About Your Carpet
Typically a carpet can last you from 5-15 years depending on the foot traffic, quality, and padding. These are all great starting points to determining if you need a carpet replacement.
Carpet installation is a little more complex than you might think, as there are a few layers that go in before the carpet that you walk on can be installed. First, there are the tackless strips. These wood pieces have small pins that stick out to hold your carpeting in place. If you’ve never seen these, you might have felt them when walking through a doorway of an older home, where the carpet is wearing low. These strips are nailed into the floor around the edges of the room to hold the carpet in place. The second layer is typically a layer of foamy material that helps to create a cushion underneath your carpeting. Placing carpet directly on wood or concrete will not give it that comfortable, squishy feeling that the cushioning offers. For example, you can usually feel the difference between a floor rug and a carpeted room. This foam also helps to fill the space between the tackless strips so the full room is flush and level and not elevated around the edges.
So, When Do I Know That I Need to Replace My Carpets?
…When It Smells Funky
Usually the musty smell is the key indicator that it’s time to do something about replacing your carpet. Sometimes all it needs is a deep cleaning, but if a deep cleaning doesn’t eliminate the smell, you might have to think about a more permanent change. Many times the cleaning can help with the top layer of carpet, while the spongey bottom layer may be molding or holding more permanent smells. One of the largest absorbers in a room can be your carpet, so pets, smoke, spills, and similar issues can leave you in need of a replacement.
…When It Starts To Clump
Depending on the material of your carpet, some may last longer than others. For example, polyester carpet won’t last as long as nylon carpeting and will begin to start matting sooner. Once a polyester carpet begins to mat, there’s not much you can do to salvage it. One way to keep your carpet lasting longer is to treat it to a deep clean every so often.
…When You Can’t Remove The Stains
Deep cleaning will only take you so far with some stains. While they can remove the discoloration for most things, sometimes a shampoo just won’t cut it. Foot traffic and other wear & tear can bring deeper stains to the surface if the padding underneath the carpet is still holding on to it. Some stain removers can also damage the carpet’s integrity. If you have multiple deep stains like red wine, it may be your best bet to fully replace the carpet.
Options to replace your carpet include wood flooring, tile, slat flooring, laminate, or even concrete depending on your budget and aesthetic choices. Wood and slat flooring will typically outlast most carpet choices. If you’re looking for a revamp for your floors, reach out to Bright Star for a consultation on your options!