Are you wondering how long does carpet last? If yes, you should check out our guide here on the important things to understand.
Do you have a carpet at home? Or are you looking to buy one for your new house? When we talk about carpets, one of the most common questions people ask is “how long does carpet last?”
This is an important question to ask, especially if you’re planning to buy a new one. Data reveals that replacing a carpet may cost some serious amounts of money. On average, you may spend anywhere between $759 and $2,564.
The amount varies depending on certain factors. These include the type of carpet and the area where you live.
Since it can be a pricey investment, you should know how long should a carpet last. Continue reading below as we try to answer the question and understand some key factors surrounding the carpet.
General Carpet Durability
So how long does carpet last? There is no concrete answer to this, as several factors come into play. However, we can estimate an average carpet to last anywhere between 5 and 7 years.
This may extend or shorten depending on how you care for your carpet. After this window, you will begin to see problems with the carpet.
However, some owners can extend the life of their carpets. It is not rare to see carpets last a couple of decades. But for a carpet to last that long, maintenance is only one of the key factors.
You also need to consider the materials the carpets feature.
The Basic Materials
If you wish to know how long do carpets last, you need to understand the factors that affect longevity. First are the materials. Comparing the different types of carpets, those that feature nylon as the key material are some of the most resilient.
However, heavy foot traffic can reduce nylon carpets’ lifespan. If there are so many people walking in and out of your house, expect to see your nylon carpet degrade around year three.
However, if the foot traffic is light, nylon carpets can easily clear 5 years. This is only for the entry-level type of nylon carpets. If you get the good and expensive ones, they can easily serve you for at least 12 years if the foot traffic is low to medium.
Another popular type is the Olefin carpet. Olefin is a kind of synthetic fiber that mimics the look of wool. It is cheaper than other materials but performs remarkably well against mold and mildew.
Moreover, they are notably resistant to stains. However, they are not advisable for areas with lots of foot traffic. Like nylon, Olefin carpets’ lifespan shortens if too many people walk on them frequently.
The Premium Materials
But if you want something that excels in performance and aesthetics, authentic wool carpets are your best bets. Not only do they last up to 20 years, but they also offer a luxuriously smooth texture.
Manufacturers can also put different kinds of hues using wool.
And if you’re working on a tight budget, you can find some low-quality wool carpets. The caveat, however, is that they only last about eight years, more or less.
Another interesting material that is gaining a huge following is the Triexta carpet. It features a synthetic fiber that performs at par, if not better than nylon. Triexta is a great performer in terms of durability and resilience.
It easily gives you 10 years of top-notch condition. It can also last several decades if you know how to care for your carpet.
How Long Does a Carpet Last and When to Replace?
But how do you know when to replace the carpet? The answer is recognizing the tell-tale signs. First, if there are way too many visible stains that you can no longer get rid of.
This means hiring a professional cleaner to remove the stain, yet the results were not as stellar as expected. And if you wish to make a DIY cleaning attempt, better think twice. Some cleaning solutions can be harsh to the materials.
Another key sign to look for is the obvious wear and tear. This is evident, especially if your carpet is too old. Some of the damages to watch out for are large rips and tears.
If you have heavy foot traffic in your place, these tears can easily become worse. Also, older carpets that have significant tears are hard to restore. You may even spend more on repairs than getting a new carpet altogether.
Also, you want to check if there’s any funky smell coming from your carpet. This is not the kind of smell that you notice if you have a dog in the house. This is the type of smell that doesn’t seem to go away even after professional cleaning.
A foul odor can be a sign of mold and mildew in your carpet. This problem is something you shouldn’t take lightly. Medical experts note that molds bring different kinds of respiratory problems.
Last but not least, you need to check the condition of your carpet’s padding underneath.
Extending Your Carpet’s Life
Regardless of the carpet that you buy, you need to know how to extend your carpet’s life. First, you need to vacuum your carpet once a week. This helps prevent the accumulation of dirt and debris deep inside the carpet’s fiber.
Moreover, call a professional carpet cleaner at least once a year. Professionals offer deep-cleaning that will help restore the old beauty of your carpets. Moreover, they can keep those molds and mildew away from your carpets.
In case you spill liquids like beer or soda, clean them immediately. If you let the spills stay and dry up, they will deeply embed into the carpet’s fiber. When this happens, you will have a tough time cleaning them up.
Click https://www.greenchoicecarpet.net/blog/how-to-remove-stains-from-a-carpet-the-ultimate-guide/ to learn more on how to remove carpet stains.
Protect Your Other Home Items
How long does carpet last? We hope this guide provided the answers and then some.
With these tips, you can make better choices when buying one. You will also know how to care for them properly. But carpets are not the only home items you should maintain.
Check out our other blog posts where we give tips on how to keeping home fixtures in excellent condition.