Laminate Flooring Warranty Information

What a Flooring Warranty Covers, and What it Doesn’t

Laminate flooring is a great, affordable choice for homes and businesses. A laminate flooring warranty is offered on most laminate floors and protects the buyer from manufacturer defects. 

A laminate flooring warranty can be offered in both residential and commercial capacities, depending on the type of laminate. With any legal document, flooring warranties can be tricky to comprehend and understand. Not sure if you are eligible to file a laminate flooring warranty claim? We break down the laminate flooring warranty information as an easy to read reference guide below to help you before you buy, and after. 

Understanding a Laminate Flooring Warranty

The length of a laminate flooring warranty will vary—not all floors are created equal. The type of flooring, manufacturer and other factors play a role in determining the length of your flooring warranty. Most laminate flooring warranties will specify if it is a residential, light commercial or heavy commercial. From 10 year to lifetime warranties, here are the most common warranty standards:

  • 5-year
  • 10-year
  • 15-year
  • 20-year
  • 21-30 year
  • 31-40 year
  • Lifetime

The warranty lasts for the nominal period of time and is valid for the original end-consumer and is not transferable. Most 5 to 10 year flooring warranties are for commercial applications.

What Laminate Flooring Warranties Cover:

Before, during, or after installation, if you notice any damage to the floor that was not from material mishandling or misinstallation, the manufacturer may replace defective planks with planks of the same design, if available , or another design of equal value. You will be responsible for any labor costs associated with the removal of the damaged floor and installation of the replacement.  The only thing that is covered under your laminate flooring warranty is defective parts. This broad term encompasses a variety of types of defects, here is detailed information what laminate flooring warranties covers in residential applications:

  • Manufacturer defects
  • Defective planks
  • Staining- flooring will resist staining
  • Fading- flooring will not fade from normal exposure to sunlight or normal artificial light
  • Wear- flooring decorative surface will not wear through during normal residential use
  • Water resistance * (selected brands, must be specified in the warranty)
  • Joint integrity* (selected brands, must be specified in the warranty)

Before you install your flooring, it is extremely important to read the manufacturer instructions. Mis-installation could not only damage your flooring, but it will void your warranty. You must properly prepare your subfloor, and have the necessary tools to complete the installation. Once you begin installation, you have accepted the condition of the planks and will no longer fall under the flooring warranty. If you notice any scratches, chips or damage to the flooring, do not install the flooring and immediately contact the distributor you purchased from.

What Laminate Flooring Warranties DO NOT Cover:

Sometimes it’s easier to look at what is not included rather than what is. Laminate flooring warranties come with several exclusions, or areas that the warranty does not cover. These include:

  • Scratching
  • Abuse or misuse
  • Exposing the floor to extreme temperatures
  • Improper maintenance
  • Acts of God, such as floods
  • Damage that happens during transit
  • Overuse of the glueless seam system
  • Water damage
  • Buckling
  • Installation error
  • Cuts or damage caused by sand or other abrasive materials, whether caused by a contractor, a service company or a consumer
  • Commercial use (floor must have additional commercial use warranty specified by manufacturer)

If you feel that you have a valid reason to use your warranty, you must file a claim with the manufacturer. Your flooring distributor should be able to help you with filing a claim. When filing a laminate flooring warranty claim, have all of your paperwork ready, contractor information (if professionally installed), and any paperwork/receipts for any underlayment, installation kits, and accessories used to install your flooring. Take pictures and notes about the damage, and then file your claim as soon as possible.

If you’re looking for a new floor, or have questions on your current floor warranty, give our flooring experts a call! They will be able to assist you with your questions, warranty claims and damages.

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