RV carpet replacement is a major concern for motorhome owners across the country. Carpets provide a durable, soft surface option that has a great impact on an RV’s aesthetic appeal.
RV carpets are usually commercial grade, which means they require less maintenance and last longer than residential carpets. Nevertheless, it’s important to identify if you need RV carpet replacement or maintenance for your RV. Knowing when to service your carpet, and when to replace it, will help you get the most of your carpet without putting your RV, or your family’s health, at risk.
Do You Need RV Carpet Replacement?
RV carpet replacement instantly rejuvenates your motorhome. The plush surface gives it a touch of luxury, and light coloring can make your RV look more spacious than your actual square footage. RV carpets come in an array of colors and patterns and you can choose solution-dyed options to prevent fading and stains. A damaged, unattended carpet can become a hassle, so you should inspect it frequently. Certain carpets only require maintenance, but others require replacing. Check out our tips below to identify if you need RV carpet replacement.
Stains
The first signs your RV needs carpet replacement are large stains. Most carpets come with a stain-resistant finish, especially solution-dyed carpets. However, if the carpet is too old, you will notice more and more stains covering your carpet. If you are unable to remove the stains, chances are your carpet is reaching the end of it’s durability. You should also keep an eye out for random stains because they may be an indication that mold and mildew is developing under your carpet. Both mold and mildew can put your RV and your health at risk.
Wrinkles and Stretching
Uneven, wrinkled RV carpets should also raise a red flag. The problem with wrinkles, creases, and stretching is that, eventually, they can burst wide open, hindering the looks of your RV and giving the opportunity for damage to the flooring beneath. Your carpet may stretch due to poor installation, uneven surfaces, or just normal wear and tear. Carpet stretches can often be repaired, but after the second or third time that they are stretched you will find that the carpeting will become flat with loose padding and will be more liable to rip.
Obvious Wear and Tear
RV carpets can start showing obvious signs of wear and tear after a while. These include rips, loose threads, bumps, fading color, and water damage, just to name a few. If you see any of these or any other major sign of wear and tear, then you need to start considering RV carpet replacement. Also, if your carpet has a 70’s groovy pattern you’re not completely down with, it’s a good idea to look at newer patterns that match your personality.
Foul Odors
The most alarming sign that you need RV carpet replacement is a foul odor. It’s normal to have a smelly carpet if you haven’t cleaned it in a while and, in this case, cleaning it should diminish or completely remove the smells.
However, if you have a lingering, foul odor emanating constantly, it means that moisture has penetrated deep into your carpet fibers. Moisture can damage your carpet pad and subfloor, creating mold and mildew colonies that can cause health complications and permanently damage your RV. In most cases, you will be able to salvage your RV by changing the flooring and installing new carpet. However, if you have any faint smells you can’t seem to get rid of, contact your local RV carpet expert now.
Condition of the Padding
Carpet padding works like a pillow for your feet, providing the plush surface that makes carpet a crowd favorite. However, if the padding is worn down, your carpet becomes a layer of flat fabric. You will also notice your RV will become louder because the padding muffles the engine sound inside of your motorhome.
Allergy Symptoms
One of the setbacks of carpet is that they require maintenance. If they are not cleaned frequently, carpets can collect all types of debris and allergens. These can circulate in your RV, giving rise to allergic reactions amongst your passengers. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, sore throat, fever, and asthma attacks. Mold and mildew development are known to increase allergy symptoms, so if you see any signs of mold, or have a lingering musty smell, it’s time replace your RV carpet.
Carpet Hasn’t Been Changed or Serviced in More than a Decade
This sign is hard to detect if you bought a second-hand RV. However, if think your RV carpet has not been replaced, maintained, or serviced in the last 10 years, you should contact your local specialist for a thorough inspection. Most RV owners take great care of their carpet, but leaving it unattended for long periods of time can cause unwanted growth and allergen build-up.
Outdoor-Friendly Carpets
Outdoor-friendly carpets now offer an awesome way to have the luxury, comfort, and durability of carpets without worrying about stains or smells. They are usually made from non-skid materials and are weatherproof, as well as stain and fade resistant. Outdoor-friendly carpets are easy to clean as you can use liquid solutions like chlorine, which will kill most molds without staining or fading the carpet.
Other RV Flooring Options
Carpets are not the only RV flooring option available. Here are some other materials you can use to cover the surface of your RV floor:
Vinyl: Vinyl is making a comeback as a popular flooring material, for both houses and RVs. Vinyl is affordable, easy to install, and easy to clean. It’s now produced in countless patterns, textures, sizes, and finishes, so you will easily find one that matches your style. In addition, you have luxury vinyl planks available, which mimic a variety of wood types and tones.
Hardwood: Hardwood is a classic flooring style that suits all surfaces. Hardwood flooring is easy to clean, and very durable. It has the highest resale value, but it also happens to be amongst the priciest. However, hardwood is heavy, decreasing your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. For most RV owners, hardwood isn’t a good option for flooring.
Laminate: Laminate flooring is a great, affordable option for wood-lovers. They offer the looks and feel of real wood, at a fraction of the cost and weight. Laminate floors are not adhered to the subflooring, so you can install insulation or padding to muffle noises, increase energy efficiency, and comfort.
If you need help deciding what RV flooring suits you best, or you need help installing it, contact Remnant King Carpet today. Our team of qualified experts will be happy to help you install your dream flooring. GIve us a call or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation. Contact us now!