It takes experience to see the difference between minor wear and serious problems that can hurt the value of your rug. Here are a few of the basics.
Splits, tears, and holes: Any area where you start to lose knotted pile or woven design elements is something that needs to be secured as soon as possible. Small holes can be easily repaired, but as they grow, repairs get rapidly more costly. A large hole will actually need to be re-loomed to keep the tension consistent, so it's important to prevent further loss. As soon as possible have it repaired or secured by an experienced rug repair specialist. In the meantime, avoid taping it--the knots can pull out when the tape is removed. And never glue it, as that can destroy the value of your rug.
Sides and Ends: The most common repairs are sides and ends--the ends being the fringed edges of the rug, and sides most often overcast with yarn. Often the yarn on the sides will begin coming loose over time, but until there's loss into the rug itself it's not urgent to have every little worn area repaired immediately.
When the fringed ends begin to come loose you'll need them overcast and secured before you lose knotted pile. But wear of the fringe itself is generally not an issue--most old rugs have short, tidy fringes, because the fringe has worn down.
Sprouted knots: Newer handmade rugs sometimes "sprout" tall lengths of pile, which can stand out in a raking light, and worry owners of a new rug that there's something wrong. But it's just that the knots are tied by hand, some knots have a little slack, and sprout. The tall lengths can simply be trimmed flush--the knot is secure down beneath the pile. It's an annoyance, and takes time to trim, but it's just in the nature of handmade rugs.
One last tip: Pets keep rug care specialists in business, and we love them, but keep an eye on your rugs when thunderstorms are forecast. Normally well-behaved pets often take their anxieties out on rugs.
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