With spring around the corner, homeowners throughout Edmonton are about to face one of the biggest challenges when it comes to caring for their floors: tending to and preventing mould growth. Carpet rot can be an unfortunate by-product of excessive moisture build-up tracking in and out of the home, and if left undetected can pose a significant danger to residents.
As a leader provider and installer of carpet solutions, Ashley Fine Floors is proud to offer fantastic flooring solutions for all homes. Our team answers countless questions about carpet issues, including how to spot the signs of rot as it begins to set in. Read on to learn what to look for and catch carpet rot before it’s too late!
Know Your Risk Factors
While every space can, in theory, be at risk for mould, there are certain factors that will make it much more prominent as a concern. Older carpets, specifically those located in areas of the home that are prone to moisture build-up (bathrooms and basements, for example), are much more at risk. The average lifespan for a high traffic area carpet is roughly seven years compared to 12 years for less used areas.
Be aware of where you are in the life cycle of your carpet and take note of any signs of wear and tear as they progress. If things seems to be degrading quicker than usual, that’s a sure sign that you may want to have things looked at.
Look for Visible Signs of Mould
We all know the telltale smell of mildew and mould, but it can be easy to miss visual signs if you’re not paying attention. Whether or not you’re noticing a distinct smell (more on that below), you should always be vigilant in regularly inspecting your carpets for any signs of water damage or exposure to standing liquid. Should this occur, you’ll want to determine if the mould problem is containable (i.e. a piece of food that got discarded and forgotten and has since been removed). If so, you can likely get away with cleaning the area with a portable cleaner, but if you’re not 100% certain, a closer look is necessary.
A Distinctive Odor
Like we mentioned above, mildew and mould often have a telltale scent that serves as a dead giveaway that something is amiss. If there’s a lingering musty scent in the air even after you clean, it’s time to bring in the professionals. Mould spores pose a huge risk to your health and can spread over time.
To Treat or Replace
The most common question where mould growth and water damage is concerned is whether or not you’ll need to replace the entire carpet or if it is possible to treat specific sections. Typically speaking, water damage can be extremely hard to reverse and for everyone’s safety, a replacement will likely be your best option. Ashley Fine Floors’ team of flooring installation experts is well equipped to handle such cases with ease, allowing you to get back to normal in no time flat, as well as giving you peace of mind.
Learn more about the dangers of carpet rot and the importance of replacing damaged materials by contacting our team today!