Even the most expensive carpeting requires maintenance every few years as it starts to come lose and create tripping hazards all over the place. But why does carpet stretch? Anyone who has seen a carpet installed knows that the installation process is durable, but the installation process is not the reason why carpet stretches.

How It Is Made

Carpet is made from a variety of materials that depend on the quality of the carpet and any enhanced features the carpet may have. For example, a more expensive carpet is going to be made of a more durable material that can resist staining. But no matter what type of material a carpet is made from, it is some sort of cloth or synthetic cloth material. When you install a carpet, you pull it tight over a series of nails to make it tight to the floor. Over time and with people walking on and using the carpet, it expands and becomes loose.

The Weather

Real wood floors expand and contract when the weather changes, which causes these floors to require repair after a few years. Carpets are not as affected by the weather, but moisture in the air can sometimes cause carpets to expand or contract. Over time, this constant movement loosens the carpet and it needs to be tightened again.

Carpet Wear

Any carpet that gets use is going to stretch and require maintenance. But a carpet that develops tears or starts to unravel in spots close to the tack strips (strips of nails used to hold the carpet in place) will start to become loose as well. A high quality carpet will last many years without the need to be replaced. But if the carpet you have is starting to become lose because it is tearing or unraveling, then you need to replace it.

People sometimes think that once a carpet is in place it just stays in place. But over time, any carpet is going become loose and require a little bit of attention to get back into place.