Although it's unlikely you'll find a warranty that covers matting and crushing, an appearance retention warranty will guarantee the original appearance of your carpet.
Carpet wear warranties (aka quality assurance warranties) cover carpet fiber deterioration. They are still the most common type of warranty. In fact, they are pretty much standard today. However, a manufacturer's definition of “wear” may come as a surprise.
A modern carpet should last between five and fifteen years, but how long a carpet actually lasts depends on the quality of its construction and the level of foot traffic. If there are threadbare areas or immovable stains, then it is time to replace your carpet.
Improperly installed carpet is prone to damage. Without this warranty from your carpet installer, the manufacturer may void any warranties.
On average, carpets have a lifespan of approximately 5-10 years; this mainly depends on the quality of carpet and foot traffic in that area of the property. For example, the carpets in hallways generally experience more wear and tear than the bedroom, as it is a busier part of the home.
While carpet has changed over the years, today, its lifespan is usually anywhere from 5 to 15 years. The length of time that a specific carpet lasts depends on the type of carpet, carpet cushion, carpet fibers, and wear and tear the carpet is exposed to.
Carpet fibers often become matted and frayed within just 3-5 years. A carpet can only be expected to last 5-15 years from installation, so if your carpet it starting to look a little beat-up then it's probably time to replace it. Areas that see the most wear and tear are usually the hallways, stairs, and living areas.
This warranty covers:
A new carpet of the same or similar quality if the stain can't be removed by professional treatment. Removal of your existing stained carpet. Installation cost at a normal consumer rate, excluding extra costs of moving furniture. Refund applicable only to the area or room directly affected.
Old carpet also increases your risk of asthma attacks. The allergens in old carpet can reduce the indoor air quality of your home and trigger asthma attacks just like they trigger nasal congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, and other allergic reactions.
Inexpensive, apartment-grade carpet will typically last anywhere from 1 to 5 years. A medium-grade carpet will last between 5 to 15 years. The best of the best carpet on the market will last between 15 and 25 years on average.
To keep your carpet looking and performing at its best, The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends having your carpet professionally deep-cleaned every 12 to 18 months. Bear in mind that this recommended frequency is a general guideline only and can vary based on your particular circumstances.
Texture of appearance retention refers to the ability of the carpet fibers to retain their visible shapes, and this is measured by using an international standardized rating scale ranging from 5.0 (new or no change) to 1.0 (severe change).
Polyester is a hydrophobic fiber, which means that the fiber itself repels liquid. By contrast, nylon is very absorbent, so it soaks in liquid and therefore spills. All residential carpets on the market today feature some stain protection.
Texture retention is the ability of carpet's tufts to retain their visible shape, as measured by the degree of bursting, opening, or untwisting of the tufts at the surface of the carpet.
The carpet is old
If you notice matting, fading color or that the padding just doesn't feel like it's there anymore, it's probably time to move on. If you see ripples or wrinkles, it is possible to have your carpet re-stretched.
In general, carpet that is more than 20 years old should be replaced. Dust, dirt and debris build up in the fibers and underneath the carpet, even if it is maintained regularly. This can lead to allergy problems and odors. By the time a carpet reaches 30 years old, it usually is worn and stained.
Home Depot recommends that you vacuum their carpets at least twice a week, clean spills promptly using warm water – with a blotting rather than rubbing motion – and get a professional (hot water extraction) carpet cleaning service every 12-18 months to comply with warranty requirements.
"Having brand new, fresh carpet increases the value of the home because it is the main focal point of the room (along with the paint) that buyers see when they tour a property," explains Samuel.
As long as the damaged area isn't too large you can save the time and expense of replacing the entire carpet. If you have carpet remnants left over from installation, you can repair the damaged section with a patch.
In general, it's a good idea to replace your carpet pad once every five years. If you let it go longer than this, you're going to be more likely to need costly repairs. You might also be more prone to some of the issues mentioned above, such as mold growth or carpet lumps.
Though hardwood is incredibly popular, carpeting is making a comeback, in part due to the innovative new options on the market. Carpet is a great choice for bedrooms, dens, or basements where hardwood can feel too cold and sterile, or any room where there is a risk of water damage.
Sprinkle straight baking soda over carpeting and let it sit for at least 15 minutes or even overnight if you can. For a more intense cleaning, work the baking soda into the pile with a stiff-bristled brush. Then vacuum up, being sure to empty the bag or bin as it will fill quickly with the baking soda.
While age isn't a sole determining factor, the older your carpet is, the more you should consider replacing it. If your carpet is more than 10 years old, you've noticed ripples or wrinkles, have color loss or fading, or the pile is crushed or matted, then it's a sign your carpets are nearing the end of its life.
It's a soft fiber that doesn't last well under foot traffic. It eventually mats down or crushes, and this makes carpet look more worn out than anything. If you have a decent amount of traffic (any main living area or area with kids), don't buy polyester and expect it to last much more than 5 years.