How Long Does Carpet Last and When to replace it?

- February 23, 2023

When you arrive to buy a carpet, the question will naturally strike your mind, "Do the carpets expire?", "How long will I be able to use the carpet?" Two look-alike carpets may differ in terms of their lifespan, and it will depend mainly on how the carpet was made, the material and technique employed, and the density of fibers.

Do the carpets expire? – What is the average carpet lifespan?

On average, a carpet's lifespan lies between 3 to 5 years. You can split it into three categories – Low-grade, medium-quality, and high-grade carpets, which can last 1-5 years, 5-10, and 10-25 years, respectively.

Things that determine carpet lifespan

Wear and tear- After how long a carpet expires depends on the wear and tear of the rug, which in turn depends on how rigorous conditions it is exposed to. If your carpet gets a lot of foot traffic, children's run on it now and then, and pet claws pounce on it very often, it is highly likely that your carpet will expire early. Besides, after 5 to 10 years, even a barely used carpet may start to fade, and fibers come out.

Things that determine carpet lifespan include:

1. Carpet type – Carpet type is the foremost determinant of how soon the carpet expires. Generally, flat weave and hand-knotted quality with flat surfaces last longer than shaggy, woven, and hand-tufted varieties with pile height.

2. Carpet fiber – The quality of the chosen fiber or the type of fiber determines carpet lifespan. Wool and a few other synthetic materials are durable options compared to silk and viscose. Also, high-quality rug material will offer greater resistance to damaging.

3. Foot traffic – Exposer to foot traffic is yet another determinant of a carpet's lifespan. Carpets that withstand rough usage and high foot traffic will cease to exist longer.

4. Weather condition – Changing weather conditions have been the root of wear and tear. The same applies to carpets and area rugs. Carpets on the patio and outdoors will see greater heat, cold, and rain and wear quickly. For instance, wool carpets in damp areas will get damaged easily and be replaced frequently.

5. Care & maintenance – Lack of reasonable care and maintenance may cause premature aging of the carpet. The carpet may start looking dull and smell stinky. For example, delayed action in cleaning for stains, inappropriate cleaning methods, and heavy chemical usage while cleaning may damage the carpet, reducing its lifespan.

How often should you replace your carpet?

Depending on the type of carpet, you must determine what average range of lifespan it falls into. If you have a medium-grade carpet, you may decide to replace it in 5 to 10 years. And for a high-grade carpet, you may go without replacing it for 25 years.

How do you know when your carpet expires and need a new one?

1. Allergy symptoms

As carpets get older, it traps more dust, mold, and mildew. These, in turn, increase the risk of allergies. Visible symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and a stuffy nose. Further, it may lead to serious health hazards, causing severe respiratory issues. It is when you must start thinking if you need a new carpet.

2. Carpet becomes stinky

A stinky carpet is not something you want to keep in your home. Repeated staining on the carpet, kid's activities, and pets may impart a bad smell. Ideally, the smell should go upon cleaning, and however, it probably has penetrated deep into the fibers if it stays. The stinky smell so formed might indicate that it is time you need a new carpet.

3. Carpet is stained

Stubborn stains like those of foods, tea, and oil spills are tough to get away with. Frequent staining and spills may lead to slinkiness and the growth of mold and mildew. Also, harsh chemical treatment from time to time damages the carpet. Hence, you may be required to replace your carpet.

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