Flooring systems last for years but eventually require replacing. With the proper care and maintenance, a carpet can have a service life of around 10 years, while laminate and wood flooring types can last up to 30 years. However, there’s more than service life to consider when deciding when to replace the flooring. This post outlines some considerations.
When Should I Replace My Flooring?
Water Damage
A pipe bursting or someone flooding the bathroom are issues that are a part of homeownership. Most types of flooring are water-resistant and can handle the occasional spill without damage. However, extreme soaking of the flooring material can seep into the underlayment and floorboards. This can cause issues with mold growth and structural damage.
Structural or Visible Damage
If you have an old home with its original flooring system, the subfloor will eventually experience damage. Termites and low-quality materials can damage floors by shifting or cracking, weakening the building’s structure. The following are some examples of reasons it might be time to replace your carpet, wood flooring, or ceramic tiles:
If you have a carpet:
- Foot traffic caused fading, matting, or becoming threadbare
- Repeated pet accidents leave a sour odor
- Professional cleaning does not remove stains or smells
If you have wood floors or ceramic tiles:
- Bowing or warping due to weather conditions
- Chipping or cracked tiles
The Floorboards Move
Hardwood flooring systems and vinyl flooring systems require professional installation. However, if a subpar-quality contractor installs these systems poorly, it could lead to the floorboards moving around underfoot.
Extreme temperature variations between seasons may also cause the subfloor to expand, causing the floorboards to move. While this isn’t always an issue requiring replacement, it can be a costly repair that you don’t want to add to your credit card.
You Experience an Increase in Allergy Attacks
Carpets collect dust, pet dander, and dirt. People who experience allergy attacks from these contaminants may require regular carpet replacement every three to five years. Depending on the foot traffic and occupants on the property, professional carpet cleaning may be needed once or twice a year.
To mitigate the risk of replacing the carpet early, homeowners can place rugs over high-traffic areas. Doing this can prevent premature wearing or matting of the carpet fibers. Ensuring you maintain the carpet with regular vacuuming or brushing can reduce the need for a premature replacement.
The Color Fades
All flooring systems fade in color over time. Carpets lose their original luster, and light on even luxury vinyl planks or engineered hardwood can cause these materials to fade and change color. Even stain-resistant and fade-resistant flooring options won’t keep the same color and look forever, eventually requiring replacement.
Adding Underfloor Heating Systems
When winter rolls around, tile flooring systems can get cold underfoot. Many homeowners install underfloor heating systems to mitigate this problem and keep the room warm. This is a great way to improve the comfort of your home and its resale value. However, this flooring project usually means you’ll need to rip up the old flooring.
Some homeowners fit the heating system on top of the old tiles and then retile over them. However, this strategy leads to issues with the room’s doors and may damage the subfloor by adding more weight.
In some cases, the insulation in the subfloor may be worn out and dysfunctional. In this instance, the only options are to rip up the flooring, refurbish the insulation and subfloor, and replace the flooring system.
Replace Outdated Flooring Styles
If you move into an older home, the flooring might not be up to date with current interior décor styles. The rooms might have unattractive patterned laminate flooring, worn or damaged carpeting, or color schemes that don’t suit the room.
Hire Professionals To Replace Flooring
There are several reasons why you should replace your flooring system. From damage to outdated styling or home improvements, replacing the flooring can be costly for the homeowner.
It’s essential to hire the right contractor for the task. Cutting corners on the installation project will cost you in the long run with a premature replacement. Ensure you do it right and hire professionals for the installation to avoid disappointment.
Carpet Land | Flooring Installation in Omaha, Lincoln & Sioux Falls | Best Prices on Carpets, Flooring & More
We make shopping for carpet & flooring in Omaha, Lincoln, and Sioux Falls easy! Take advantage of our FREE estimates and consultations today. Our incredible buying power at Carpet Land allows us to deliver the lowest flooring product prices in town, so shift your focus to finding the perfect flooring for your home. We look forward to working with you. Contact us for your FREE Estimate TODAY.
Click here for Carpet Land Omaha, Lincoln, & Sioux Falls Flooring Buying Guide.