10-15 Minute Assessment

Carpet Flooring

Carpet is glued or tacked over a wood or concrete subfloor. You often find metal transition strips where the carpet ends and another flooring begins.

Padding laid under the carpet helps insulate and absorbs impact, extending its life. Occasional deep cleaning controls mold, mites, and pet dander, which can cause allergies.

Lifespan: 5-15 years

Safety Tip

Bent transition strips and carpet tacks can be sharp. To avoid getting cut, wear gloves when working with transition strips or repairing loose edges or corners of the carpet.

Steps to Assess Your Carpet Flooring

Step 1: Check the floor for spongy or bouncy areas, which can suggest a problem with the subfloor. If you find any, have a professional take a look.

Step 2: Make sure the carpet is secure along walls and in corners. Repair any loose spots. Watch out for exposed tacks.

Step 3: Look for bubbles, humps, or places where the carpet is separated from the floor. Besides creating a tripping hazard, these issues may indicate a problem with the subfloor. If you find these issues, fix them.

Step 4: Make sure any transition strips are secured to the floor and no sharp edges are exposed. Replace damaged strips immediately.

Step 5: Stained or damp areas could mean you have a water leak. Dampness can lead to rot or mold. Repair any ongoing leak ASAP. If the room smells earthy or musty, or you see stains on the floor or walls, you may have a mold problem.

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Did You Know?

Dirt left in carpeting acts like sandpaper, wearing it down little by little every time you walk on it. Every year, several pounds of soil can collect in and beneath a carpet.