Carpet may have a very bad reputation depending on who you talk to. But don’t believe everything you hear; carpet continues to be one of the most popular flooring options. And there are good reasons for this. Not only does carpet dampen sound, but it also provides warmth and softness.
Unfortunately, the misconceptions about carpeting continue to circulate. Some may even cause you to consider another flooring type. However, before you research other kinds of flooring, be sure you’re aware of these common carpeting myths.
1) High Maintenance
Another myth is that carpeting requires far more work to maintain and wears out more quickly than other types of flooring. But the truth is that a few simple steps are all it takes to ensure that your carpeting retains its new look over time.
For example, quickly removing soil particles as soon as possible after they’ve been deposited will prevent dirt from getting below the carpet’s surface where they are more difficult to remove. The same is true of stains; cleaning them before they’ve had the chance to set will ensure that the colour of your carpet remains even and vibrant.
2) Carpets and Allergies
Many people think that carpeting makes allergy symptoms worse and therefore should not be on the list of choices for homes having allergy sufferers. In fact, several studies have concluded the opposite. Carpet fibres actually trap and immobilise allergy-causing particulates. Of course, any trapped allergens can be released when the carpet is walked on. However, regular vacuuming with a high-efficiency HEPA filter can ensure that your carpet never triggers allergy symptoms.
3) Chemical Content
Many believe that carpet contains chemicals which can be hazardous, or even deadly. One popular myth is that carpets in Bedfordshire contain formaldehyde. The truth is that formaldehyde hasn’t been used in the carpet manufacturing process for almost 40 years.
Carpet is made from face yarn. Face yarn can be made from several materials, including wool, polyester, nylon or polypropylene. Backing material is made from jute or polypropylene. The glue used in carpet manufacturing is made from synthetic latex, which doesn’t cause allergic reactions.
4) Carpeting and the Environment
Carpeting used to get poor marks in the environmental department. But today, there are many environmentally-friendly options. Many companies including Mayfield carpets offer nylon-constructed products, which can actually be recycled and reformed into new carpet fibre. Some carpet types even include recycled content, such as plastic bottles.
5) Thicker Is Better
Is a thicker carpet really better? That depends on where it is placed. If carpet is going to be installed in a high traffic area, a denser carpet having more yarn per square inch is the better choice. A thick carpet with a longer yarn can also have a higher probability of matting, which can make a carpet look older and worn.
The same is true with carpet under padding; a thicker under pad will not necessarily mean a more durable one. As with carpet, it’s the density of the under pad that determines its durability.
6) Carpet Attracts Mould
This is likely one of the most popular myths about carpeting. In order to debunk this particular myth, it’s important to understand what mould requires in order to grow. These are moisture, the right temperature and a food source. Food can be anything from dirt to wall board. Chances are that if your walls or clothing don’t have mould on them, your carpet won’t have mould either.
The myths about carpeting can seem endless. However, when you conduct thorough research, you can make an informed decision about installing this product in your home.