How do old carpet fibres enhance the durability of concrete flooring?

Numerous households and commercial properties have carpets installed on concrete subfloors. Recent research conducted at RMIT University in Australia suggests that concrete floors could include materials derived from carpets in the future.

One of the primary challenges with concrete flooring is cracks, which weaken the concrete and pose a safety hazard due to compromised structural integrity. Dr Chamila Gunasekara, the lead researcher at RMIT University School of Engineering, asserts that by incorporating fibres from discarded carpets into concrete, its strength can be enhanced by up to 40% and prevent premature cracking.

Field studies are currently underway to evaluate the performance of concrete slabs mixed with these added fibres. Additionally, fibres sourced from worn-out clothing are being seen as another viable option for concrete reinforcement. Dr Shadi Houshyar, a textile and material scientist at RMIT University, estimates that 70% of textile waste could be repurposed into valuable fibres for various new products.

Disposing of old carpets in landfills is not environmentally sustainable. In North Wales, initiatives have been implemented to recycle carpets by extracting reusable materials for new product manufacturing. The key challenge lies in discovering additional applications for discarded carpets to increase recycling rates. While burning carpets is an alternative to landfill disposal, it is discouraged due to the emission of harmful toxins.

Concrete floors, unless equipped with underfloor heating systems, can feel chilly underfoot during cold weather. Adding carpets to North Wales floors adds warmth to areas with concrete subfloors, adding to a growing list of benefits for this application of carpets.

119-year-old carpet restored in Turkey

A carpet that was first created well over a century ago has undergone some much-needed restoration work.

The average life of a carpet is between five and fifteen years, depending on traffic and the carpet quality, but this does not apply to all carpets. The largest carpet in Istanbul, Turkey, is in the Dolmabahçe palace, the residence of the crown princes during the Ottoman Empire. This 124-square-metre carpet was woven at the Hereke Imperial Factory 119 years ago during Sultan Osman Abdülhamid's reign.

The carpet, which weighs around one ton, has sections that have been damaged by the sun. Restoration work on the carpet was started by eight expert carpet restorers, who are meticulously repairing the carpet at the Yıldız Şale Residence Carpet Workshop Restoration. Work started several months ago and is expected to take around a year to complete. After the work has finished, the carpet will be returned to the palace, where it should last many more years.

Carpets in Wrexham homes are unlikely to last for a century or more, but there are things that can be done to extend a carpet's life. Regular vacuuming stops dust and dirt from settling in the carpet and causing wear that reduces the carpet's lifespan. When spills occur, it’s important to clear them promptly with a clean cloth or kitchen roll and avoid excess moisture.

Every twelve to eighteen months, carpet owners are advised to deep clean the carpet using a cleaning machine or professional carpet cleaning service.

Are carpets in bedrooms an outdated style?

Paris Forino, a New York interior designer, has said that bedroom carpets are "dated and suburban".

However, many others believe that carpets do belong in bedrooms. Those who prefer carpets in their bedrooms say the pros outweigh the cons.

The main benefit of using bedroom carpets is that they make the space cosy. A lot of people enjoy the soft feel on their bare feet when they get out of bed in the morning. Emma Breislin, interior editor of Livingetc summarises this view:

"Softness and comfort outweigh all else, so why would you want to step onto cold timber floorboards when you could sink into a plush carpet?"

You don't have to sacrifice style by choosing carpets. There is an abundant selection of patterns, colours and textures available. Visit your local carpet retailer in North Wales to see their extensive carpet range. Done right, bedroom wall-to-wall carpets can make a striking visual style statement.

Wall-to-wall carpets are more difficult to keep clean than hard surface flooring, requiring regular vacuuming and an occasional deep clean.

Carpets are available in many materials from natural luxurious wool to synthetic fibres. For an environmentally friendly option, install wool carpets and arrange for the old carpets to be sent to a recycling centre which extracts the materials for use in new products.

An alternative to carpets is to place deep pile rugs on hard floors to add softness to the bedroom.

Many owners of carpets in North Wales firmly believe that carpets are far from outdated and unstylish.

Should you avoid vinyl flooring in wet areas?

There is a common misconception that laminate and vinyl flooring should not be installed in wet or high humidity rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens and utility areas.

This is the result of a range of videos posted on social media showing mould and mildew on vinyl and laminate flooring in wet or high-humidity rooms. The truth is that vinyl and laminate flooring is fine for wet spaces, as long as it is the right type and installed correctly.

Solid vinyl made of wood or stone plastic composite is waterproof and ideal for high-moisture areas. Luxury vinyl plank and PVC vinyl are water-resistant, making them suitable for kitchens and utility rooms where liquids can be easily mopped up, but may not be best for wet bathrooms.

Laminate flooring is water-resistant and can typically stand being covered in water for up to a day. As long as the water is removed in time, they won't get damaged.

The main risk of mould is when water gets underneath the floor covering. A decent quality moisture barrier underlay is recommended before installing vinyl or laminate flooring. Wet areas should be well ventilated with a fan or window that opens to reduce the risk of water accumulating.

If correctly installed in wet spaces, good-quality vinyl and laminate flooring should last between ten and twenty years as long as spilled liquids and excessive amounts of water are removed quickly.

For further advice on installing vinyl or laminate flooring in North Wales homes and business premises, talk to a local flooring company.

How to protect your floors at Christmas

The festive season is a magical time, but it can also be a bit of a nightmare for keeping your home clean and tidy.

With increased foot traffic, wet and muddy weather, pine needles and parties, your floors can be more. Whether you have hardwood, carpet, laminate, or tiled floors, here are some practical tips to help you protect them this Christmas when the weather gets cold and wet.

Welcome mats are your best friend

Wetter weather can result in muddy boots and soggy shoes making their way into your home. The grit and salt used to clear pavements around Christmas can be particularly harmful to your floors. When guests enter your home with snow or ice on their shoes, the salt and grit can scratch and damage hard flooring, leaving behind unsightly marks.

A high-quality welcome mat outside your front door is your first line of defence. Choose a durable, water-resistant mat that’s designed to scrape dirt and absorb moisture. Coir mats, for example, are excellent at removing mud and debris from shoes before they step into your home. For maximum protection, add a second, softer mat inside the doorway to further catch moisture and ensure no dirt gets past your entryway.

This two-mat system will help reduce the amount of mud and wetness that gets tracked onto your flooring.

Establish a no-shoes zone

To really safeguard your floors, implementing a no-shoes rule over the Christmas period can make a world of difference. Ask guests to remove their shoes when they arrive. To make this request more inviting, provide a space near the entrance where people can leave their footwear. You can also keep a selection of clean slippers for your guests to use – this can add a cosy, festive touch and prevent cold feet while keeping your floors protected from the outside grime.

Protect your carpets from spills and stains

If you have carpeted floors, they are at higher risk during Christmas. Between holiday parties, drinks, and festive food, spills are almost bound to happen. To help protect your carpets, invest in washable rugs or runners to place over high-traffic areas like hallways and dining tables. These can catch spills and crumbs and are easier to clean than a whole carpet.

Position your tree carefully

If you love having a real Christmas tree, it’s important to take extra steps to protect your flooring. Real trees, particularly fresh ones, smell wonderful but can drip sap and water from which can cause sticky, hard-to-remove stains on carpets and hardwood floors.

To prevent this, place a tree mat or a plastic sheet underneath the tree stand to catch any falling needles, sap or water. If you’re watering the tree regularly to keep it fresh, check for any leaks or spills around the base.

For artificial trees, be mindful of decorations that could drop, especially glass baubles that could shatter and damage your floors. Place a soft rug or tree skirt underneath the tree to catch any falling items.

Party-proof with furniture pads

People often rearrange their furniture around Christmas to accommodate more guests with extra seating or to create more room for the Christmas tree. This extra movement can cause scratches on wooden or laminate flooring, particularly when heavy furniture is dragged across the surface.

To prevent scratches and scuffs, use felt furniture pads under the legs of chairs, sofas, and tables. These inexpensive pads allow furniture to glide smoothly over floors without leaving any marks. They’re especially important if you plan to host Christmas parties with a lot of movement, as your floors will need some extra protection from frequent chair-shuffling.

Sweep up and clean regularly

No matter how much you prepare, your floors will still face some wear and tear during the Christmas season. That’s why it’s crucial to stay on top of regular sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping. For hardwood or laminate floors, sweeping up dirt, pine needles, and grit frequently will prevent them from scratching the surface.

Carpets will need regular vacuuming, especially in high-traffic areas like living rooms or hallways. Spills should be dealt with immediately – the longer they sit, the more likely they are to stain. A quick clean after any event will ensure your floors look their best throughout the holiday season.

For a more in-depth look at how to clean your carpets in the aftermath, please visit our tips on post-Christmas carpet cleaning here.

Upgrade your floors before the holidays

For maximum protection against seasonal wear and tear, here at Homestyle Carpets we offer a wide range of brand new carpet, tiles and laminate floor available around North Wales and Chester to choose from and install ready to enjoy the festive season. You can browse our range here.