If you’re staring at your carpet flooring right now and thinking that it has seen better days, it’s probably the best time to get a replacement and ask your Baltimore county Maryland carpet installer about it. When it comes to carpet flooring, it is important to know that no matter how meticulous you are with it and how frequently you clean it, carpets are bound to be replaced. While there are carpet maintenance guidelines and warranties, getting a new carpet can be sooner than you expect it. But how long does the carpet last? What is the average lifespan of a carpet? How frequently do you need to clean and replace it?
There are no definitive answers to these questions. As a Baltimore county Maryland carpet installer, we want to emphasize that there are certain factors that your carpet may live longer or shorter than expected. For one, the quality of your carpet flooring makes a difference. You should anticipate that a cheaper carpet will wear out much quicker than a high-quality carpet flooring. Another aspect to consider is the area in the house where you install the carpet. A carpet flooring in a low foot traffic area like your bedroom will probably last much longer than the ones in your living room and hallway.
So, in this guide, we will tackle more about how long the carpet will last, which carpet materials should last longer, and when is the best time to clean or replace it. Read further to find out more.
What Materials Are Used To Create Carpets?
Carpet comes from various types of fiber, be it natural or synthetic. When you think about the lifespan of the carpet, you need not disregard the type of materials used for your carpet flooring. Here are some of the most common materials and fibers that are utilized to make carpet flooring.
Nylon Carpeting
Nylon is the most popular synthetic carpet fiber in the market today. Because of its versatility and durability, it makes up almost 90% of residential carpets. It has exceptional retention and resistance to abrasions. This type of carpet material offers a wide array of vibrant clear colors and hues that cannot be seen in wool carpets. Nylon is so versatile that you can see it in different patterns and styles, from plush to denser versions. For better and cost-effective options, you may want to speak to a Baltimore county Maryland carpet installer about it.
Nylon carpeting is incredibly soft yet durable. Good quality nylon has resistance to wear, mildew, and molds. It is usually less expensive than wool but more costly than other synthetic materials.
Olefin Carpeting
Also known as polypropylene, olefin is a synthetic fiber manufactured through a process in which the color is already built into the fibers, which makes it resistant to discoloration or fading. Olefin looks like a natural wool fiber and it is almost as soft as nylon fiber. This material is exceptionally resistant to stains and spills. However, it is very susceptible to soiling as it can hold onto oils which in turn may collect debris and dirt.
Olefin carpeting is very durable that it can stand up so well in harsh environments. But it has a low retention rate, which means that it is not good at keeping its shape. This makes olefin carpeting a bad choice for high foot traffic areas.
Wool Carpeting
Unlike nylon, wool carpeting comes from all-natural fibers. Mostly used for high-quality carpets, wool provides a luxurious and elegant appearance on your floor. Because it originates from a natural and sustainable fiber, wool carpets are extremely resilient and durable. This type of carpet material is ideal for high foot traffic areas such as the living room and family room.
This carpet material offers good insulation in sounds and heat. It dampens noise to make your room quieter and retains heat on your room for more warmth during cold weather. In addition to this, wool carpeting is extremely good at hiding dirt on your floor. Plus, it is perfect for anyone with allergies or asthma because wool carpeting does not have any chemicals or additives on it. Just make sure not to use it on moisture-prone areas such as the bathroom or mudroom, as they can be susceptible to damage from molds and mildews.
Polyester Carpeting
Polyester looks like wool and is normally less expensive than other synthetic carpet materials. Frequently used for shag carpets, this carpet material is soft, and has resistance to staining and fading. However, it is very prone to matting or flattening. It is important that when you choose polyester carpeting, you need to look for a well-constructed type with higher density, so it can hold up so well over time. It can be helpful to discuss this with your Baltimore county Maryland carpet installer for samples and better recommendations.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of Your Carpet?
While individual and experts’ opinions may vary, the average lifespan of a carpet is 10 years. However, the general industry standard for carpet replacement in a residential setting is normally between 10 and 15 years. Manufacturers’ warranties are patterned with this life expectancy. However, the way you maintain and care for your carpet flooring can also make a difference.
What Type Of Carpet Is Likely To Have Longer Life Expectancy?
Carpet construction determines the durability and resiliency of your carpet flooring. Factors such as weight, density, and type of carpet materials may impact the life expectancy of your carpet. For instance, nylon or wool carpet may last longer than other carpet materials. However, you also need to consider quality. More often than not, low-quality fibers are more susceptible to damage, compromising the durability and strength of your carpet.
The weight and density of fibers also affect your carpet’s lifespan. The higher the weight of your carpet, the more fibers it contains per square footage. Heavyweight carpets are denser, which makes them more durable and last longer.
Another important thing to consider is the twist level of your carpet. Most good quality carpets are designed using a twist method to enhance its durability and strength. Carpets with higher twists per inch (TPI) are more durable. As a rule of thumb, a carpet with a twist level of seven twists or higher per inch can stand up so well to flattening and matting.
Bear these important factors in mind to get a more durable carpet in the market. These are aspects you also need to ask about when you’re talking with a Baltimore county Maryland carpet installer.
How Long Should the Carpet Last?
Although the general industry standard is between 10 and 15 years, some carpets are already showing signs of wear and tear even before it reaches 10th year. The lifespan of carpet flooring may depend on the carpet material, pile types, the area or room where it is installed, and the level of foot traffic in that area. Here are some types of carpets and their average life expectancies.
Berber Carpet
The average lifespan of a Berber carpet is 10 years. However, the kind of materials or fibers to use may change its life expectancy. A Berber carpet made from high-quality nylon can last for 20 years in low foot traffic and well-maintained areas. If your Berber carpet comes from high-quality fibers and is routinely maintained professionally, you can expect that it will live for 15 years. However, a Berber carpet made from olefin will only last for an average of 3 years.
Nylon Carpet
Nylon is one of the most durable and resilient carpet materials in the market today. However, a low-quality nylon type in a high foot traffic setting can have a shorter life expectancy of about 3 years. If your Baltimore county Maryland carpet installer has placed it in a low traffic area like your bedroom, you can anticipate that it will last for 5 years. Mid- to high-quality types of nylon carpets have an average life span of 12 to 15 years.
Wool Carpet
Although wool carpet comes with a higher price tag, it is extremely resilient and durable. A low-quality and cheaper version of wool carpets can last for 8 years. However, a premium quality type can stand up so well for about 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
Olefin Carpet
An inexpensive type of carpet, olefin is suitable for area rugs and low-pile carpet flooring. While it has resistance to mold and mildew, it cannot handle soiling and high foot traffic, making it a bad choice for your living room or family room. In a low traffic setting, olefin carpet can last for 10 years. But soiling will relatively reduce its life expectancy to about 3 or 5 years.
Polyester Carpet
Polyester carpets are easy to clean and long-lasting. Depending on the level of foot traffic and quality of the material, polyester carpets can last an average of 5 to 15 years. To find out the best and high-quality polyester carpet for your home, you can talk to your Baltimore county Maryland carpet installer.
How Long Does The Carpet Last On Your Stairs?
Stairs are considered high foot traffic areas, so your carpet should be sturdy and durable enough to withstand this level of activity. This also means that carpets on your stairs should not be easily susceptible to matting or flattening out due to heavy traffic at home. Based on the general industry standard, some carpets on stairs have an average life expectancy of 7 to 10 years. Some manufacturers offer a 15-year warranty for more durable and sturdy carpets.
What Is Carpet Warranty?
A lot of manufacturers offer a carpet warranty. The warranty provides homeowners an idea as to how long will the carpet last. Warranty is a certain guarantee that the carpet will last the warranty length provided by the manufacturer. If the carpet wears out even before the warranty length, homeowners can file for warranty claims. However, not all warranties are created equal. Some carpet warranties exclude certain issues and include criteria depending on the discretion of the manufacturer or your Baltimore county Maryland carpet installer. It is better to discuss this carpet warranty before installing the carpet at home.
How Often Should You Replace Your Carpet?
While it is not definitive and it can be hard to predict when your carpet needs replacement, there are warning signs that you need to watch out for. Typically, carpets need replacement every 5 to 15 years depending on the level of foot traffic, quality of its materials, and how much padding your carpet has. If your carpet is already flattening out, looks filthy, or creates health problems, then it’s time to replace it. Getting an inspection from a Baltimore county Maryland carpet installer can also help you decide if you need to rip up your carpet flooring.
How Do You Know It’s Time To Replace Your Carpet?
Every carpet flooring despite regular maintenance will reach its point of replacement. There are signs you must look for to determine if it’s time to replace your carpet flooring. For one, damages on your carpet in different forms and complexities can become troublesome. A worn-out, unsightly carpet provides no visual appeal to your home, so you need to rip it up right away.
Another warning sign that you must replace your carpet is when the padding is already degraded. Carpet padding serves as a foundation to support your carpet flooring and provide comfort when you walk on it. Carpet padding should be intact to function very well. However, if you notice that your carpet loses its plushness, becomes thinner or flatter, and gets harder to clean because of musty odors or stains, then it’s time for carpet replacement.
In addition to the warning signs mentioned earlier, you also need to watch out for constant allergic attacks. Carpet flooring is notorious for absorbing a wide range of allergens such as pollen, pet fur, or dust mites that can be harmful to human health. If you’ve done everything you can to clean and disinfect your carpet but anyone in the family can’t stop coughing or sneezing, this might be the right time to replace your carpet.
There are other warning signs you need to watch out for, so you can decide if you must rip up your carpet. If you’re not sure about it, you can always ask your Baltimore county Maryland carpet installer to inspect your carpet flooring and provide you a better solution.
How Can You Make Your Carpet Flooring Last Longer?
Proper care and maintenance are necessary to keep your carpet in great shape and make it last longer than expected. For those who have relatively new carpet floors, here are several things you must do to restore its look.
Regular Vacuuming. In a low traffic area, you need to vacuum your carpet two times a week. However, do it three times in a high-traffic area. And if you have pets at home, you should vacuum your carpet every day.
Periodic Professional Cleaning. While regular maintenance can keep your carpet in great shape, periodic professional cleaning is beneficial to make your carpet last longer. You can hire a professional cleaning service at least once every after 18 months.
Avoid Sun Exposure. Carpets fade and discolor over time due to exposure to sunlight. Make sure to protect your carpet floors from the sun. If it’s facing the window, cover it with curtains.
Wipe Up Stains and Spills Thoroughly. Carpet flooring is susceptible to water damage and stain. Every time you see fresh stains or spills, make sure to clean and wipe it up as quickly as possible. Stains and spills attract dust and dirt which in turn may lead to soiling.
Talk To Your Baltimore County Maryland Carpet Installer Today
Carpet flooring has myriad benefits to your home such as visual appeal, sound insulation, warmth, comfort, to name a few. But for your carpet to serve its purpose and function, you also need to provide your flooring a much-needed TLC. The ability of your carpet to last longer is not only dependent on its construction and quality, but also on the hands of those who cared for it. However, if you think that you’ve done everything you can to keep your carpet in great shape, but it still appears unsightly and worn-out, then don’t hesitate to contact your Baltimore county Maryland carpet installer. Schedule a free in-home consultation today!