Carpet damage is a common yet often overlooked problem in our homes. This post will explain more about it and when you should be worried.
What is Carpet Damage?
Carpet damage comes in a few different types. One is the general wear-and-tear of this material. The longer you have it, the more likely its fibers will start getting worn. Besides this, food and dirt stains could seep into it.
Another form of damage is tears and rips. If your carpet is flimsy or more than a few decades old, you might notice its seams starting to fray. This can leave the baseboard beneath it exposed.
The last main type of carpet damage is from water. This is usually because of some incident that has leaked the liquid into it. While small accidents, like a glass of water, spilling on it aren’t usually a problem, larger and often hidden ones, like leaks, can be. They can make the carpet soggy and eventually turn black due to mold.
Is it Dangerous?
In most cases, carpet damage just looks unsightly. However, if it’s from a water leak, it can be toxic. This is because the moisture will encourage mold to grow. The longer the moisture stays the more time it will give mold spores to spread. Eventually, you’ll notice not only deep black patches on the carpet but a musty smell that indicates the mold is causing the carpet to decompose.
This aroma can be very irritating to your body because it’s made up of spores. When you breathe it in, you risk it causing respiratory infections or other allergic reactions.
Besides your health, carpet damage from water can also have a negative impact on your home’s structure. Water will wear down beams and other crucial components. This could make the area unstable.
How is Carpet Damage Fixed?
How a carpet is repaired depends on how severe the problem is. If you only have a tear, that patch might be cut out and replaced with a new section. But, if you have water damage, the entire carpet will usually need to be removed.
To pull up a carpet, a technician will first inspect the outer layer. This will help them see where severe problems might be. A sharp knife will then be used to cut the carpet away from the wall and floor. As it’s rolled up, a worker can see any underlying problems, such as disintegrating floorboards. If there are any issues, they will need to be addressed before a new carpet is laid.
Carpet damage is a concerning problem that’s not only a risk to your home’s foundation but your health. If your residence has carpet damage, give RCS a call in Sonoma County. We can assist with removing it and fixing any other structural problems it might have caused.
