When Should I Replace My Home’s Carpeting?
With routine care, most carpets can last between five and ten years. Since many factors affect the life span of the material, homeowners shouldn’t judge carpet replacement needs by age alone. To help you keep your floors fresh, here are a few signs that indicate it’s time for a new carpet.
5 Signs Your Home Needs New Carpet
1. Matted Fibers
If you have kids and pets in the house, the carpet can be subject to a lot of wear. This traffic will eventually weaken the fibers’ integrity, causing them to fray or become matted.
This damage is permanent, so you’ll need to invest in new flooring. If you want a material that withstands heavy foot traffic, get one made with strong, durable fibers, like nylon.
2. Fading
Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet light can cause dyed fibers to fade, giving the floors an inconsistent look over time. If you notice lighter spots throughout the home, consider a new carpet installation. Once the replacement is installed, prevent future fading by routinely applying fluorocarbon treatments or blocking UV light with curtains and blinds.
3. Stubborn Stains & Smells
If there are stains that leave a persistent bad odor or unconcealable discoloration, carpet replacement is the best solution. This applies to blemishes that can’t be lifted with a cleaning solution or covered with an area rug.
This damage is permanent, so you’ll need to invest in new flooring. If you want a material that withstands heavy foot traffic, get one made with strong, durable fibers, like nylon.
4. Wrinkled Appearance
Padding is used under the carpet to promote comfort and reduce noise. When this sublayer starts to wear, you’ll notice the surface wrinkling and developing bumps. In some cases, the flooring may even make a crumpling noise when you walk on it. When a new carpet is installed, this padding will be taken out and replaced.
5. Increasing Allergy Problems
Proper cleaning keeps the fibers free of allergens, like pet dander, mold, and dust. However, these contaminants cling to the carpet more easily when the fibers degrade.
if you’ve been experiencing increasing allergy symptoms, the flooring may be to blame. To promote comfort and cleanliness, get a new carpet with short and tightly-woven hypoallergenic fibers, such as nylon and polyester.
