New Flooring Warranty: Know This! (3 Red Flags)

One thing that constantly surprises me is how many homeowners blindly trust flooring warranties.

They think a warranty is a magic shield, a promise of eternal floor perfection. But, sadly, that’s rarely the case.

Think of a flooring warranty like a health insurance plan: it can be a lifesaver, but you better know exactly what it covers – and what it doesn’t.

That’s why I’m here to pull back the curtain and expose the dirty little secrets of flooring warranties.

We’ll dive deep into what these documents really mean and, more importantly, I’ll point out three major red flags that should send you running in the opposite direction.

Trust me, understanding this stuff can save you a ton of money and heartache down the road.

Let’s get started!

Section 1: Understanding Flooring Warranties

So, what is a flooring warranty anyway?

At its core, it’s a manufacturer’s or retailer’s promise to stand behind their product.

It’s a guarantee that the flooring will perform as expected under normal conditions for a specific period.

But the devil is always in the details.

There are typically three main types of flooring warranties:

• Manufacturer’s Warranty: This comes directly from the company that made the flooring. It usually covers manufacturing defects, like warping, delamination, or premature wear.

• Retail Warranty: This is offered by the store where you bought the flooring. It might cover things like installation errors or damage that occurs during delivery.

• Installation Warranty: This is provided by the flooring installer. It guarantees the quality of their workmanship. If the floor is improperly installed, leading to problems, this warranty should cover the repair or replacement.

Why is a warranty so important? Well, flooring is a significant investment.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, the average cost of installing hardwood flooring is over $6,000!

A warranty gives you some peace of mind knowing that if something goes wrong, you won’t be completely on the hook for the cost of fixing it.

Think of it as consumer protection.

Now, let’s talk about the legal language. Warranty documents are not exactly known for being light reading. They’re often filled with complex jargon and confusing clauses.

This is why it’s absolutely crucial to read the entire document carefully before you buy.

Don’t just skim it!

Pay attention to the definitions of key terms, the specific issues that are covered, and the steps you need to take to file a claim.

If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.

A reputable retailer or manufacturer should be happy to explain the terms in plain English.

Ignoring the fine print is like driving a car without insurance – you’re taking a huge risk.

Section 2: Red Flag #1 – Limited Coverage Terms

Okay, let’s get to our first red flag: limited coverage terms.

This is where many homeowners get tripped up. They assume that a warranty covers everything that could possibly go wrong with their floor.

But that’s almost never the case.

Most flooring warranties have specific exclusions, meaning they only cover certain types of defects or issues.

For example, many warranties exclude:

• Wear and Tear: This is probably the most common exclusion. Warranties typically don’t cover normal wear and tear, like scratches, scuffs, or fading, that occurs over time. They expect you to live on the floor!

• Water Damage: Water is the enemy of most flooring types. Warranties often exclude damage caused by flooding, leaks, or excessive moisture. That includes pet accidents, leaky appliances, and even high humidity.

• Installation Errors: If the floor wasn’t installed correctly, the warranty might be voided. This is why it’s so important to hire a qualified and experienced installer. And make sure they offer an installation warranty.

• Improper Maintenance: Warranties usually require you to follow specific maintenance guidelines. If you use the wrong cleaning products or neglect to properly care for your floor, the warranty could be voided.

• Commercial Use: Most residential flooring warranties don’t cover flooring installed in commercial settings. The wear and tear is typically much higher in a business environment.

These limitations can have a significant impact on your long-term flooring costs.

Let’s say you install a beautiful hardwood floor with a 25-year warranty.

Five years later, a pipe bursts and floods your living room.

The warranty excludes water damage, so you’re stuck paying for the entire replacement yourself.

Or imagine you install a laminate floor with a 10-year wear warranty.

After just two years, the surface starts to scratch and fade due to heavy foot traffic.

The warranty might only cover manufacturing defects, not normal wear and tear, so you’re out of luck again.

Here’s a table summarizing common warranty exclusions:

The key takeaway here is to carefully review the warranty document and understand exactly what is and isn’t covered.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and get clarification on any ambiguous terms.

Section 3: Red Flag #2 – Ambiguous Language and Conditions

This leads us to our second red flag: ambiguous language and conditions.

Warranty documents are notorious for using vague terms and phrases that can be interpreted in multiple ways.

This can create confusion and make it difficult to determine whether a particular issue is covered or not.

For example, a warranty might state that it covers “manufacturing defects.”

But what exactly constitutes a “manufacturing defect?”

Is it only a defect that occurs during the manufacturing process, or does it also include defects that become apparent later on?

Or a warranty might say that it covers “reasonable wear.”

But what is considered “reasonable?”

What one person considers reasonable, another might not.

These vague terms can give the manufacturer or retailer a lot of wiggle room to deny claims.

They can argue that a particular issue doesn’t meet their definition of a “manufacturing defect” or “reasonable wear,” even if you believe it should be covered.

I’ve seen this happen countless times.

A homeowner installs a new hardwood floor with a warranty that covers “structural defects.”

After a few months, the floor starts to buckle and warp.

The homeowner files a claim, but the manufacturer denies it, arguing that the buckling was caused by excessive moisture, not a structural defect.

The homeowner is left with a damaged floor and no recourse.

Here’s another example:

A homeowner installs a laminate floor with a warranty that covers “fading.”

After a year, the floor starts to fade in direct sunlight.

The homeowner files a claim, but the manufacturer denies it, arguing that the fading is considered “normal wear and tear” and is not covered under the warranty.

According to a study by the Better Business Bureau, ambiguous warranty language is one of the top reasons for consumer complaints about flooring products.

Clarity is key when it comes to warranty documentation.

The terms and conditions should be written in plain English, not legalese.

They should clearly define what is covered, what is not covered, and what steps you need to take to file a claim.

If you encounter a warranty document that is full of vague terms and confusing language, be very cautious.

It might be a sign that the manufacturer or retailer is trying to avoid responsibility for their product.

Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or seek a second opinion from a flooring expert.

Here are some questions to ask about potentially ambiguous terms:

• What specific types of defects are considered “manufacturing defects?”

• What is the definition of “reasonable wear?”

• What level of fading is considered excessive and covered by the warranty?

• What constitutes “normal use” of the flooring?

• What are the specific maintenance requirements that must be followed to keep the warranty valid?

Getting clear answers to these questions can help you avoid misunderstandings and protect your rights as a consumer.

Section 4: Red Flag #3 – Poor Reputation of the Manufacturer or Installer

Our final red flag is the poor reputation of the manufacturer or installer.

A company’s track record can be a strong indicator of the reliability of their warranty.

If a manufacturer has a history of denying claims, using deceptive practices, or providing poor customer service, it’s a sign that their warranty might not be worth the paper it’s printed on.

Similarly, if an installer has a reputation for shoddy workmanship or failing to honor their installation warranty, you should steer clear.

Before you buy flooring, do your research.

Check online reviews, read customer testimonials, and look for any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer protection agencies.

Pay attention to what other customers are saying about their experiences with the manufacturer or installer.

Are they happy with the quality of the product?

Did the company honor their warranty when there was a problem?

Did they provide good customer service?

A study by Consumer Reports found that companies with high customer satisfaction ratings are also more likely to honor their warranties.

Conversely, companies with low customer satisfaction ratings are more likely to deny claims or make it difficult for customers to get their problems resolved.

Here are some specific things to look for when researching a manufacturer or installer:

• Online Reviews: Check sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and Angie’s List for reviews from other customers. Pay attention to both the overall rating and the specific comments made by reviewers.

• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Check the BBB website for the company’s rating and any complaints filed against them. A high rating and a low number of complaints are good signs.

• Customer Testimonials: Look for testimonials on the company’s website or social media pages. Keep in mind that these testimonials are likely to be cherry-picked, so take them with a grain of salt.

• Industry Associations: Check if the manufacturer or installer is a member of any relevant industry associations, such as the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) or the Flooring Contractors Association (FCA). Membership in these associations can indicate a commitment to professionalism and ethical business practices.

• Warranty Fulfillment Rate: Ask the manufacturer or retailer about their warranty fulfillment rate. This is the percentage of warranty claims that they actually approve and pay out. A high fulfillment rate is a good sign.

Remember, a warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it.

If you’re dealing with a manufacturer or installer with a poor reputation, it’s best to find another option.

It might save you a lot of headaches in the long run.

Section 5: The Importance of Due Diligence

So, what’s the bottom line?

When it comes to flooring warranties, due diligence is essential.

Don’t just assume that a warranty is a guarantee of quality and protection.

Take the time to research your options, read the fine print, and ask questions.

Here are some tips for comparing different warranties:

• Read the Entire Document: Don’t just skim the warranty. Read every word carefully and make sure you understand the terms and conditions.

• Compare Coverage: Compare what is and isn’t covered by different warranties. Pay attention to exclusions, limitations, and deductibles.

• Check the Length of Coverage: Compare the length of coverage for different warranties. Keep in mind that a longer warranty isn’t always better. A shorter warranty with better coverage might be a better deal.

• Consider the Company’s Reputation: Research the manufacturer or retailer to see what other customers are saying about their warranty service.

• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. A reputable company should be happy to answer your questions.

• Get it in Writing: Make sure you get a copy of the warranty document in writing. This will be important if you ever need to file a claim.

Customer reviews and third-party evaluations can also be valuable resources.

Check online review sites, read customer testimonials, and look for reports from consumer organizations.

These resources can provide insights into the real-world experiences of other customers and help you assess the reliability of a warranty.

Section 6: Conclusion

Flooring warranties can be tricky.

They’re not always as straightforward as they seem.

By being aware of the three red flags we’ve discussed – limited coverage terms, ambiguous language, and poor reputation – you can protect yourself from potential problems and make a more informed decision.

Remember, a warranty is only one factor to consider when choosing flooring.

You should also consider the quality of the product, the reputation of the manufacturer or installer, and your own personal needs and preferences.

Don’t let a shiny-sounding warranty blind you to other important factors.

Ultimately, the best way to ensure a successful flooring project is to do your research, ask questions, and choose a reputable manufacturer and installer.

And always, always read the fine print!

Happy flooring!

Learn more