Should You Replace Old Commercial Carpets? Answers to Common Questions
Your commercial carpets, like all other assets in the business, have a lifespan. And understanding this lifespan will help any business owner know when it's time to put more effort into caring for that old carpet and when it's time to replace it. Here are some answers to your questions about carpet resilience and deterioration.
How Long Do Carpets Last?
Generally, carpets tend to start reaching the end of their life after about a decade. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule. Every carpet's lifespan is a little different for a variety of reasons.
For instance, each carpet sees a different amount of foot traffic — light, heavy, and medium. They are made from different materials, some sturdier and some more delicate. They face different lighting sources ranging from bright natural sunlight to differing artificial lights. And they may be either hidden or face your customers on a daily basis.
Why Should You Avoid Acting Hastily?
Just because your carpet has hit the average life expectancy or has spots doesn't necessarily mean you need to rip it out. Modern carpet cleaning can still do a lot to restore old carpets. Common treatments like steam and dry compounds — possibly in multiple sessions — can get out many stains and spots. Professional services can also fight against odors with deodorizing and anti-microbial treatments.
Repairs may also add life to your existing carpet if it has damage from deeper stains or dye damage. For instance, stains that have permanently discolored the carpet fibers may be fixable through a re-dyeing process handled by a trained professional. Holes and tears may even be repaired by removing a damaged section (including the pad underneath) and replacing it with another section.
What Are Signs a Carpet Needs Replaced?
Even with all these maintenance aids, though, an old carpet will eventually reach its unique endpoint. How can you tell when this has happened? Here are some things to look for:
- Moisture and water damage that may cause mold
- Odors that can no longer be removed by treatments
- Extensive biohazard stains
- Tearing and matting that may cause tripping hazards
- A style that no longer fits your business's aesthetic
These problems are more than superficial, and they persist after both daily and deep cleaning methods. When this happens, your carpet may have reached a functional end.
How Can You Help Your Next Carpet?
As you prepare for your replacement carpet, take the time to look ahead at how you can help your next one. Rather than waiting until the new carpet has started to age or gets soiled, craft a plan to keep it as fresh and clean as possible for as long as you can.
This begins with learning how to spot clean spills and debris as it happens. A quality carpet care service may be able to help you select spot cleaners and handle common daily damage that can happen during the course of business. You should also arrange for daily and weekly vacuuming to remove dirt before it gets ground in.
Follow up this light cleaning with a regular schedule of deeper cleaning and attention to potential spots. Low traffic carpets, like many offices, may only need deep cleaning once or twice a year. High traffic areas, though, may need this extra step a number of times per year.
Where Should You Start?
Whatever stage your current carpet is in, now is the best time to find out what it needs. Janitorial Services Atlanta can help. We provide a wide range of care options for older carpets and will work with you to design a protective plan for new ones. Call today to make an appointment with a cleaning pro.
