The average carpet lifetime is five to 15 years. Of course, your floor covering’s longevity depends on the carpet quality and factors like fiber type, density and other key characteristics, along with wear and tear. When choosing carpet, aiming for high quality is the best way to ensure your investment lasts as long as possible. You can also protect your carpet through ongoing maintenance by ProGreen Carpet Cleaning in Durham, NC.
Below are key factors to look for when choosing carpet for your home or business. Some of these characteristics play more of a role in your carpet lifetime, than you might think. Others are popular marketing terms not worth as much toward durability or longevity.
Carpet Face Weight
Carpet face weight is one of the marketing terms to watch out for when choosing carpet. This measurement in ounces represents the carpet pile weight per square yard. It is a term that salespeople frequently use to differentiate a high carpet quality from lower quality. But in reality, a higher face weight alone is not always an indicator of overall value. The weight is often skewed by other factors.
However, you can use this measurement as one statistic in your decision-making when looking for a durable carpet quality. You will generally see a range of weights between 20 and 100 ounces from floorcovering manufacturers. Homeowners typically seek carpeting with a face weight between 35 to 60 ounces per square yard.
Carpet Density
Carpet density is a good marker for carpet quality and durability, when considered along with other factors like face weight. This is the measurement of how closely carpet fibers are tufted, sewn into, the backing material.
Determined in ounces, the density comes from a specific formula. That formula multiplies the carpet face weight by 36, then divides that result by pile height to come up with ounces per cubic yard. Of course, the carpet density is typically a figure listed on the sample label.
For the average homeowner choosing carpet, it is best to focus on a density value of 3,000 or higher. Any lower is a sign of poor carpet quality and compromised durability.
Carpet Fiber Twist
One of the best indicators of carpet quality is fiber twist. This measurement comes from the number of times each fiber strand is twisted to another. Also sometimes labeled as turns-per-inch (TPI), the carpet twist number represents a one-inch length of fiber.
You can easily determine the carpet twist number if it is not labeled on the product. Simply measure out one inch of carpet fiber. Count the twists in it. If you cannot obtain a one inch fiber, use a half-inch sample and double the number of twists.
For very good carpet quality, look for a carpet twist of 3.5 to six times per inch. The higher the TPI “twist” number, the longer you can expect for carpet lifetime.
Carpet Fiber Type
When choosing carpet for your home or business, you have many textile options like nylon, polyester, triexta, olefin, wool and sisal. It is important to note that olefin is another name for polypropylene. Also, synthetics like nylon are more common than natural fibers like wool. Most commercial-grade carpets are nylon.
For both commercial and residential use, the most commonly chosen carpet fiber is nylon. Nylon is the most durable choice and still feels very soft underfoot. Of course, your ultimate choice comes down to how much traffic your floorcovering will experience and other factors, such as budget. But if you are looking for a lengthy carpet lifetime, nylon is typically the best option.
Carpet Style
Popular residential carpet styles include Berber, frieze, cut-and-loop and Saxony. While these styles are often chosen because of interior design trends, they can also relate to overall carpet quality and durability. When choosing carpet based on a style trend, talk to your interior designer or the carpet sales professional about durability and which styles offer the longest carpet lifetime.
Maintaining Your New Carpet Extends the Carpet Quality Lifetime
Along with any carpet quality listed above, how you maintain your floorcoverings plays a big role in overall durability. If you want to extend your carpet lifetime, follow these simple rules:
- Vacuum regularly, once to twice per week
- Immediately soak up spills and treat stains according to the manufacturer’s recommendations
- Use a high quality vacuum with the right features for your floorcovering
- Trim snags at their base to prevent pulled fibers
- Use area rugs over the carpet on high traffic zones
- Schedule regular professional carpet cleaning by ProGreen Carpet Cleaning
- Consider a shoes-off indoor policy for your home
Choosing carpet is an exciting time. After all, your floors are the most expansive surface in your home or business. New carpeting provides an instant décor update. Of course, once the new carpeting is in place, you want to maintain its beauty. The best way to do so is to schedule routine carpet cleaning by ProGreen Carpet Cleaning of Durham, NC. Call us today at 919-332-3039 for your scheduling and to extend the lifetime of your carpets.
