Use and Care Manual

Shaw cannot warrant against natural variations in color or
any other variations, such as mineral streaks, small knots,
and grain variations from plank to plank. Nor can we
warrant against natural variations or gloss level between
samples/models and installed ooring. Any sample or
model shown or used by your seller is for demonstrative
purposes only, and such sample or model DOES NOT
create a warranty of any kind that the goods you
purchased shall conform thereto. Any warranties based on
any such sample or models are specically disclaimed.
Improper installation: The oor must be installed
according to Shaw’s installation guidelines. Detailed
installation instructions are included in cartons of Shaw
hardwood ooring. Damage caused by improper storage,
handling, or installation methods is not covered by these
warranties. Improper preparation of, or deciencies in, the
suboor/oor joist assembly, including but not limited to
excessive oor deection, uneven or irregular suboor
surface (particularly at joints) or voids in the suboor, are
not covered under these warranties. Check to be certain
that the suboor is within structural and manufacturing
requirements. Defects or failures of other manufacturers’
products at the suboor assembly, including but not
limited to suboor material, fasteners, patching compound,
adhesives, and other oor coverings are not covered by
these limited warranties. In no event shall Shaw be held
responsible for any damage caused to your hardwood
ooring by other manufacturers’ products. Other
items not covered under the limited warranties include
construction trafc abuse to the surface of the ooring;
use of non-recommended nailers, staplers, or adhesives;
end gapping due to mastic memory or improper seating of
planks during installation; squeaking, popping, or crackling
by any cause. (Popping sounds caused by depressions in
the suboor ARE NOT covered under these limited
warranties.) Cabinets and other built-in appliances
should be installed PRIOR to the installation of the
hardwood ooring. They should NOT be installed on
top of the hardwood ooring. Pre-nished hardwood
oors should be installed at the same time as carpets and
AFTER nishing the walls to prevent damage from paint,
drywall dust, wallpaper adhesives, and other materials.
Improper maintenance: Floor maintenance must
follow the recommendations outlined in this guide.
Damage to the ooring such as dents, scratches, or dulling
of the nish is NOT covered. Wet or damp-mopping your
oor with water or other substances is not covered by
these limited warranties. In addition, the following are
NOT covered under these limited warranties: use of
hard oor cleaning machines; use of non-recommended
maintenance and oor-care products, including but not
limited to oil soaps, liquid, or paste wax products, other
household cleaners that contain lemon, orange, or tung
oils; neglect or abuse of the hardwood oor, including but
not limited to not taking proper precautions to protect
furniture legs and feet with protective pads to reduce
scratches and dents; not using dollies and protective
plywood when moving heavy objects; furniture or
appliances having dirty or improperly operating casters;
spiked and/or damaged heels; pet claws and scratches;
falling or dropped objects which can dent or fracture
the ooring and nish; and dents or scratches in the
ooring caused by furniture, appliances, casters, or
normal foot trafc.
Improper environment: Shaw oors are not warranted
against damage caused by man-made or natural disasters,
including but not limited to leaking or broken plumbing,
landscape watering/irrigation, re, ood, earthquake,
insect infestation, or standing water during or after
construction. Shaw also does not warrant against: (1)
moisture inltration from side walls, through the suboor,
or from any source; (2) normal wearing of the nish in
high-trafc areas, pivot points, and seating areas; or (3)
other extraordinary circumstances such as extreme low
humidity (below 35% for an extended period of time). In
extreme low humidity conditions (below 35%), planks may
shrink and/or exhibit surface checking until the humidity
returns to a normal level.
Seasonal Checking: Cracks or checks in the surface of
planks due to low humidity, excessively high humidity, or
dramatic uctuations in humidity are inherent in all wood
products and may affect your oor’s nish. Checking is
not covered under these limited warranties. The use of a
humidier/dehumidier may be necessary to maintain the
proper humidity level between 35%-55%. Shaw research
and experience show that some species such as hickory
or pecan are more susceptible to this phenomenon than
others and are not recommended in certain regions
without the use of a humidication system.
HARDWOOD
6
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