Warranty Guide

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Improper Installation: The floor must be installed according to Shaw’s installation guidelines. Detailed installation
instructions are included in cartons of Shaw hardwood flooring. Damage caused by improper storage, handling, or
installation methods is not covered by these warranties. Improper preparation of, or deficiencies in, the subfloor/floor
joist assembly, including but not limited to excessive floor deflection, uneven or irregular subfloor surface (particularly at
joints) or voids in the subfloor, are not covered under these warranties.
Improper Care and Maintenance: The floor must be maintained according to Shaw’s installation guidelines. Damage
caused by improper maintenance is not covered by these warranties. Water damage resulting from improper
installation or flooding caused by natural disaster, plumbing failures, etc… are not warranted. This limited warranty
does not apply to moisture damage by events beyond everyday household spills, including, but not limited to: flooding,
standing water allowed remaining on floor, appliance leaks, leaking plumbing, or any source of continuous, repetitive
or long term water exposure This limited warranty does not apply to damage caused by subfloor moisture. This limited
warranty applies to topical moisture sources only. Any moisture or water coming from underneath the floor is not
covered under warranty. Defects or failures of other manufacturers’ products at the subfloor assembly, including but not
limited to subfloor material, fasteners, patching compound, adhesives, and other floor coverings are not covered by these
limited warranties. Damage caused to your hardwood flooring by other manufacturers’ products is not covered by this
warranty. Other items not covered under the limited warranties include construction traffic, abuse to the surface of the
flooring; 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
subfloor ARE NOT covered under these limited warranties.) Damage to the flooring such as dents, scratches, or dulling of
the finish is NOT covered.
Cabinets and other built-in appliances should be installed PRIOR to the installation of the hardwood flooring. They
should NOT be installed on top of floating hardwood flooring. Pre-finished hardwood floors should be installed at the
same time as carpets and AFTER finishing the walls to prevent damage from paint, dry wall dust, wallpaper adhesives,
and other materials.
Improper Environment: Shaw are not warranted against damage caused by manmade or natural disasters, including
but not limited to leaking or broken plumbing, landscape watering/irrigation, fire, flood, earthquake, insect infestation, or
standing water during or after construction. Shaw also does not warrant against: (1) moisture infiltration from side
walls, through the subfloor or from any source; (2) normal wearing of the finish in high traffic 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 fluctuations in humidity are inherent in all wood products and may affect your floor’s finish. Checking is not
covered under these Limited Warranties. The use of a humidifier/dehumidifier may be necessary to maintain the proper
humidity level between 35%-55%. Shaw research and experience shows 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
humidification system.
Recoating and Finish Alterations: Alterations to the finish or non- factory applied finishes (finishes applied by the
owner or installer), including but not limited to refinishing or recoating, are NOT part of the Limited Warranty for
residential finish wear stated above and therefore are NOT warranted by Shaw.
Natural Sunlight: The sun and its UV rays cause the aging of wood and therefore can cause the stain and/or wood to
fade and/or change color. This includes any showroom sample/models; therefore, fading or discoloration due to
exposure to sunlight and its UV rays are not covered by these warranties. Use draperies or shades to help block out
most of the sun’s harmful rays. Samples or models in the showroom may also fade, making an exact match to new
flooring impossible. Custom finishing and staining of interior millwork and/or cabinets should be done from the actual floor
to be installed, not a showroom sample, if a color and/or gloss match is desired.
Special Series, Cabin Grade, and Non Standard items carry a One Year Limited Warranty for Residential Finish
Wear only and engineered products carry a One Year Limited Structural Warranty when installed in a residential
installation only. NOTE: All warranty exclusions, disclaimers, and limitations, including the available remedies, stated