No Mat/No Crush Warranty
The No Mat/No Crush Warranty addresses a major complaint, carpet matting and crushing. some major carpet manufacturers like Shaw offer a No Mat/No Crush warranty on some carpet products. This appearance retention warranty offers the consumer some additional protection.
While most carpets are covered by a wear warranty the problem is really not wear. Most carpets are made with synthetic materials. Synthetic fibers do not wear out, they “ugly out.” The ugly out is often matting and crushing as the carpets yarn looses its resiliency. Ugly out is not covered by the standard wear warranty.
Crushing and Matting Defined
- Crushing is defined in the industry as follows: Restorable loss of significant pile thickness due to foot traffic. No Mat/No Crush warranties will generally guarantee that the carpet will keep a certain percentage of its original pile thickness. This percentage is typically in the range of eighty to ninety percent. Crushing caused by furniture, including impressions left by legs of furniture, is not covered.
- Matting is defined in the industry as follows: Any unusual loss of twist from the tips of the pile tufts and entanglement of the fibers.
Common No Mat/No Crush Warranty Exclusions
- Footprints
- Shading
- Texture changes
- Furniture indentations
- Installation on stairs
- Improper maintenance
- Common Crush and Matting Resistance Consumer 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 requirements. The manufacturer may specify a pad that meets certain standards. Examples include HUD UM 72a, Class 1, or Carpet Cushion Council standards. These specifications set minimum standards for weight, thickness, and density. They also include other physical characteristics that will determine a pad’s performance.
- The carpet must be cleaned by a qualified professional. A specific period of time like 1, 1 1/2, or 2 years will be specified. A particular method like hot water extraction or dry cleaning will be specified by a particular manufacturer. Most manufacturers require receipts be maintained as proof of service. Some manufacturers require that the consumer maintain a list of spot cleaning products used on the carpet.
Article is 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
