleaning is more effective on some types of flooring than others, but you should plan to clean all carpet types once or twice each year. This could keep your floor looking and smelling better for a few additional years.
The quality and thickness of padding also directly impacts carpet longevity. Many people who want to save money will install quality broadloom with low-quality padding because they assume that padding only affects the cushioning under their feet. However, the thickness and quality of padding directly affects carpet wear. If you have low-quality padding, you could consider replacing the padding to potentially extend the longevity of your floor.
Top Signs That Your Floor Should Be Replaced
Replacing old or damaged broadloom is an excellent way to improve home décor and ambiance. However, replacement can be expensive, so you understandably want to extend the life of your carpet as much as possible. In some cases, professional cleaning or repair can resolve floor issues, but there are also surefire signs that the time has come to schedule flooring replacement service.
If your flooring is visibly spotted with tough stains that you cannot remove, it may need to be replaced. Many new broadloom flooring products have stain-resistant properties, but these do not protect against all substances. More than that, the stain protectant can wear off over time. Before replacing the carpet, consider contacting a professional carpet cleaner to determine if replacement is truly needed.
Damaged broadloom, such as with rips and tears, may require replacement as well. If the damage is located around the perimeter, a professional may be able to stretch it so that it looks like new once again. Significant damage generally dictates the need for replacement.
When your floor is not cleaned regularly, allergens as well as stinky particulates can penetrate deep into the carpet fibers and even into the padding. Vacuuming regularly can reduce the impact that these elements have on your floor. Professional cleaning service can remove some of the embedded particles as well. However, if too much time elapses between vacuuming and carpet cleaning sessions, the only solution to deal with odors and allergens may be to replace the floor.
Your floor will eventually show signs of wear, and professional carpet cleaning will not fully revive worn broadloom that has reached the end of its life. You may also notice that the carpet’s texture or coloring in high-traffic areas is revealing the carpet’s age. When you walk on the broadloom, it may increasingly feel uncomfortable because of padding wear. Evidence of padding wear also includes wrinkles in the carpet as well as unevenness. When padding is replaced quickly, the carpet’s life may be extended. However, if you delay replacing padding, the flooring can wear out at a faster rate.
How Long Does Carpet Last in Your Home?
Generally, if your broadloom is older or if it is seriously damaged, it should be replaced. However, if it is newer, some of your concerns about its smell or condition could be addressed through carpet cleaning or pad replacement. Before replacing, consider contacting a professional carpet cleaning and repair company to learn about the options for salvaging your current flooring material.
While replacing broadloom can be expensive, it is required periodically. In addition to improving ambiance and comfort, new carpet floor could decrease respiratory symptoms and may even help you to sell your home faster if you plan to do so in the near future. Take time to assess your carpet’s condition with the support of a carpet care expert today. If a replacement is needed, keep these factors in mind so that you can maximize the longevity of your new floor.
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