Comparing Warranties of Engineer Brands (Explained)

Installing new hardwood floors can be a major investment for homeowners. While the flooring itself can be expensive, it’s the labor costs of installation that really add up. That’s why the manufacturer’s warranty is so important – it protects you from defects and ensures you get your money’s worth from quality flooring. When comparing brands, warranty coverage can make all the difference. Let’s look at what you need to know.

With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to choose the best engineer hardwood flooring for your home. While price and style may initially grab your attention, it’s important to consider the fine print too. The warranty coverage that comes with engineer flooring can vary widely between brands.

Thoroughly understanding warranty policies is crucial to getting the longest useful life out of your new floors. It also ensures you’re properly protected should any unexpected defects or damage occur. When comparing warranties, here are the key factors to look for:

• Length of coverage – How many years are covered?
• Water protection – Is water damage and moisture included?
• Wear and finish – Does it cover wear through the finish to the wood?
• Wood defects – Are natural wood imperfections covered?
• Structural integrity – Does it warrant against delamination or splitting?
• Radiant heating – Is coverage provided if installed over radiant heat?

Let’s break down what you need to know about each aspect of coverage. We’ll also see how popular engineer hardwood brands like Bruce, Bellawood, and DuChateau compare when it comes to warranty protection. Follow these tips to find flooring that looks great while giving you peace of mind.

Length of Coverage

The length of warranty coverage offered on engineer hardwood will vary between brands. In most cases, you’ll get a minimum of 25 years of coverage. However, some brands offer warranties spanning upwards of 50 years or even lifetime coverage.

Bruce engineer flooring comes with a 50 year limited residential warranty. This covers manufacturing defects for this extended period of time.

Bellawood also provides a 50 year limited residential warranty against defects in milling and grading. Their coverage spans future owners as well.

DuChateau warranties their engineer floors for 25 years in a residential setting. This protects against wear, finish defects, and delamination.

While it may seem like longer is always better, keep in mind you likely won’t keep the same floors for more than 20-25 years. Home trends and styles change over time. You may want to update or renovate down the road. Still, opting for the longest coverage available ensures your investment is protected.

Water and Moisture Protection

One of the biggest threats to hardwood flooring is moisture. From storms to appliance leaks, water damage is possible over the lifetime of your flooring. When comparing warranties, be sure to check what kind of protection is offered against water hazards.

Many basic warranties only cover manufacturing defects. Damage from moisture is considered normal wear and tear. Brands that offer water damage coverage give you better protection in the event of the unexpected.

Here’s how the major brands compare when it comes to guarding against water risks:

• Bruce – Does not cover damage caused by moisture.
• Bellawood – Provides limited moisture coverage for accidental water damage.
• DuChateau – Does not offer water damage protection under basic warranty.

Given how vulnerable hardwoods are to moisture, it’s advisable to choose a brand like Bellawood that has some safeguards. Make sure spills and leaks are cleaned quickly to limit damage. Consider adding water leak sensors as an added precaution.

Wear and Finish Warranties

While the wood itself will last for generations, the finish will wear over time with regular foot traffic. When the finish starts to degrade, it’s time to refinish or replace the flooring. An ideal warranty covers the usable life of the finish as well as the wood.

Here is how the major brands compare when it comes to wear and finish defects:

• Bruce – 50 year warranty covers finish wear up to 3/64”. Must be product defect.
• Bellawood – 50 year warranty includes finish wear under normal use conditions.
• DuChateau – 25 years against excessive finish wear from defects.

Bellawood offers the best protection against normal finish wear as your floors age. Make sure to read the fine print though, as some warranties only cover issues caused by manufacturing defects, not regular wear.

Coverage of Wood Defects

While rare in engineered flooring, natural wood defects can sometimes occur. This may include checking, splitting, or cracks that arise as the wood naturally expands and contracts. When comparing warranties, check if coverage is included for inherent wood defects.

Here is what major brands offer:

• Bruce – Provides limited coverage for splits and cracks.
• Bellawood – Warranties against splitting and cracking defects.
• DuChateau – No specific coverage for inherent wood defects.

Bellawood offers the most complete protection against possible wood flaws. Because splits and cracks affect the structural integrity of the flooring, this coverage provides important peace of mind.

Structural Integrity Guarantees

In addition to wood defects, some warranties also cover the structural integrity of the flooring itself. This means you’re protected if the layers of the flooring delaminate or come apart. Construction issues that affect the stability of the flooring are covered.

Here’s a look at what popular brands guarantee:

• Bruce – No specific coverage for structural defects.
• Bellawood – Limited structural integrity warranty.
• DuChateau – 25 year coverage against delamination.

DuChateau provides the longest coverage against structural issues like delamination. Their 25 year guarantee has you covered even as your floors age. For maximum stability and protection, look for a warranty that covers this type of defect.

Radiant Heat Compatibility

Radiant heating systems that go under hardwood floors are gaining popularity. However, some warranties don’t allow coverage if flooring is installed over radiant heat. Be sure to check, especially if you plan to pair new floors with this heating method.

Here is what major engineer flooring brands allow:

• Bruce – Approved for use over radiant heat up to 85 F.
• Bellawood – Can be installed over radiant heat systems.
• DuChateau – No coverage provided if installed over radiant heating.

Both Bruce and Bellawood offer compatibility and coverage with radiant floor heating. DuChateau voids structural defect coverage if paired with radiant heat. Keep this in mind if radiant heat is part of your plans. An ideal warranty will provide coverage in this case.

Comparing Top Brand Warranties

To recap, here is how the top 3 engineer hardwood brands compare when it comes to warranty coverage:

Bruce

• 50 year limited residential use
• Covers moisture damage
• Wear coverage up to 3/64”
• Limited wood defect coverage
• No structural guarantee
• Compatible over radiant heat

Bellawood

• 50 year limited residential use
• Limited moisture damage coverage
• Normal wear on finish
• Covers wood defects
• Limited structural guarantee
• Compatible over radiant heat

DuChateau

• 25 year limited residential use
• No moisture damage coverage
• Protects against finish wear
• No wood defect coverage
• Guards against delamination
• Not compatible over radiant heat

Choosing the Best Warranty

With this breakdown, Bellawood stands out as offering the most complete warranty protection. Their 50 year residential coverage protects against moisture, wear, wood defects, and structure. Bruce also provides a strong 50 year warranty, though excludes inherent wood flaws. DuChateau lags behind with only a 25 year guarantee.

No matter which brand you choose, read all warranty details carefully. Be sure you understand what is and isn’t covered before purchasing. With proper protection, you can enjoy peace of mind that your investment is covered.

Your hardwood flooring will last for years to come with the right warranty coverage. Follow these additional tips for keeping your floors looking beautiful:

Maintain with Care

With proper care, you can ensure your floors outlast their warranty period. Here are some simple maintenance guidelines:

• Sweep and vacuum regularly to remove grit and debris that can scratch floors.
• Clean spills promptly to avoid moisture damage.
• Attach felt pads to furniture legs to prevent scuffing.
• Limit direct sunlight exposure which can cause fading.
• Consider area rugs in high traffic zones to limit wear.
• Follow the manufacturer’s advice on floor cleaners and polishes.

Know Your Limits

Be aware that all warranties have limitations.

Here is the continuation of the article:

• Coverage may be prorated over time, providing less compensation the older your floors are.
• Most warranties cover manufacture defects only, not normal wear and tear or damage.
• Problems like insect infestation, flooding, and indentations from heavy furniture are often excluded.
• Warranties for commercial use are significantly shorter than residential coverage.
• Transfers to new owners may not be allowed or coverage periods will be reduced.
• Labor for repairs or replacement boards often isn’t included under basic coverage.

While warranties provide valuable protection, be realistic about their limitations. Prevention and proper care are still key to getting the most from your floors.

Inspect Annually

Examine your floors each year to spot issues before they worsen. Look for these common problems:

• Cupping or crowning boards – This may signal excessive moisture.
• Cracks wider than a dime – Can develop into bigger gaps or splits.
• Discoloration – May indicate sun damage or leaking pipes underneath.
• Loose boards – Could be caused by structural failure or subfloor issues.

Document any flaws with photos. Contact the manufacturer sooner rather than later to file a claim for covered defects. Address minor issues quickly to prevent major headaches down the road.

Moisture Is the Enemy

Since moisture causes the majority of hardwood flooring damage, take extra precautions to keep your floors dry:

• Maintain normal humidity levels between 30-50% in your home. Use dehumidifiers or humidifiers as needed.
• Check appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines for leaks. Replace water supply lines every 5 years.
• Install leak detectors near water sources and in basements. Monitor regularly and replace batteries every 6 months.
• Clean up spills, pet accidents, and snowmelt immediately to limit seepage between boards.

Replace Worn Boards

If your floors start showing significant wear before the warranty period is up, selective board replacement can refresh their look. Many brands sell replacement boards to match your existing floor. This is much cheaper than replacing the whole floor. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for removing and inserting new boards. Use a professional installer for best results.

Refinish Instead of Replace

When your finish starts looking dull and worn, a simple refinish can restore the beautiful appearance of your wood. This can be done multiple times at a fraction of the cost of new flooring. Time refinishing with your warranty expiration date to maximize their useful life. Hire an experienced hardwood floor refinishing company for the best results.

Final Takeaways

Choosing a quality engineer hardwood floor with a strong warranty provides long-lasting beauty and protection for your home. Follow these guidelines when comparing brands:

• Look for warranties of 25 years or longer. Lifetime coverage offers maximum protection.
• Seek broad protection from moisture risks which are inevitable over time.
• Opt for warranties that cover wear through the finish under normal use.
• Guarantees against wood defects and structural damage give added security.
• Ensure compatibility with radiant floor heating if needed.

With the right warranty, you can enjoy peace of mind that your beautiful new floors are guarded against defects and damage. Take care of your investment with proper maintenance and moisture prevention too. Take time to inspect annually and address issues promptly. Follow these tips and your low maintenance floors will last even longer than their warranty.