How Long Does Carpet Last?

These days, around 51% of homes in the United States have carpet. While hardwood flooring has become more popular in recent years, many people still prefer the comfort that carpeting provides.

Whether you're planning a carpet replacement or you're planning on installing carpet for the first time, you may be wondering how long it lasts. Because carpeting will wear down from heavy use, the lifespan of carpeting can vary.

So how long does carpet last, and how often should carpet be replaced? In this guide, we'll tell you everything you need to know.

How Often Should Carpet Be Replaced?

Generally speaking, carpeting can last as little as five years or as many as 15 years. There are many different factors that can affect how long carpeting will last, however, so this number will be different for every home.

A carpet that has a lot of foot traffic on it will deteriorate more quickly and will need to be replaced sooner. Homes that have children in them or have pets are more likely to require a carpet replacement sooner rather than later.

There are also ways to increase the lifespan of carpets as well. Doing certain things, such as getting the carpet professionally cleaned, can help to extend its life.

Basic cleaning can also help as well, so make sure that you're vacuuming regularly and following other maintenance instructions for the carpeting you have in your home.

While the amount of time that carpeting lasts will vary, there are signs that you can look for to determine whether your carpet needs to be replaced or not. Looking for these signs can help you determine whether it will be time for you to make a replacement soon.

Signs You Need Carpet Replacement

So what are the signs that your carpeting will need to be replaced? Here are some of the main physical indicators that you should be looking for.

Wear and Tear

Over time, wear and tear from heavy usage can make your carpet look old and tattered.

Rips and tears can significantly reduce the aesthetic appeal of your carpet and can lead to other problems. If your carpeting seems to have worn down quite a bit over time, then you should consider making a replacement.

Although some tears can be repaired with work, repairs aren't always possible. Big rips and tears aren't fixable and you'll need to make a full carpet replacement instead.

Staining

If your carpet has a lot of stains on it, it could be a sign that it's time for a replacement. A carpet with a lot of stains on it will make your home look worse overall, and you should replace it if needed.

While you can remove some stains, over time, it becomes harder and harder to keep your carpet looking its best. Staining can also lead to mold and mildew as well, so you'll want to be sure to make a replacement to prevent health issues.

Water Damage

Water damage is also something to pay attention to with your carpet. Water can make a big impact on the health of your carpet, so you'll want to avoid getting it wet at all costs.

If your carpet has been waterlogged for some reason and you haven't dried it quickly, you should consider making a new flooring installation. When the carpeting has been wet for more than 72 hours, it's usually best to get in touch with professionals and have it replaced.

Odors

If you own carpeting, it may begin to smell as time goes by. This is especially likely if you haven't cleaned it often enough or if you have a pet in your home.

While cleaning a carpet properly may help you to get rid of the odor, it won't always work. If the odor has penetrated deeply into carpet fibers and carpet cushion, then the odors can be hard to get rid of and can last for a long time.

Making a new carpet installation might be the best option in this case.

Allergy Symptoms

If you're wondering if you need to replace your carpet, you should also consider your health.

If you have been experiencing allergy symptoms or respiratory issues more often, it may be a sign that your carpeting is filled with mold, mildew, and allergens.

An increase in symptoms such as runny nose, colds, coughing, sneezing, and similar issues can signal that it's time to make a full carpet replacement to prevent these problems from continuing.

Aesthetic Updates

Another sign that you should replace your carpeting is if you're simply ready to move on and add a different style of flooring to your home. Carpeting lasts a long time and the carpet that you've installed in the past may not be what you want 5, 10, or 15 years down the road.

If you simply want to change the aesthetic of your home and make an upgrade to its style, you may want to replace the carpet for this reason as well. A new carpet can change the look of your home significantly, and making an update can be well worth it if you want your home to feel like new again.