Carpet Texture Retention Warranty

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.

TWG

Terry Weinheimer is a nationally recognized carpet and floor covering consultant, inspector and co-author of Carpet Inspectors Handbook.

Carpet Texture Retention Warranty