A carpet lasts between 8 and 10 years with proper maintenance and normal traffic. After this, it starts showing obvious signs of deterioration. Most people focus all of their attention on the look and feel of the carpet itself. But carpet padding, although hidden, is the secret to a long-lasting and comfortable carpet.

Let’s take a look at a few ways padding improves your carpet’s performance!

1. Increases Carpet Lifespan

Over time, dirt slowly builds up and becomes lodged between your carpet and the floor. With every step you take, the pressure from your feet can cause the dirt particles to rip the fabric in your carpet. This can drastically reduce its lifespan.

Carpet padding adds an extra layer of protection. These pads absorb all the impact of furniture and day-to-day foot traffic.

Not only do pads improve the longevity of your carpet, but they also protect your floor. A solid pad can help prevent your floor from staining due to spills.

2. Provides Extra Cushion

Carpet padding offers a long list of subtle benefits. But one of the first things you’ll notice after installing a new carpet with pads is how much foot comfort it provides. A padded carpet’s ability to absorb the impact of your footsteps also gives it a much softer feel.

Nearly 8 out of 10 Americans deal with foot problems at some point during their lives. A softer carpet can help ease your foot pain, especially if you who have an issue with your heels.

3. Improves Home Insulation

Believe it or not, carpet padding can add insulation to your home.

Carpet is a very effective thermal insulator, as it mitigates heat loss via the floor. Typically, the thicker the carpet, the higher the R-value (insulation value). But the R-value of carpet padding is usually higher than that of the carpet on its own.

Cities in the Midwest consistently experience the coldest winters in the country. So a carpet that insulates your home efficiently can save you quite a bit of money on your monthly utility bill.

4. Reduces Noise

Do you find your home to be a bit too noisy? If so, try adding padding to your new or existing carpet.

Carpet does a good job of reducing noise on its on own. But padding can enhance a carpet’s ability to dampen sound.This is particularly useful if you have an upstairs room or a basement that you frequent.

Keep in mind that some pads are better at reducing noise than others. Thicker pads tend to absorb sound more effectively. But your best bet is to look for a pad type that has a high Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC).

Choosing the Right Carpet Padding

Always start by checking your carpet manufacturer’s suggestions for density and thickness. Selecting the wrong padding can cause bunching and separation.

The ideal padding for your carpet depends on how much traffic flows through the room. For example, soft and thick padding works well for bedrooms. On the other hand, living rooms and hallways require firmer and thinner padding.

If you’re in need of carpet installation in Racine, Milwaukee, or Northern Illinois, make sure to reach out to us for a free quote and estimate today!

Does your carpet need a good deep cleaning? Have you noticed any stains or signs of wear-and-tear? You might wonder whether you should clean it yourself or hire a pro.

The truth is that both options have pros and cons. DIY carpet cleaning is cheaper. However, unless you know what you’re doing, you could make things worse. Common mistakes, such as using too much cleaning solution, can damage your carpet. Professional carpet care services are faster and yield better results. Those who work in this industry know how to protect the color and remove stains. And contrary to popular belief, these services are not expensive. Prices vary from $75 to $350. It depends on the carpet size and type, materials, and products used.

Feeling confused? Let’s see the difference between professional carpet care and DIY cleaning:

DIY Carpet Cleaning Pros and Cons

Cleaning a carpet by yourself may seem ideal, especially if you’re short on money. After all, most cleaning products cost around $15-$20, so they fit into any budget. Not to mention that you can make your own cleaning formula at home using all natural ingredients.

Beware that carpet manufacturers don’t recommend DIY cleaning. You might use the wrong products, over-wet your carpet, or make too few vacuum passes. Additionally, many commercial cleaners are not suitable for delicate fabrics, such as wool. Improper cleaning may result in fiber damage, color loss, staining, or spots. Too much cleaning solution, for instance, can lead to mold growth and turn spots into stains. Some formulas can damage your carpet or attract dirt.

Sure, you can always buy a professional cleaning machine, but is it really worth? This kind of equipment costs as much as $3,000 and requires training. A regular vacuum won’t do the trick.

With DIY carpet cleaning, you’ll save money and do things at your own pace. Unfortunately, it’s risky and time-consuming. In the worst case scenario, you could ruin the carpet.

Are Professional Carpet Care Services Worth It?

Professional carpet cleaning is slightly more expensive than DIY work. However, it gives you peace of mind and helps increase the lifespan of your carpet.

Professionals use advanced cleaning formulas that are not available in most stores. These products contain antibacterial substances that kill 99 percent of germs and allergens.

The convenience factor is a welcome bonus too. With professional carpet care, you’ll save time and get the best value for your money. This service comes with lots of perks, such as:

• Grooming
• Speed drying
• Fabric protection
• Spot removal
• Moving furniture
• Pre-vacuuming

Professional carpet cleaners are certified by the IICRC. This means they have extensive training and know how to deal with just about any type of fabric. They will make your carpet look like new and even put the furniture back.

What Option Is Right for You?

Without a doubt, professional carpet care is superior to DIY work. Even though you can still handle those small spills yourself, hire a pro for regular maintenance. The choice is up to you.

For professional carpet cleaning, contact us today! Our services include stain and odor removal, steam cleaning, furniture moving, and more!

Imagine, if you will, a house. A house like any other on the block. This is your house.

A friend knocks on the door. It is opened. They enter.

They scream and throw themselves onto the lawn, their twisted face only able to utter the single phrase, “The carpet!”

Before this Rod Serling nightmare becomes your reality, perhaps it is time you looked into getting a professional carpet cleaning.

The Obvious Signs

To avoid forcing a friend or loved one into spastic cries of pain on your own lawn, learn the signs your carpet may be in need of professional help. Alternatively, you can dispense with carpet altogether and savor the beauty of a custom installed hardwood floor.

Visible Stains

Stains are discolorations on the surface of carpet that result from foreign matter being soaked into the material. Some of these substances can be obvious, like a dropped glass of wine, but others can appear slowly as buildup over time.

Unsavory Odor

A lingering and noticeable odor filling a room may be a sign of trapped particles in the carpet. These particles can accumulate over time from foot traffic, particularly socks, or more immediate messes left behind by pets or their human equivalents — children.

Dander/Allergens

Dust, pollen, and other particles become trapped in carpet over time. These can be released when walked on, or especially when vacuumed. If you notice an abundance of red-eyes and sneezes in the household, it is time to find help.

Clumps

These form when clear, sticky materials attach fibers to fibers. Longer strands of hair can also act like a loom and knit together fibers creating hard masses that feel rough or sharp on feet.

Mold Growth

Unlike other visible stains, mold presents in dark green or black shades and mostly at the edges of walls. Mold grows rapidly in humid environments and can cause respiratory distress.

Keeping it Longer

Less visible signs that a carpet is in distress and needing a professional carpet cleaning exist. These invisible, but tangible, benefits of carpet cleaning lead to an increase in years of use.

Rejuvenation

A deep cleaning pulls detritus from the carpet and out of the pad, leading to more spring in the fibers. Carpet that has gone flat and feels less plush than it once did can benefit a lot from deep cleaning.

Longevity

Much like teeth cleaned at the dentist or a car taken through a mechanical wash, a professional carpet cleaning can make future cleanings more effective. Dirt and particles come up easier from newer carpet than worn and soiled carpet.

Periodic deep cleaning will add years to the life cycle of the carpet. Even better, deep cleaning improves the health of your carpet and your family.

Professional Carpet Cleaning

If you want either of these benefits or notice any of the visible signs of soiling in your carpet, consider getting informed about cleaning service professionals in your area. Better yet, learn more about carpet cleaning services and contact us for an appointment today.