The new year is all about new beginnings and making changes in our lives to make the new year a better one. While we have a lot of blog posts about the benefits of carpet, what to look for when you’re buying a new one etc, we haven’t really spoken about how you know when it’s time to replace it. So we’re going to change that today – think of it as our new year’s resolution!
How often should I replace my carpet?
To be completely honest, there’s no set answer to that as all carpet is different and will last for different lengths of time depending on a variety of factors. These include, but are not limited to:
- How thick the pile is
- What material it’s made out of
- How heavy the foot traffic is
Generally, carpet has a lifespan of between 5-15 years so it really is up to you to decide whether you think you need new carpet. Which is why it’s best to look out for tell tale signs that your carpet may be on its way out.
3 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Carpet
We’ve compiled a list of the top three signs it’s time for a new carpet. Remember that if you’re not sure, you’re always welcome to speak to our experts in Worthing or Storrington who will be able to give you their honest and non-obligatory advice.
Here’s our top three signs to look for:
1. You can see the route people have taken on it
One of the easiest things to spot in carpet is the track marks that form when people have walked on the same part of the carpet for many years. These could simply be trails of flattened carpet or even slightly dirty tracks. Clearly indicating the route people have taken on it. For example; from the living room door to the sofa.
Of course, you can get your carpet professionally cleaned, but if you can see the carpet is visibly worn, it’s most likely time to get a new one. If you decide to get a new one because of the signs of wear, it might be worth looking at more heavy-wear options. It could be that the current carpet just isn’t up for coping with the high traffic it gets.
2. Your allergies are playing up
We know this seems unrelated, but you’ll be surprised to learn that your carpet could be the reason your allergies are worse than they usually are. At this time of year especially, it may be noticeable that your allergies are worse than they should be.
You could keep your carpet absolutely spotless, but, over time, allergens can build up in the fibres of the carpet. The older the carpet is, the more difficult it is to remove them. Think of it like a mop – even though you clean the mop after every use, over time, it becomes dirty and you need to replace it. It’s the same for your carpet.
The good news is that wool carpets are naturally hypoallergenic so, if you or your family suffer from allergies, it might be worth considering a carpet made from wool.
3. The house feels colder
As carpets get older, they can lose their thickness and this can have an affect on how warm your home is. Newer carpet offers more warmth in the form of thicker piles and so if you’ve noticed your home is colder, or it takes longer to warm up, it could be a sign that a new carpet is needed.
Depending on how long ago you bought carpet, you might be surprised by just how far the carpet industry has come in recent years.
Now, there are plenty of style options available and types of carpet that come with their own benefits. That being said, we don’t want you to feel overwhelmed and invite you to our Worthing or Storrington showroom to see different types of carpet for yourself. You’ll also be able to speak to our friendly flooring experts and ask them any questions you may have. Find out more about the benefits of coming to one of our showrooms here. You may even find that replacing your old carpet with more carpet isn’t the best option and our experts are here to help you find out what is.