Four ways multi-family property managers can prolong carpet life

Apartment professionals can create a culture to help prolong the life of carpet, starting with initial design or floor remodeling and working with residents.

Here’s what the flooring pros suggest:

Create a hard-surface area in front of carpet at entry points

Preservation starts before anyone steps foot on the carpet. A hard-surface area between exterior doors and the carpet will help prevent the spread of dirt and debris into fibers. Create a 5’ x 5’ “landing” using tile or vinyl floor covering with a mat so people can wipe off their feet or leave shoes before walking on the carpet. Also, encourage residents to place floor mats outside of entry points.

Fully clean carpets at least annually

Professionally clean the carpet in units once or twice per year to minimize long-term matting, crushing and staining. Dirt sifts into the yarn and gets embedded deeper when people walk across the carpet. The yarn will start to discolor, break down and look worn. At some point, the carpet will not be able to be revitalized and will need replacing.

Arm your residents with a vacuum cleaner

Regular vacuuming helps keep dirt from sifting deep into the carpet and creating additional wear. Because some residents may not own a vacuum, it may not be a bad idea to give them one. An inexpensive vacuum cleaner could be the perfect housewarming gift for a new resident (or one who renews) and help increase the life of the carpet if used properly. Good vacuum cleaners can be purchased for as little as $50.

Use other flooring options that will prolong the life of carpet

Minimizing the amount of carpet in the unit or placing it in low-damage-risk areas will help get longer life out of the product. For example, use hard-surface flooring in areas like the dining rooms and the kitchen where carpets are more likely to get stained. If you can put hard-surface in dining room – that’s where people eat – this will prolong the life of the product while making the area look more livable.

Work with your Sherwin-Williams flooring representative to learn more and to find the right solutions for your community.