When To Replace Floors
Your floors are a part of your home you encounter every day but tend to overlook unless something is wrong with it. Flooring and carpet do not last forever and can require replacing as it ages. If your floor is aging or damaged beyond repair, it may be time to consider replacing it. Laminate tiles and carpeting are two of the most common floor surfaces you’ll find in many homes, and here is an overview of when to replace each.
Laminate Flooring
When to replace laminate flooring can vary depending on the quality of the flooring installation. Typically, an installation using lower-quality laminate tiles will last between 10 and 15 years on average. However, an installation that used higher-quality material and was expertly installed will typically last between 20 and 30 years. A disadvantage of laminate is that once it is damaged, it cannot be repaired or resealed and has to be replaced. A common cause of damage to laminate flooring is water. Water damage to laminate can cause cracks, warping, buckling, discoloration, and mold to grow under the tiles.
Carpet and Carpet Tiles
Like laminate tiles, how often to replace carpet has some variables to keep in mind as well. The lifespan of your carpet can vary due to the quality, how it was installed, and the foot traffic in your home. Typically, carpets will last between 5 and 15 years, with high-use areas lasting the shortest. This is also true for carpet tiles, which last between 5 and 8-plus years. Carpet typically needs replacing due to damage (often due to stains that cannot be removed) or age. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting, you will likely have to replace the entirety of the carpet if it is damaged. An advantage of carpeted tiles is that you only need to replace the damaged tiles instead of the whole floor.
Other Considerations
Another consideration with your flooring is not to overlook the subfloor that your home’s floors sit on top of. A subfloor is often made of plywood, softwood boards, or strand boards. Also, you may have a cement slab between your subfloor and flooring if support is needed. While your subfloor can last decades, it too can have replacement needs due to age or damage. Signs you need to replace your subfloor include squeaking, your floor starting to sink or sag, and various types of visible water damage that negatively impact the structural integrity.
Final Thoughts
Proper care and cleaning of your floors can help them last for many years. However, damage, age, and unplanned events can cause your floors to need replacing. If no amount of cleaning or care can restore your floors or the damage has become too noticeable, it’s time for an expert to replace it.
Categorised in: Flooring