Understanding Warranties
What does a "Lifetime Residential Warranty" actually mean? Let's break down how flooring guarantees work and how to protect your investment.
The "Wear" Warranty
This guarantees that the clear protective wear layer on top of your LVP or Laminate will not wear completely through to the printed decorative film underneath under normal household conditions. Note: This does not mean the floor is scratch-proof. Scratches, dents, and scuffs are considered normal wear and tear and are not covered.
The "Structural" Warranty
This guarantees that the flooring will not delaminate, cup, warp, or fail structurally due to manufacturing defects. If a locking mechanism snaps because of a factory error, the structural warranty covers the replacement materials.
⚠️ What Voids a Warranty?
Warranties only cover manufacturing defects. They do not cover damage caused by the environment, homeowner abuse, or improper installation. The following will universally void your manufacturer warranty:
- 1.Poor Subfloor Preparation: If the subfloor is not flat to the manufacturer's strict specifications (usually within 3/16" over a 10-foot radius), the locking mechanisms will break.
- 2.Steam Mops & Flooding: Using steam mops, abrasive chemical cleaners, or leaving standing water on the floor for extended periods.
- 3.Missing Expansion Joints: Floating floors expand. If heavy cabinets or kitchen islands are installed on top of the flooring, or if required T-moldings aren't used in doorways, the floor is pinned and will buckle.
- 4.Extreme Climate Swings: Turning off the HVAC system for months at a time, exposing the floor to extreme heat or freezing temperatures.
This is a general overview. Always refer to your specific product's manufacturer warranty documentation for exact details and coverage.