On average, a carpet should last between 5 and 15 years. However, a carpet's life expectancy is heavily dependant on its quality and your use of it. With proper carpet care, a high-quality carpet can last 20 years or more. Carpets made from wool or nylon enjoy the longest lifespan.
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.
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.
On average, a carpet should last between five and 15 years depending on the material, daily wear-and-tear and the overall quality. A higher-quality carpet can last over 20 years, whereas cheaper carpets will last closer to that five-year mark.
The longest-lasting carpet comes in a frieze or Berber-style. Most materials will hold up for 5 to 10 years, but these may go for 20 to 25 years.
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.
Berber carpet is durable, aesthetically pleasing, and stain-resistant, making it a great choice for high traffic areas. It is made of loops instead of the strands used in most types carpets. The loop gives it durability and strength. It is great for areas with a lot of foot traffic, children and pets.
The best of the best carpet on the market will last between 15 and 25 years on average. There are several factors that can affect how long your carpet lasts, whether it's where you live, who you live with, or what you do in your home.
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.
If your carpet is old and dirty, however, it can cause fungal infections. The most common fungal infection you can get from old carpet is athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is a highly contagious infection that causes itching, stinging, and burning between your toes or on the soles of your feet.
Q: How can you tell good quality carpet? A: one of the main signs to look for when identifying a high-quality carpet is its density. Carpets made from premium grade materials tend to be a lot denser than those made from low-quality textiles.
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. In some cases, a professional cleaning can actually exacerbate the situation.
While some consider it outdated, berber is known for being one of the oldest and most durable kinds of carpet. Berber carpeting is typically found in low maintenance, high-traffic areas, like basements.
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.
Worn-Out Padding
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.
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.
Well cared for wall-to-wall carpet should last three to five years, however, many homes have carpet that is much older. There are homes boasting original carpets from the 1950s and 1960s, but the quality is much degraded.
Twisted pile carpet is the most popular style of carpet and comes in a large variety of colors. The yarn has been tightly twisted and the loops are cut to become this style of carpeting.
The Berber carpets nowadays are popularly known as looped style carpets and are available in many more designs and patterns than before.
Dark brown is one of the best carpet colors for hiding dirt. The darker the shade, the better the dirt will blend into the carpet. Powder and dust won't show up against the dark brown color. While a lighter brown can also be an attractive option, it won't hide as much dirt.
Mold will often grow under the carpet or within the carpet padding, making it difficult to diagnose. If there was a recent spill or flooding, then there is a high risk of mold growth. Mold can also grow in homes and rooms that experience high humidity.
Carpet vs Hardwood: The Final Verdict
According to the above, hardwood and carpet flooring are equally healthy. However, carpets are harder to clean properly, making them less ideal for people with allergies or asthma.
Loop pile refers to a carpet in which the loop fibers are NOT CUT (see diagram above). This type of carpet is left in it's woven form and consists of several loops of carpet fiber. A patterned loop carpet is formed when the loop fibers are at various heights. Loop piles rarely show footprints and vacuum lines.
While Berber is able to hide stains and dirt better than plush carpet, it doesn't mean you should take less care of it. You still need to frequently vacuum and occasionally shampoo and clean your carpet no matter which style you choose.