How Long Does Carpet Last? 8 Clear Signs Your Carpet Needs Replacing

A whopping 84 percentof Americans are unhappy with the state of their carpets. Which may have something to do with the fact that over a third of them deep clean their carpets less often than once a year, if ever.

If your carpets have seen better days, you might be wondering, 'how long does carpet last anyway?' The truth is, probably not as long as you'd expect.

Although a carpet's lifespan can vary depending on quality and maintenance, any carpet that gets regular use will need replacing sooner or later

Here are seven clear signs that it's time to call the professionalsand trade in your old carpets for something new.

That beige carpet might have seemed a versatile color when you chose it. But now it's covered with stubborn coffee, red wine, and spaghetti sauce stains it doesn't seem like it was such a good choice.

Although professional cleaning can help, you should avoid using store-bought cleaners. These can damage your carpets with harsh chemicals and may make stains appear worse.

There's always the option of covering stains with furniture or rugs. But if your house is starting to resemble an obstacle course with everything you've placed over stains in an attempt to hide them, it could be time for a carpet replacement.

While most stains look unsightly, stains caused by water damage are also potential health hazards.

Water damage from leaking pipes and radiators in your home can then lead to mold and mildew stains on your carpets. Mold can be dangerousand even fatal for those with severe mold allergies or asthma.

The best way to prevent water and mold from damaging your carpet is with regular inspection, especially around areas of carpet near pipes. Look for black, white, or green stains that change shape, or musty smells that won't go away.

If you suspect your carpet might have mold, you can buy a mold testing kit to be sure. But, if there's mold, ripping up the carpet and starting afresh is the only way to ensure the safety of your home and family.

If even proper cleaning can't get rid of noticeable bad smells coming from your carpet, it's likely that the odor has seeped into the carpet fibers, padding, or sub-floor underneath.

Bad odors may come from human or animal biological materials such as vomit, pet urine, or feces, as well as mold and mildew. This means that not only is a smelly carpet unpleasant, it's also a cause for concern about health risks.

As such, your only option to get rid of odors and the health risks they may suggest is a full carpet replacement.

The flooringis one of the first things that guests and potential buyers notice when they enter a home. If your carpeting shows signs of matting, or has tears and worn patches, your house can look shabby and dirty as a result, no matter how clean it is.

Carpet fibers start to become frayed and matted within three to five years so some wear and tear is hard to prevent. This is especially the case for carpets in areas with a lot of foot traffic, such as stairs, hallways, and living rooms.

Of course, worn patches, rips, and loose carpet in high-traffic areas can also pose a risk for trips, slips, and falls. With this in mind, removing carpet from stairs and landings is a wise move to avoid potential accidents in the home.

Carpet fibers are magnets for pet fur, dirt, dust, pollen, and a whole host of other allergens that can cause uncomfortable symptomslike sneezing, stuffiness, and itchy, red eyes.

If it seems like your family is always suffering from colds or allergies, your carpet could be the culprit. And, while good hygiene and professional maintenance can help, even thorough cleaning can't remove all signs of allergens. Plus, there are only so many times you can clean your carpet before it starts to wear out.

Your carpet padding provides a layer of cushioning as well as a noise buffer and added insulation. Depending on the material, carpet padding can last up to 25 years. Although, the most popular foam-based carpet padding only lasts around 10 years.

Over time, and especially in high-traffic areas, your padding can degrade and become misshapen and dirty, just like the carpet above it. The result will be a carpet that's uneven in places, wrinkled, and less comfortable to walk and sit on.

Once your carpet padding is worn out, it often makes sense to replace it the next time you replace the carpet.

Many people like the look and feel of carpet, as well as the added insulation it provides in colder climates. But a carpet that's out of style can soon date a room and can put all your best efforts to decorate and modernize your home to waste.

This is definitely something to consider if you plan to sell your home or rent it out in the near future. Potential buyers and renters want to see new and stylish carpeting throughout a home, and are willing to pay more for it.

Or, you might want to consider other flooring options, in which case it's a good idea to consult your local flooring expertsfor more advice.

Compared to other flooring options, carpet is the least durable. So, to answer the question, 'how long does carpet last?', the truth is, not very long at all.

Lower-quality carpets last around five years, while even manufacturers of high-quality carpets can only promise a 10-year lifespan for their carpets. But regardless of your carpet's age, if you've started to see some of the signs detailed above, it's time to replace it.

Whether you're thinking of fitting a new carpet or are considering alternative flooring options, get a free estimate today. Or, feel free to contact us with any questions about the best flooring for you.