Are you tripping over your carpet? Does it have lumps, rolls, and wrinkles when it was previously laid flat? You probably need to have your carpet stretched. But how often does carpet need to be stretched? Is it something you should plan on having done annually, like professional carpet cleaning? Or is it a one-and-done situation, where if those bumps and bubbles pop up again, you’ll need to replace your carpet entirely?

Here’s what you need to know about how often carpet needs to be stretched, so that you can keep your floors nice and smooth and free of the tripping hazards loose carpet can create. Let’s dive in!

What Is Carpet Stretching?

If you have loose carpet, there’s no need to despair and worry about complete replacement just yet. Carpet stretching can save your carpet and help it last longer. When you have carpet stretching done, this means that a professional will come out to your home and stretch the carpet out in order to ensure that it lays tight and flat again, with no wrinkles or bumps. They’ll remove the excess material so that your carpet stays taut.

Carpet stretching is part of the process of installing new carpeting. It’s how the pros get your carpet to look so smooth and pristine. It can also be done if your carpet loosens over time, to increase its longevity, safety, and appearance.

What Causes Carpet To Loosen?

When carpet is installed properly, it should stay in good condition for years. However, there are a variety of factors that can cause your carpet to loosen, leading to unsightly wrinkles and lumps. 

Some of the reasons why carpet can loosen include:

• Improper installation. This is a leading cause of loose carpet. As previously mentioned, carpet stretching is part of the carpet installation process. However, if it wasn’t installed correctly, this can cause it to ripple, because it isn’t properly secured. 
• Heavy furniture. If you drag heavy furniture across your carpets, this can cause them to lift and loosen. 
• Humidity. Moisture can cause your carpet to lift up off its padding, so if you live somewhere humid or there is a lot of humidity in a certain room, this can cause your carpet to buckle. 
• Steam cleaning. We just mentioned how moisture can loosen your carpet, and steam cleaning can do this too. If you need to have your carpet steam cleaned, it’s best to hire a professional carpet cleaner for the job, as they will know how to do it properly, without damaging your carpet.

How Often Does Carpet Need To Be Stretched?

Okay, so, you had your loose carpet stretched, and now it’s good again. But how often does carpet need to be stretched? Does carpet need to be stretched whenever you notice buckling? Does carpet need to be stretched on a regular basis? How often does carpet need to be stretched in order to keep it in good condition?

The answer to this question is: you should only have your carpet stretched once. Twice, if you count the carpet stretching included in carpet installation. Once you’ve had your carpet stretched, it should last you for 10 more years, depending on how much traffic it gets and the environment it’s in, as well as how well you take care of it. 

If you have your carpet stretched and then you notice it start to buckle and ripple again, this is a sign that you need to have the carpet replaced. 

Are There Times When You Shouldn’t Stretch Your Carpet?

So, carpet should only be stretched once before you have it replaced. However, if your carpet is 10+ years old, you shouldn’t have it stretched. This is because aging carpet likely won’t be able to withstand the stretching process and can end up tearing. If you have old carpet, it’s better to go for carpet replacement once you notice it start to buckle. 

Can You Stretch Your Carpet Yourself?

Technically, you can stretch your carpet yourself. You can DIY all sorts of different projects – but that doesn’t mean that you should. Carpet stretching is a very involved process, which is why professionals tend to charge a bit more for this service. You don’t want to try to stretch your carpet yourself, as it could take up days of your time and could easily go wrong if you don’t have professional equipment and experience.

Does Your Carpet Need To Be Stretched?

TNT Cleaning Company provides professional carpet stretching services that help your carpets look and feel brand new. To learn more about our carpet stretching services or to schedule a service, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!