Repairing Carpet vs. Repairing an Area Rug

If you’re seeking expert rug repair near Littleton, you might be wondering what the differences are between repairing a carpet and repairing an area rug. A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning, serving the Denver metro area, compares the two approaches.

Repairing an Area Rug

How Do We Define an Area Rug?

An area rug is made of heavy fabric no larger than 6’ x 9’ in size (anything larger is technically a carpet). The biggest difference between an area rug and a carpet is that the latter is attached to the subfloor while the former is not. Area rugs typically have a nap or pile and come in a variety of styles: braided, rag, woven, and oriental are some of the most popular.

Problems Associated With an Area Rug

Over time, several issues can arise with an area rug. Spills and burns are among the most common problems, as are frayed edges. Also, bound rugs require rebinding, while braided rugs can come unbraided. Minor area rug repair can sometimes be accomplished by the rug owner – but for complex repairs, it’s best to contact a professional rug repair company serving Denver.

Identifying/Repairing a Rug Problem

Further to the above, here’s a brief summary of how certain rug problems are identified/repaired:

  • If the edges fray, they can be sewed
  • If a jute rug’s edges fray, they can be trimmed and bound
  • If a braided rug comes unbraided, it can be re-braided and re-bound
  • Any cuts or tears in an area rug can be patched with tape or resewn

Repairing Carpet

How Do We Define Carpet?

As noted above, the two biggest differences between carpet and an area rug are size, and the fact that carpet is attached to the subfloor. Unlike an area rug, carpet almost always has a pad beneath it. Also, carpeting for large rooms usually has a seam that connects two pieces together. Popular carpet fabrics include nylon, wool, polyester, and acrylic.

Problems Associated With Carpet

All carpet is prone to wear and tear, relative to the amount of foot traffic it endures. Pet damage, food spills, burns, and tears are all common problems associated with carpet. Also, seamed carpet can separate over time. Regular vacuuming can extend a carpet’s lifespan by removing dirt and grit that gradually wears down the carpet’s fabric/pile. Bigger repair jobs, i.e. split seams, tears, and bad stains, should be left to an experienced carpet repair company.

Identifying/Repairing a Carpet Problem

Here’s an overview of how carpet problems that can be identified/repaired by the homeowner:

  • If a section of carpet is flattened, use a metal pet brush to restore the carpet’s fullness
  • For minor burns, the singed fibers can be snipped off with cuticle scissors
  • Shag or Berber carpets have loops that can loosen over time. This problem is alleviated by either reinserting these loops into the backing (you’ll need an awl for this), or cutting off the loose loops.
  • Some spills and stains can be remedied with an oxygen cleaner and/or a pet-stain remover
  • If something sticky gets stuck in the carpet, apply ice to the affected area

Work with an Experienced Carpet Repairer

A Personal Touch Carpet Cleaning is dedicated to keeping your home’s interior in pristine condition. Along with expert carpet and area rug repair, we specialize in bed bug eradication, upholstery cleaning, and more. Contact us today for a free estimate.

Remember at A Personal Touch, “We don’t cut corners, we clean them.”

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