Carpet Texture Retention Warranty Basics
The carpet texture retention warranty usually covers excessive loss of texture from foot traffic resulting in tuft bursting, opening or loss of twist which cannot be corrected. Under the terms of the carpet texture retention warranty the manufacturer will often have a certified carpet inspector rate the carpet using the CRI texture retention rating scale. These standardized rating scales have a range, 5 = No change, 4 = Slight change, 3 = Noticeable change, 2 = Considerable change, 1 = Severe change (A grading with a decimal indicates that the appearance fell between two grading scales. The accepted change under the terms of the carpet texture retention warranty will often be 3.0 to 3.5. It is considered a normal characteristic for the texture of any carpet to change over time. Texture retention is the ability of carpet’s tufts to retain their visible shape, as measured by the degree of bursting, opening, or untwisting of the tufts at the surface of the carpet.
Common Carpet Texture Retention Warranty Exclusions
- Stairs are excluded.
- Vacuum marks or heavy wheeled devices.
- Damage from such things as tears, pulls, cuts, burns, pets, furniture coasters, athletic equipment, athletic foot wear, vacuum marks or heavy wheeled devices.
- Fuzzing, pilling, shedding.
- Changes in appearance caused by soiling or furniture depressions.
Common Carpet Texture Retention Warranty Compliance Requirements
- The carpet must be properly installed. Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI 104 & 105) are routinely referred to.
- The carpet must be installed over a pad that meets the manufacturer’s requirement. The manufacturer may refer to a pad meeting a particular specification, such as HUD UM 72a, Class 1, or Carpet Cushion Council standards. These specifications set minimum standards for weight, thickness and density along with other physical characteristics that will determine a pad’s performance.
- The carpet must be cleaned by a qualified professional and a period of time such as 1, 1 1/2, or 2 years will be specified. A particular method such as hot water extraction or dry cleaning will be specified by a particular manufacturer. Most manufacturers will require that receipts be maintained as proof of service. Some manufacturers will require that the consumer maintain a list of spot cleaning products used on the carpet.
Article modified from Carpet Inspectors Handbook by Terry and Kevin Weinheimer.
More on Carpet Warranties
Carpet Warranties
No Mat/No Crush Warranty
Carpet Texture Retention Warranty
Carpet Stain Warranty
Carpet Wear Warranty
Carpet Warranty Limitations
I purchased the Stainmaster TruSoft ‘Best of Class’ carpet for over $9.00 per sq ft. My dog,
who is housebroken, has an accident on day 3 after installation. After cleaning the spot using their
recommended procedure, the stain came out, but the texture changed. I even then had
Stanley Steamer come and still the texture did not return to its original appearance. The
technician said he never saw a carpet do this. I have had carpet my entire life with pets, and
never had this happen before. After contacting Invista Stainmaster to make a claim which
they denied, I was informed by them that my carpet has a 3.0 rating! This rating should be put
on the back of carpets so the consumer is informed. I also never received the Stainmaster warranty booklet from Lowe’s, the retailer. I am now addressing my issue with them because on the back of the carpet it does have “Lowe’s 90 day satisfaction guarantee’; My last resort would be to go to
Small Claims. Any suggestions?
Sorry to hear of your problem. If the companies will not work with you, you can certainly hire your own inspector. Generally fuzzing of carpet during spot removal is caused by excessive scrubbing instead of blotting or using extraction. Without examining the carpet a fiber problem cannot be ruled out. As far as the 3.0 rating, they are referring to the ISO/CRI texture change rating a number that relates to the allowable amount of texture change. What did Lowe’s tell you regarding the 90 day satisfaction guarantee? As far a legal advice, you would need to speak with an attorney.