Spring signals the time to take a fresh look at the home and assess what needs to stay and what needs to go. And what better place to start than with a brand new floorcovering.
Home and Garden on Female First
Cormar Carpets marketing director, David Cormack takes to the floor to reveal the tell-tale signs of what to look for when you think your carpet is past its ‘sell-by-date’.
“There are several factors that can affect how long your carpet lasts; where you live, who you live with, what you do in your home. And it’s probably no surprise that children and pets take more of a toll on a carpet than adults.”
So look out for the following signs that the carpet is reaching the end of its life cycle:
- the carpet has flattened severely and cannot be brushed up
- draught marks - where the dust naturally comes up - by the skirting boards, especially common in older houses
- very worn in high traffic areas
- carpet joins that are fraying or looking tatty
- badly faded compared with areas under chairs or sofa
David says: “If two or more of the above apply to your carpet, it’s time to think about replacing it. A new carpet breathes life into a tired room and is probably one of the least expensive methods of refreshing a room, as well as being among the least expensive flooring options.
“Most home owners change their sofas quite frequently and at around £1000 for a modern three piece suite, the cost is significantly more than a new carpet. A new room full of carpet is available at between £350-500 for an average 4 x 5m room, for a good quality carpet retailing between £17-25 per sq m.”
And in today’s web-world, carpet isn’t difficult to choose or buy. Do initial research online and get free samples sent direct, without even stepping out of the house.
When selecting a carpet it is important not to skimp on quality. If possible, buy the best carpet you can afford. As with everything else, you only get what you pay for and carpet is no exception. The more you pay the longer you can expect your carpet to last. Shop around for a good deal but always buy from a reputable retailer.
David continues: “Carpet can last many years, under the most trying of conditions, if it is given the care it needs.”
To prolong the life cycle, buy the best possible underlay. When time has been spent on choosing the right carpet, don’t be afraid to invest in good quality underlay, such as heavy weight crumb rubber, rubber, foam or felt. A good high street retailer will always give sound advice about choosing a good quality new underlay.
Carpet manufacturers test carpets prior to launch, simulating foot traffic, using a machine which measures the recovery after a series of impacts. However the underlay is there for a reason - to help the carpet recover from the actual impact of foot traffic in the home. It cushions and supports the carpet, ultimately softening the blow of heavy feet.
Once your new carpet is in place, make sure it stays looking good, by undertaking a good maintenance programme – regularly vacuuming two or three times a week. Cut-pile carpets should be vacuumed with an upright cleaner with beater bar and brush as this helps to lift pile. With a loop pile, vacuum with a cylinder cleaner using the suction head only.
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