Carpet Warranty Limitations Residential Carpet
There is a variety of Carpet Warranty Limitations in nearly every carpet warranty. Some of these restrictions are weasel-like (escape) clauses though most are sensible. Sensible or not, a wise consumer should review and understand them before making their purchase.
Carpet Warranty Standard Limitations
Here is a list of Standard Warranty limitations:
Common Limitations and Exclusions
- Only first quality carpet covered (No irregulars or seconds).
- Fiber manufacturers only cover carpets that use their yarn system and meet their performance specifications.
- Residential carpets not covered when used for commercial application.
- Rental units: Often excluded.
- Damage from abnormal use includes water damage and plumbing issues. It also includes storm or flood damage. Smoke or fire damage is another factor. Damage can come from improper cleaning techniques or materials and improper maintenance.
- Carpet appearance not covered unless specifically listed in the warranty. Appearance includes changes from wear, matting, and crushing. It also includes shading, loss of texture, tears, and pulls. Other issues are cuts, pilling, shedding, and fuzzing. Pets, burns, and furniture indentations are considered as well. Improper installation, defective carpet manufacture, and improper cleaning materials or techniques are included.
Common Warranty Coverage and Requirements
- Repairs or replacements limited to the affected area of the carpet.
- Required replacement is limited to the affected area of the carpet. This means the room where the defect or problem exists. It only extends to a point like the nearest wall, doorway, or entrance. If identical carpet not available, replacement limited to carpet of comparable cost, quality and sometimes color.
- The fiber or carpet manufacturer will only pay for the carpet. Some will pay for the removal of the old carpet and installation of the new carpet. Generally excluded on a replacement are moving or replacing equipment, furnishings, partitions, etc.
- To qualify for repair or replacement, the consumer may need to provide the original sales receipt or other documentation. This should show proof of purchase and installation dates. This information must be acceptable to the manufacturer.
- Some warranties are not transferable. Some warranties are transferable only in owner-occupied residences.
- Many warranties prorated over a specific period of time with only the carpet covered. The installation, pad and maintenance cost excluded.
Commercial Warranties will cover similar carpet warranty limitations to those of residential warranties. These warranties should be studied carefully by all involved.
Article is modified from Carpet Inspectors Handbook by it’s authors, Terry and Kevin Weinheimer
More on Carpet Warranties
Carpet Warranties
No Mat/No Crush Warranty
Texture Retention Warranty
Stain Warranty
Wear Warranty
Carpet Warranty Limitations
