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New Carpet Warranties Explained

 

The Package Deal

If you buy new carpet from a reputable locally-owned carpet retailer and they provide installation as part of a one-price for everything package deal, then it is their responsibility to ensure you are happy with your purchase in every way. If you ever have a problem with the carpet, the padding or the installation, all you need to do is call them and they will do what is necessary to remedy the problem. They will make all the necessary arrangements to have your carpet inspected and fixed or repaired as needed.

 

However, if you buy carpet and padding from different sources and then hire an independent installer to do the job, then you will have to contact the warranty providers all by yourself to seek a remedy. Who to call, what to say and how to be prepared to answer all their questions can be quite challenging. Especially if you don't know exactly who is responsible for the carpet problem you are having. 

 

If you have Carpet Maintenance or Stain questions or concerns, you can call the manufacturer directly for help, information and answers. You just need to know your carpet brand or which anti-stain treatment is applied to your carpet.

  • Stainmaster® Brand (sold by Lowe's), INVISTA® Nylon 6,6 Fiber: 1-800-438-7668

  • Shaw R2x® Stain Repellent: or ANSO® Consumer Hotline at 1-800-441-8185

  • ANSO® Fiber Brand: Call Consumer Hotline at 1-800-441-7429

  • Mohawk® Brand: WEAR-DATED®: 24-hour hotline 1-800-633-3208

  • SMARTSTRAND® fiber by Mohawk aka SORONA®, Triexta®, or PTT Fiber®, 

  • WEAR-DATED® Fiber: 1-800-266-4295

  • 3M Scotchgard™ Topically applied anti-stain treatment 1-800-433-3296

First-Quality Goods

As long as you buy first-quality goods from an authorized carpet retailer, you will be provided with a new carpet warranty from the manufacturer. It's important that you read your new carpet warranty so you understand your rights and responsibilities. You don't get any manufacturer warranty if you buy second-quality materials. 

 

A carpet manufacturing defect might be caused by a manufacturing problem. Whether by human error or a mechanical breakdown, it doesn't really matter except that your carpet is not performing as it should.

 

Missing Tufts and Color Streaks are Common

Every carpet manufacturer provides a limited warranty to protect you against carpet defects of all types. There is a process that needs to be followed in order to properly file a warranty claim with the carpet manufacturer. Every carpet manufacturer has its own warranty policies so read their warranty brochure to know how to start the process.

 

Carpet Matting, Crushing of the Pile?

Some things are not covered under warranty. In some cases, the carpet defect could be the fault of the fiber manufacturing company. This is the company that supplies the surface fiber to the carpet manufacturer. You still have to contact the carpet manufacturer to file a claim and let them determine who's responsible.

 

Carpet Stains

Sometimes the problem is due to the anti-stain treatment applied to the carpet fiber. If your carpet doesn't resist stains as it should, you can file a claim and see if there is any coverage for that. This is not a common carpet problem but it does happen.

 

Carpet Wrinkles?

If the problem is not caused by a manufacturing issue, it could be your carpet was installed improperly. This means you have to contact the installation company or the independent installer to seek a remedy. Most carpet installations are covered by a one-year limited warranty.

 

So these are the different warranties you have with a new carpet purchase. Any warranty claim you initiate needs to be directed towards the appropriate company. How do you determine who is the responsible party? Sometimes it's obvious and your claim is processed and handled quickly. Sometimes no one is willing to accept responsibility and you are left holding the bag. Sometimes they blame you for not maintaining your carpet properly.

 

 

1. The Carpet Manufacturer... 

Provides the warranty that covers carpet construction or Manufacturing Defects.

 

If you suspect your carpet has a manufacturing defect, contact the dealer where you purchased the carpet and ask them to come to your home to inspect your carpet. They will try to determine if the issue is defect related and will contact the carpet manufacturer for you if necessary. 

 

The manufacturer may send a representative or an independent carpet inspector to evaluate your carpet problem. This process could take weeks to complete and usually ends with a determination letter sent to you via snail mail.

 

2. The Fiber Manufacturer...

Provides the part of the warranty that covers carpet stain issues. If you suspect your carpet has a fiber defect or a stain problem, contact the dealer where you purchased the carpet and ask them to come out and inspect your carpet. 

 

They will determine if the issue is fiber or stain related and will contact the carpet fiber manufacturer for you. The fiber manufacturer may send a representative or a carpet inspector to evaluate the carpet problem. This process could take weeks to complete. In the end, you will be notified of their findings and what remedy is offered, if any.

 

 

3. The Installation Warranty

It could be determined that your carpet problem is the result of improper carpet installation. Most carpet installations are covered by a one-year warranty. If you hired an independent carpet installer then you will need to contact them directly to seek a remedy. 

 

If your carpet was installed by the carpet retailer as part of a package deal, then you need to contact the retailer to seek a remedy. In the end, your attempt to file a successful warranty claim my not yield the results you hope for. Even if they admit being at fault, they may not give you the type of remedy that you seek.

 

It's also common for one company to blame the other company and then nobody is willing to fix your problem. It's a vicious circle that all-to-often ends with the homeowner just giving up. 

 

 

Great Customer Service (Before and After The Sale)

This is just another reason why buying new carpet from a reputable locally-owned carpet store is so important. When all else fails, it's common for a locally owned carpet store to step up and do what is necessary to make things right, even if your warranty claim has been denied.

 

Local store owners value your business and will go to bat for you to help support your warranty claim. I've seen many store owners replace defective carpet at their own expense just make sure their customers are happy. This is a level of customer service you don't get when you buy carpet from a home improvement warehouse or nationally advertised carpet retailer.

 

Anti-Stain Treatments

Virtually all carpets sold today have been treated in some way to help resist stains. Some of the more popular types of carpet anti-stain treatments are known as:

  • Scotchgard®

  • R2X® (Shaw Industries)

  • Duratech® (Stainmaster)

 

Carpet Style / Fiber ID and Stain Treatment Chart

 

Carpet Style Fiber ID and Stain Treatment ChartWhat type of anti-stain treatment does my carpet have? 

 

Carpet Stain Resistance is the ability of the carpet fiber to resist permanent stains. 

 

No carpet fiber is fully stain-proof and fiber warranties typically exclude any stains caused from certain substances.

(Click on the image to view full size or print)

 

 

Homeowners want their new carpet to be stain-proof, but there are many types of stains that are NOT covered under your stain warranty. Here are some of the common stains NOT covered by most new carpet stain warranties:

  • Non-food and non-beverage substances.

  • Strongly colored natural dyes as in mustard, teas and other hot beverages.

  • Substances that can destroy or change the color of carpets such as bleaches, acne medications, plant fertilizers, drain cleaners, and plant food - to name a few.

  • Vomit, urine, and feces. (Some carpet warranties cover pet stains)

 

What anti-stain coverage do you have?

As if its not confusing enough, you need to know that the Fiber Manufacturer is who actually provides the stain warranty to the consumer. Contact the following fiber manufacturers for further information on care and cleaning and limited stain warranties for your specific carpet as specified by the warranty page. 

 

The companies who provide the Topically Applied Stain Treatment may also be involved in a warranty claim if there is a problem related to staining. This might include products like Scotchgard® or R2X®.

 

If you have Carpet Stain Warranty questions you can call the fiber manufacturer or directly to get answers to common customer concerns.

  • Stainmaster: INVISTA®: Call 1-800-438-7668

  • Shaw: ANSO®: Call Anso Consumer Hotline at 1-800-441-8185

  • ANSO®: Call Consumer Hotline at 1-800-441-7429

  • Mohawk: WEAR-DATED®: Call their 24-hour hotline 1-800-633-3208

  • SMARTSTRAND® SORONA®, WEAR-DATED®: Call 1-800-266-4295

  • 3M Scotchgard™ 1-800-433-3296

When you file any carpet warranty claim, you may need to have the following documentation available:

  • Written description of the carpet problem.

  • Photos of the carpet problem.

  • Proof of purchase showing the date of sale, and the price paid for the carpet (excluding pad & labor)

  • Proof of required professional carpet cleanings by hot water extraction. (receipts)

 

 

Have You Read Your Warranty?

It's an eye opening experience to read any new Carpet warranty brochure. There are so many limitations and exclusions, it's easy to see that they word it in such a way to make it very difficult to substantiate a valid warranty claim. It's easy for them to deny your claim for any number of reasons. You must follow their care and maintenance requirements to the letter or risk voiding the warranty. 

 

I've read just about every carpet warranty and they all say that you must be able to prove that the carpet is defective in order to get a remedy. If your carpet does not perform as well as you had hoped they may assume you selected carpet that was not designed to tolerate your level of foot traffic. What is your level of Foot-Traffic?

 

If you abuse your carpet in any way like not vacuuming enough or vacuuming with the wrong type of vacuum, this can void your carpet warranty. If you have pets that are not housebroken, they may deny your warranty claim. Based on what I have witnessed over the past 30 years, the carpet manufacturer can deny your warranty claim for any number of reasons. 

  • Warranties expressly exclude fitness for a particular purpose. That means if you choose a carpet that is not designed withstand your level of foot-traffic, you will have no warranty coverage if it wears out too fast. 

  • Most warranties also exclude matting and crushing. Read what the manufacturers warranty limitations are, what your responsibilities are and keep an eye out for sneaky terms like "Affected Areas Only" or "Reimbursement Limitations".

  • You are required to have your carpet professionally cleaned every year or two or you will void the manufacturer's New Carpet Warranty.

 

Recent Email From A Homeowner...

"I purchased carpet almost three years ago. The carpet from year 1 has matted. The twists have come out in the heavy traffic areas. I called Home Depot 3 times over the past 2 years and was told nothing could be done about it. This last time they finally filed a complaint (with the manufacturer). 

 

They asked for my cleaning records which I didn’t have. They would not even look at the carpet. I was never told about this when I purchased it and it is not written anywhere on my receipts. I told them you get a written warranty on almost all products on the package. 

 

You get a written warranty when you buy a car or appliance. Why are carpet manufacturers able to get away with not giving it to consumers at the time of purchase. I was told it was on the back of the sample. I guess we are to take a pencil and paper and sit down and write the warranty out ourselves."

 

Even though I don't put much value into any new carpet warranty, you still should follow the carpet care instructions to the letter. It will help ensure your carpet will last as long as possible. 

 

Sadly, most homeowners never receive a copy of their new carpet warranty from the retailer. Now that you know this, be advised that it is your responsibility to ask for, and obtain a complete copy of the manufacturers warranty for the type, grade, style and brand of carpet you have purchased. 

 

If the retailer never gives you a copy, and you fail to comply with all the rules and requirements outlined in the warranty, you can't go back and blame the retailer when your warranty claim is denied. 

 

On the other hand... If you do get a copy but you don't take the time to read it and follow the proper care and maintenance instructions, don't be surprised when your warranty claim is denied. Visit my Carpet Care Page to learn more about how to properly care for your carpet.

 

 

Q. What Are Carpet Reimbursement Limitations?

If you can substantiate a valid claim with a carpet manufacturer or fiber manufacturer, they may pro-rate your reimbursement amount depending on how old your carpet is when your carpet claim is filed.

 

For Example:

If your carpet does not perform according to the warranty, the manufacturer may offer you a credit equal to the cost of the "carpet only" in accordance with a 10-year reimbursement limitation schedule similar to this:

 

Year 1 to 3      100%

Year 4              80%

Year 5              70%

Year 6              60%

Year 7              50%

Year 8              30%

Year 9              20%

Year 10            10%

 

Not all reimbursement schedules are alike, some are better than others. Some schedules cover a span of 15 or 20 years. 

 

You may be responsible for paying for all additional costs involved including shipping charges, delivery fees, removal of your old carpet, recycling fees, disposal fees, furniture moving and installation of the replacement carpet. 

 

Carpet Cleaning Requirements & Support

  • Mohawk Carpet          (800) 241-4900, ext 42605

  • Royalty Carpet Mills   (800) 854-8331, ext 2218

  • Shaw Carpet              (800) 355-7429, opt. 6

  • Catalina Carpet          (866) 713-0396, ext 5

  • Coronet Carpet          (800) 372-1732

  • Dixie Carpet               (706) 712-3173

  • Gulistan Carpet          (800) 869-2727, ext 6352

  • Milliken Carpet           (800) 241-8666, option 2

This is a partial listing and they change their numbers frequently. Do a Google search if your brand is not listed here.

 

Learn more:

 

 

 

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