Warranty Guide

5
What Is Not Covered By These Warranties?
• The limited warranties do not cover conditions caused by improper use or maintenance, such as: (see Use
and Care Guide)
1. Reduction in gloss, marks, scuffs, scratches, gouges, dents or cuts, including, without limitation,
those caused by pets.
2. Damage caused by negligence, accidents, misuse, or abuse (i.e., dragging objects across the floor
without proper protection).
3. Wear caused by pebbles, sand or other abrasives, construction traffic, or failure to maintain the floor
as required (see Use and Care Guide).
4. Damage caused by caster wheels or vacuum cleaner beater bars.
5. Failure to support furniture with floor protectors that are at least one inch in diameter, made of non-
staining felt or non-pigmented hard plastic, rest flat on the floor and are replaced regularly.
• Splits, cracks, grain raising, checking, edge fracturing, splintering or chipping that occurs during or after the
floor has been installed and as a result of abuse, misuse, improper maintenance or care, exposure to
excessive moisture or improper environmental conditions (i.e., low or high humidity) are not covered by these
warranties. The use of a humidifier/dehumidifier may be necessary to maintain the proper humidity level
between 35%-55%.
• Wood flooring installed in full bathrooms with a shower or tub.
• Damage caused by fire, flooding, and other natural disasters and Acts of God.
• Changes in color due to aging, excessive moisture, exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays (which may cause
oxidation of finish/stain) is not considered a defect. Certain species including, but not limited to, American
Cherry, Walnut, Brazilian Cherry, and Merbau are especially susceptible to color change. Area rugs should be
moved occasionally, as they block sunlight and may give the appearance of discoloration under the rug.
• Color, shade, or texture variations between samples, printed color photography or replacement flooring and
the actual material.
• Color variations between flooring and/or samples and other flooring or wood products, which you wish to
match (e.g., cabinets, stair railings, trim, etc.).
• Deficiencies related to subfloor/floor joist assemblies, subfloor preparation materials, and fasteners including,
but not limited to, uneven subfloor surfaces, floor deflection or voids in the subfloor.
• Noises including, but not limited to, squeaks, popping, etc.
• A product deformity that is not measureable or that is visible only under certain light or from a certain angle is
not considered a defect and is therefore not covered by these warranties. Visible defects should be evaluated
by their visibility from a standing position in normal lighting.
• Natural wood characteristics such as variations in grain, color, mineral streaks, knots, normal differences
between color of samples and the color of installed floors, and color variations from board to board.
• Natural expansion and contraction resulting in separation between boards or damage caused by low or
excessive humidity.
• Products designated as “thrift,” “antique,” “tavern,” “bargain,” “cabin grade,” “seconds,” “economy grade,”
“rustic,” “close-out,” “off-goods” or “non-standard.” Such products are sold “AS IS.”
• Floors that are installed in other than owner-occupied or tenant-occupied residences.
• Commercial installations of residential products.
• Construction or installation-related damage.
• Floors damaged by subfloor moisture or water damage, including without limitation, due to broken or leaking
water pipes, flooding, wet-mopping spills or weather conditions.
• Installation defects, including installations made: (i) in violation of applicable state or local housing or building
codes, or (ii) contrary to written instructions furnished with the product.
NOTE: YOU AND YOUR INSTALLER ARE RESPONSIBLE TO INSPECT FLOORING PRIOR TO
INSTALLATION. WE ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR LIABILITIES, CLAIMS OR EXPENSES, INCLUDING
LABOR COSTS, WHERE FLOORING WITH VISIBLE DEFECTS HAS BEEN INSTALLED.
What Is Excluded From These Warranties?
None of our installers, retailers, distributors or employees has the authority to alter the obligations, limitations,
disclaimers or exclusions under any of our warranties.
WE EXCLUDE AND WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR OR PAY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL
DAMAGES UNDER OUR WARRANTIES. By this we mean any loss, expense, or damage other than to the