Carpet Warranties Are Diverse and Confusing
Carpet warranties vary widely and can often be confusing for both consumers and professionals. A fiber manufacturer may use advertising imagery to suggest a carpet’s performance, yet the actual results may differ. Similarly, salespeople may provide expressed or implied warranties, leading consumers to believe a product will function in a certain way.
However, warranties offered by fiber manufacturers, carpet producers, and dealers are often limited in scope. It is essential to review them carefully before purchasing.
Warranties are Voluminous and Ever Changing
Carpet warranties continue to evolve, with manufacturers offering varying levels of protection. Companies like Shaw Floors provide warranties covering stain resistance, texture retention, and durability. Scotchgard still offers stain and soil protection. These measures help carpets maintain their appearance.
DuPont was once a leading supplier of nylon carpet fiber. The Stainmaster brand is now owned by Lowe’s. Its warranties have been updated accordingly. Today, modern carpet warranties often include pet protection, wear resistance, and extended texture retention guarantees. There is added emphasis on maintenance requirements to ensure coverage remains valid.
Most first-grade carpeting comes with a wear warranty, typically ranging from five years to a lifetime. In addition to manufacturer warranties, big box stores and carpet dealers may offer their own protection plans.
Salespeople may provide express or implied warranties, influencing consumer expectations. An express warranty is a clear statement regarding the product’s expected performance. An implied warranty is an understood guarantee based on association, inference, or necessity. It is not a direct claim.
Understanding Carpet Warranties
An understanding of warranties is important. However, due to their volume and many similarities, we will cover them only in generic fashion. Consumers, dealers, salespersons, or others must read all product warranties. They should understand the warranties that pertain to the products they are dealing with.
As a professional it is advisable to collect and digest warranties, copies of which are available through the various carpet and fiber manufacturers and can usually be found on the Internet.
Consumers Should Read Warranties Before Purchase
While seldom done, it is always advisable that a consumer read and study the warranties being offered. This should take place prior to purchasing a product instead of waiting until there is a problem. Consumers need to understand their rights and obligations before making a major purchase.
The author is not saying that a dealer needs to sit down. A dealer does not need to explain each warranty to the consumer before the purchase. What he is saying is that these carpet warranties should be available. The wise consumer should take advantage of this availability. If consumers studied the small print in warranties in advance, the marketing of carpets would probably change. They should not just read the headings. Additionally, the author advises that a salesperson should not claim a product is warranted for incorrect usage.
Article modified from Carpet Inspectors Handbook by Terry and Kevin Weinheimer
More on Carpet Warranties
Carpet Warranties
No Mat/No Crush Warranty
Texture Retention Warranty
Stain Warranty
Carpet Wear Warranty
Carpet Warranty Limitations
