Written by Sean Henry, Owner of Floor Concepts
Executive Summary
A manufacturer's warranty can help you feel secure when buying new flooring, but it only works if you follow the rules. Many homeowners are surprised to find out that simple mistakes, like skipping professional carpet cleaning, not acclimating hardwood flooring, or using the wrong cleaning products, can lead to a denied warranty claim. In this article, we’ll go over five common ways homeowners can accidentally void their flooring warranty and share easy steps to help you protect your investment.
When you invest in new flooring, the manufacturer's warranty can give you real peace of mind. However, many homeowners don’t realize that warranties have certain conditions.
Flooring manufacturers’ warranties cover manufacturing defects. But using the wrong cleaner, skipping professional carpet cleaning, or not acclimating hardwood before installation could leave you paying for repairs that would have been covered.
At Floor Concepts, we’ve helped homeowners in the Wilmington area choose and install flooring for over 40 years. We’ve seen warranty claims approved and others denied simply because an important step was missed.
The good news is that these mistakes are easy to avoid. Here are five of the most common ways homeowners can accidentally lose their warranty coverage.
One of the biggest surprises for homeowners is that many carpet manufacturers require professional cleaning to keep the warranty valid. For many brands, this means having your carpet cleaned using a hot-water extraction method every 12 to 18 months. Requirements vary by manufacturer, so it's important to read your warranty carefully.
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Regular professional cleaning removes the dirt, grit, and oils that become trapped deep in the carpet fibers. Over time, these abrasive particles act like sandpaper, wearing down the fibers with every step. Because of this, manufacturers often require proof that the carpet was properly maintained before they'll determine whether a problem is a manufacturing defect or simply the result of normal wear.
Renting a carpet cleaner from the grocery store or using a small home carpet cleaning machine usually doesn't meet the manufacturer's requirements. If you ever need to file a warranty claim, you'll likely be asked to provide receipts or other documentation showing the carpet was professionally cleaned according to the warranty. Without that documentation, your claim could be denied.
Tip: Create a digital or paper folder to save your carpet cleaning receipts for as long as your warranty is active.
Even the best flooring can fail if it isn't installed correctly. That's why manufacturers include detailed installation instructions with every flooring product. If those instructions aren't followed, they may deny warranty coverage.
For carpet, installation issues might include:
For hardwood flooring, common mistakes include:
Many homeowners spend weeks choosing the perfect floor, but only a few minutes choosing the installer.
So how can you tell if an installer is qualified? Ask whether they follow the manufacturer's installation instructions, whether they provide a written workmanship warranty, and whether they've installed the type of flooring you're buying before. A reputable flooring company should be able to answer those questions confidently and stand behind its work. For more detailed information on choosing a flooring company, check out our guide 8 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Flooring Company (No Matter Who You Choose).
Unfortunately, installation errors are one of the main reasons warranty claims get denied. Many mistakes don’t show up until months later, when boards start to separate or carpet begins to wrinkle. If you hired someone’s cousin to install it, will they stand behind their work?
It’s also important to know that a manufacturer’s warranty and an installation warranty are not the same. The manufacturer covers product defects, while an installation warranty covers the quality of the work. At Floor Concepts, we offer a Lifetime Installation Warranty because we stand behind our workmanship and want our customers to have confidence that their flooring was installed according to the manufacturer's requirements.
Hardwood flooring is made from a natural material that expands and contracts as humidity changes throughout the year.
Before installation, hardwood needs time to adjust to the temperature and humidity inside your home. This process is called acclimation.
If hardwood is installed too soon, it may shrink, expand, cup, gap, or buckle after installation.
Most manufacturers provide specific acclimation requirements based on the product and job site conditions. Some flooring may need only a few days, while other products require longer.
Since nothing seems to happen during acclimation, some homeowners think it isn’t needed. In fact, the wood is adjusting to your home’s temperature and humidity before installation.
Skipping this step might save a day or two during installation, but it can cause costly problems later and lead to a denied warranty claim.
One of the most common questions we get is, "Can I use my steam mop?" or another cleaner someone has used for years.
In fact, using the wrong product can damage your floor and jeopardize your warranty claim.
The safest approach is to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions instead of relying on general advice you find online.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has specific cleaning recommendations. While LVP is very durable, certain chemicals or excessive heat from steam cleaners can damage the wear layer over time.
In addition, many hardwood, LVP, and laminate manufacturers recommend avoiding:
Carpet manufacturers often recommend specific spot-cleaning methods and may advise against using harsh chemicals that can damage carpet fibers. For example, we had a customer who had to replace their entire bedroom carpet because someone tried to clean a spill with Windex.
If you’re ever in doubt, one of the flooring specialists at Floor Concepts will be happy to answer your questions, whether or not you’re our customer. We also recommend and sell specific cleaning products for each type of carpet and hard surface flooring.
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of many flooring products here in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Manufacturers often require installers to test moisture levels before installation and recommend maintaining a certain humidity range inside your home afterward.
For hardwood flooring, too much moisture can make boards swell and cup, while too little humidity can cause gaps between boards. In Wilmington, DE, keep your indoor relative humidity between 30% and 50%. In summer, it can go up to 55% if comfortable, but never over 60%. Staying within this range helps prevent mold, mildew, dust mites, and protects your floor.
Luxury vinyl flooring may need moisture testing of the concrete subfloor before installation. Too much moisture under the floor can cause adhesive failure or other issues. Check with the manufacturer to see if a vapor barrier is needed under your LVP. If it’s required but not used, your warranty claim could be denied.
Carpet can also be affected by moisture. Plumbing leaks, flooding, or excessive dampness can lead to mold, mildew, and backing failure that typically aren't covered under warranty.
One of the easiest ways to protect your flooring is to address water leaks promptly and maintain consistent indoor humidity year-round.
Hiring a professional installer doesn't automatically guarantee your warranty will remain valid, but it can significantly reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
Experienced flooring installers understand manufacturer requirements, know when moisture testing is needed, and follow installation guidelines designed to maintain warranties.
That said, not every installer follows every manufacturer's recommendations.
Before hiring an installer, ask questions like:
A qualified flooring professional should be happy to answer these questions. If someone seems hesitant, that’s a red flag.
The best way to keep your warranty valid is to stay organized and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions.
Here's a simple checklist:
A little preparation now can save you a lot of frustration later.
A flooring warranty isn’t just there to protect the manufacturer; it’s also there to protect you. The key is to understand your responsibilities before any problems happen.
Taking a few simple steps now can help you avoid expensive surprises later.
Now that you know some of the most common ways homeowners accidentally void their warranty, you can avoid these mistakes and enjoy your new floors with confidence.
If you’re still deciding which flooring is right for your home, take time to learn about the maintenance requirements before you buy. Some flooring needs more care than others, and knowing these differences can help you pick the best option for your lifestyle.
At Floor Concepts, we believe that informed homeowners make better decisions. That’s why we explain not just the benefits of each flooring product, but also how to protect your investment for years to come. If you’re ready to explore your options, our team can help you compare products, understand their warranties, and choose flooring you’ll feel good about long after it’s installed.
Thank you for contacting Carpet One Floor & Home. Your local flooring expert will reach out to you regarding your inquiry.