RESILIENT Installation Guidelines for WPC Products

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

These installation guidelines apply to the WPC products only. All instructions and recommendations should be followed for a satisfactory installation.

• Acclimation of material prior to installation is not required; however, the floor covering should be installed in a climate controlled environment with an ambient temperature range between 55°F - 85°F (13°C-29°C) or average temperature of 70°F (21.1°C).

• For installations involving 3 season scenarios, meaning, the dwelling or installed space is without climate control for extended periods during certain seasons of the year, the post installation temperature range allowed is an ambient room temperature between 32°F and 100°F (0°C- 37.7°C).  This allowance is for floating floors only and does not apply to glue-down installations.

• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, doing so may result in discoloration. During peak sunlight hours, the use of drapes or blinds is recommended. Excess temperature due to direct sunlight can result in thermal expansion and UV fading. 

• Install product after all other trades have completed work that could damage the flooring.

  • If cabinets are to be installed on top of the flooring (including islands), that area of material must be fully adhered to the subfloor (including an additional 2’ beyond the cabinets and islands).

• To minimize shade variation, mix and install flooring from several cartons.

• Inspect all flooring for damage before installing. If you have any concerns about the product fit or finish, call Shaw Information Services at 1-800-441-7429. Claims will not be accepted for flooring that has been cut to size and/or installed.

• Use cementitious patching and leveling compounds that meet or exceed maximum moisture level and pH requirements. Use of gypsum-based patching and/or leveling compounds which contain Portland or high alumina cement and meet or exceed the compressive strength of 3,000 psi are acceptable.

• Installation Methods: Floating (on, above or below grade)  / Glue Down (on, above or below grade)

• Required perimeter expansion spacing for Floating or Glue Down installation is as follows:
  For areas less than 2500 sq. ft. use 1/4" gap
  For areas larger than 2500 sq. ft. use 1/2" gap.

• WPC flooring is waterproof and reliably secures the flooring panels on all four sides. However, excessive moisture in the subfloor could promote mold, mildew, and other moisture related issues like the trapping of moisture emissions under the flooring, which may contribute to an unhealthy indoor environment.

• Additional layer of 6 mil poly film or equal vapor retarder with a perm rating of .1 or less may be used as an additional layer of protection.

• A second underlayment is allowed under any currently sold resilient product with attached underlayment in a residential application.  If installed over a second underlayment, this underlayment cannot be greater than 3 mm thick.  IIC (ASTM E492-09) and STC (ASTM E90-09) lab testing on certain resilient products tested with and without a second layer of underlayment, to date, does not indicate that a second underlayment will provide additional acoustic benefit.

• ​Crumb rubber underlayments are not an acceptable option for use with resilient floor coverings due to performance issues resulting from chemical incompatibilities.

II. SUBFLOOR INFORMATION

All subfloors must be clean, flat, dry, and structurally sound. The correct preparation of the subfloor is a major part of a successful installation. Subfloor must be flat: 3/16" in 10' or 1/8" in 6'.

B. Concrete Subfloors

NEW AND EXISTING CONCRETE SUBFLOORS SHOULD MEET THE GUIDELINES OF THE LATEST EDITION OF ACI 302 AND ASTM F 710, “STANDARD PRACTICE FOR PREPARING CONCRETE FLOORS TO RECEIVE RESILIENT FLOORING” AVAILABLE FROM THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS, 100 BARR HARBOR DRIVE, WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA 19428; 610-832-9585; HTTP://WWW.ASTM.ORG.

• Floors shall be smooth, permanently dry, clean, and free all foreign material such as dust, wax, solvents, paint, grease, oils, and old adhesive residue. The surface must be hard and dense, and free from powder or flaking.

• If the adhesive residue is asphalt‐based (cut‐back), or any other type of adhesive is present, it must be removed by industry accepted methods such as mechanical removal or wet scraping.  

• If a chemical abatement has been performed, use Shaw Surface Prep EXT to remove any residual chemicals present.  Once Shaw Surface Prep EXT has been properly cleaned and removed, apply one coat of Shaw MRP for additional protection. 

• Adhesive removal through the use of  solvents or citrus adhesive removers is not recommended. Solvent residue left in or on the subfloor may affect the new adhesive and floor covering.   

WARNING! DO NOT SAND, DRY SWEEP, DRY SCRAPE, DRILL, SAW, BEAD BLAST ORMECHANICALLY CHIP OR PULVERISE EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORING, BACKING, LINING FELT , ASPHALTIC “ CUT BACK” ADHESIVES OR OTHER ADHESIVES.
 
These products may contain either asbestos fibers and/or crystalline silica. Avoid creating dust. Inhalation of such dust is a cancer and respiratory tract hazard. Smoking by individuals exposed to asbestos fibers greatly increases the risk of serious bodily harm. Unless positively certain that the product is a non‐asbestos‐containing material, you must presume it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that the material be tested to determine asbestos content and may govern the removal and disposal of material. See current edition of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) publication Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings for detailed information and instructions on removing all resilient covering structures. For current information go to www.rfci.com.​

• Concrete slabs must be dry with no visible moisture.

• Required Moisture Testing - maximum moisture level per ASTM 1869 CaCl is 8 lbs. and ASTM 2170 In-situ Relative Humidity 90% per 1000 sq.ft. in 24 hours. 

• Do not install over concrete with a history of high moisture or hydrostatic conditions. Excessive moisture in the subfloor could promote mold, mildew, and other moisture related issues like the trapping of moisture emissions under the flooring, which may contribute to an unhealthy indoor environment. Shaw Industries does not warrant nor is responsible for damage to floor covering due to moisture related issues.

• pH level of concrete should be between 7-10.

• The final responsibility for determining if the concrete is dry enough for installation of the flooring lies with the floor covering installer.

NOTE: IT MAY NOT BE THE FLOOR COVERING INSTALLER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO CONDUCT THESE TESTS. IT IS, HOWEVER, THE FLOOR COVERING INSTALLER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THESE TESTS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED, AND THAT THE RESULTS ARE ACCEPTABLE PRIOR TO INSTALLING THE FLOOR COVERING. WHEN MOISTURE TESTS ARE CONDUCTED, IT INDICATES THE CONDITIONS ONLY AT THE TIME OF THE TEST.

LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE

All recommendations and guarantees as to the suitability and performance of lightweight concrete under resilient flooring are the responsibility of the lightweight concrete manufacturer. The installer of the lightweight product may be required to be authorized or certified by the manufacturer. Correct on-site mixing ratios and properly functioning pumping equipment are critical. To ensure proper mixture, slump testing is recommended.

• Lightweight aggregate concretes having dry densities greater than 90 lbs. per cubic foot may be acceptable under resilient flooring.

• Concrete slabs with heavy static and/or dynamic loads should be designed with higher strengths and densities to support such loads.

• Surface must be permanently dry, clean, smooth, free of all dust, and structurally sound.

• Perform Bond testing to determine compatibility of adhesive to the substrate. Shaw 9050 primer (or equivalent / comparable product) can be utilized to promote adhesion.

• Three internal relative humidity tests should be conducted for areas up to 1000 sq. ft. One additional test, for each additional 1000 sq. ft.

• Electric Radiant Floors: consist of electric cables (or) mats of electrically conductive materials mounted on the subfloor below the floor covering. Mesh systems are typically embedded in thin-set. When embedding the system components, use cementitious patching and leveling compounds that meet or exceed Shaw’s maximum moisture level and pH requirements.  Use of gypsum-based patching and/or leveling compounds which contain Portland or high alumina cement and meet or exceed the compressive strength of 3,000 psi are acceptable.
• Hydronic Radiant Floors: pump heated water from a boiler through tubing laid in a pattern under the flooring. Typically installed in channels under a wooden subfloor (or) imbedded in concrete slabs. Requires the installer follow a specific nailing pattern to avoid penetration of the heat system.

• Raised access panels must be stable, level, flat, free and clean of existing adhesives
• ​24" x 24" panels are recommended.
• Lippage (variation of height) between of panels must not exceed 0.295” (0.75 mm)
• Gaps between panels must not exceed 0.039” (1 mm)
• There should be no deflection of the individual panels – Concave less than 0.0295” (0.75 mm)
• Flatness 1/8” in 10’
• Stagger the flooring tiles/planks to overlap the access panels
• Telegraphing of access panel seams may be visible and is not considered a product defect nor warranted by the flooring manufacturer.

​If needed, overlay the panels with a 1⁄4” (6 mm) plywood and properly fasten to the access panels prior to the installation of the floorcovering. Prior to underlayment installation, repair any loose or unstable panels. Use the appropriate installation methods for the product.

III. INSTALLATION

Tools: Tape Measure, Utility Knife, Jigsaw, Tapping Block or Rubber Mallet, Pull Bar, ¼" Spacers, T-Square, Safety Glasses, Broom or Vacuum and, if necessary, tools for subfloor repair.

​​​Flooring patterns must be installed in a staggered (offset) pattern. 

LAYOUT

	Step 2: Lock short end of flooring by inserting tongue into groove at an angle and drop in place. At end of the row, measure and cut the flooring to complete the row.  Install the cut edge closest to the wall.
Step 3: Use leftover flooring from first row as starter for second row. There must be at least 20cm between flooring end joints on adjacent rows. FOR TILE INSTALLATIONS: The distance between end joints should be equal to 30cm                                                                              for proper appearance.

Installing underneath door jambs:

COMPLETION

• Protect all exposed edges of the flooring by installing wall molding and/or transition strips. Make sure that no plank will be secured in any way to the subfloor.
• For wet areas such as bathrooms caulk the perimeter of the floor with a flexible silicone caulk.
• Protect the finished flooring from exposure to direct sunlight to reduce fading and thermal expansion.
• Cutting resilient product into a fine point may lead to delamination. Use an ethyl cyanoacrylate based glue to help fuse the resilient point together. Be sure to clean all glue from the top surface immediately. Alcohol based glues may cause resilient products to swell.
• Adhering tape to the surface of your resilient flooring could damage the surface. 
  Do not use tape to secure floor protection directly to the floor during construction or renovation. Instead, adhere tape to the material used to protect the floor and secure it to the base molding along the wall.  A material such as ram board can also be used to protect your flooring.

Herringbone Installation Guidelines for WPC Products

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

These installation guidelines apply to the WPC (Wood Polymer Composite) products only. All instructions and recommendations should be followed for a satisfactory installation.

• Acclimation of material prior to installation is not required, however, the floor covering should be installed in a climate controlled environment with an ambient temperature range between 55° - 85°F (13°-29°C) or average temperature of 70°F (21.1°C).
• For installations involving 3 season scenarios, meaning, the dwelling or installed space is without climate control for extended periods during certain seasons of the year, the post installation temperature range allowed is an ambient room temperature between 32F and 100F (0°- 37.7°C).  This allowance is for floating floors only and does not apply to glue-down installations.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods, doing so may result in discoloration. During peak sunlight hours, the use of the drapes or blinds is recommended. Excess temperature due to direct sunlight can result in thermal expansion and UV fading. In extreme situations of direct sunlight we suggest that the glue down method be used.
• Install product after all other trades have completed work that could damage the flooring.
• To minimize shade variation, mix and install planks from several cartons.
• Inspect all planks for damage before installing. If you have any concerns about the product fit or finish, call Shaw Information Services at . Claims will not be accepted for flooring that has been cut to size and/or installed.
• Use cementitious patching and leveling compounds that meet or exceed maximum moisture level and pH requirements. Use of gypsum-based patching and/or leveling compounds which contain Portland or high alumina cement and meet or exceed the compressive strength of 3,000 psi are acceptable.
• Installation – Floating or Glue down - installed on, above, or below grade with recommended adhesives.
• For installation in areas larger than 50’x50’, 2500 sq. ft. provide a minimum expansion space of 1/2” (12.7 mm) around the perimeter.
• WPC flooring is water/moisture resistant and reliably secures the flooring panels on all four sides. However, excessive moisture in the subfloor could promote mold, mildew, and other moisture related issues like the trapping of moisture emissions under the flooring, which may contribute to an unhealthy indoor environment.
• Additional layer of 6 mil poly film or equal vapor retarder with a perm rating of .1 or less with a may be used as an additional layer of protection.
• A second underlayment is allowed under any currently sold WPC Product with attached underlayment in a residential application. IIC (ASTM E492-09) and STC (ASTM E90-09) lab testing on certain SPC products tested with and without a second layer of underlayment, to date, does not indicate that a second underlayment will provide additional acoustic benefit. When used the second underlayment must be a maximum of 3 mm thick and have a minimum density of 190 kg/m3 or 11.7 lb. /ft3.
• Crumb rubber underlayments are not an acceptable option for use with resilient floor coverings due to performance issues resulting from chemical incompatibilities.

II. SUBFLOOR INFORMATION

All subfloors must be clean, flat, dry and structurally sound. The correct preparation of the subfloor is a major part of a successful installation. Subfloor must be flat – 3/16" in 10' or 1/8" in 6'.

A. Wood Subfloors

Do not install material over wood subfloors that lay directly on concrete or over dimensional lumber or plywood used over concrete. Refer to ASTM F1482 for panel underlayment recommendations.

1. Do not apply sheet plastic over wood subfloors.

2. Basements and crawl spaces must be dry. Use of a 6 mil black polyethylene is required to cover 100% of the crawl space earth. Crawl space clearance from ground to underside of joist is to be no less than 18” and perimeter vent spacing should be equal to 1.5% of the total square footage of the crawl space area to provide cross ventilation. Where necessary, local regulations prevail.
3. All other subfloors - Plywood, OSB, particleboard, chipboard, wafer board, etc. must be structurally sound and must be installed following their manufacturer’s recommendations. Local building codes may only establish minimum requirements of the flooring system and may not provide adequate rigidity and support for proper installation and performance. If needed add an additional layer of APA rated underlayment, fasten and secure according to the underlayment manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Resilient flooring is not recommended directly over fire-retardant treated plywood or preservative treated plywood. An additional layer of APA rated 1/4" thick underlayment should be installed.

B. Concrete Subfloors

NEW AND EXISTING CONCRETE SUBFLOORS SHOULD MEET THE GUIDELINES OF THE LATEST EDITION OF ACI 302 AND ASTM F 710, “STANDARD PRACTICE FOR PREPARING CONCRETE FLOORS TO RECEIVE RESILIENT FLOORING” AVAILABLE FROM THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS, 100 BARR HARBOR DRIVE, WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA 19428; 610-832-9585; HTTP://WWW.ASTM.ORG.

1. Floors shall be smooth, permanently dry, clean, and free all foreign material such as dust, wax, solvents, paint, grease, oils, and old adhesive residue. The surface must be hard and dense, and free from powder or flaking.
2. New concrete slabs must be dry. Maximum moisture level per CaCl test method is 8 lbs. per 1000 in 24 hr. Maximum level for ASTM 2170 In-situ Relative humidity test method - 90%.
3. Do not install over concrete with a history of high moisture or hydrostatic conditions. Excessive moisture in the subfloor could promote mold, mildew, and other moisture related issues like the trapping of moisture emissions under the flooring, which may contribute to an unhealthy indoor environment. Shaw Industries does not warrant nor is responsible for damage to floor covering due to moisture related issues.
4. pH level of concrete should be between 7-10.
5. The final responsibility for determining if the concrete is dry enough for installation of the flooring lies with the floor covering installer.

NOTE: IT MAY NOT BE THE FLOOR COVERING INSTALLER'S RESPONSIBILITY TO CONDUCT THESE TESTS. IT IS, HOWEVER, THE FLOOR COVERING INSTALLER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THESE TESTS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED, AND THAT THE RESULTS ARE ACCEPTABLE PRIOR TO INSTALLING THE FLOOR COVERING. WHEN MOISTURE TESTS ARE CONDUCTED, IT INDICATES THE CONDITIONS ONLY AT THE TIME OF THE TEST.

LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE

All recommendations and guarantees as to the suitability and performance of lightweight concrete under resilient flooring are the responsibility of the lightweight concrete manufacturer. The installer of the lightweight product may be required to be authorized or certified by the manufacturer. Correct on-site mixing ratios and properly functioning pumping equipment are critical. To ensure proper mixture, slump testing is recommended.

• Lightweight aggregate concretes having dry densities greater than 90 lbs. per cubic foot may be acceptable under resilient flooring.
• Concrete slabs with heavy static and/or dynamic loads should be designed with higher strengths and densities to support such loads.
• Surface must be permanently dry, clean, smooth, free of all dust, and structurally sound.
• Perform Bond testing to determine compatibility of adhesive to the substrate. Shaw 9050 primer can be utilized to promote adhesion.
• Three internal relative humidity tests should be conducted for areas up to 1000 SF. One additional test, for each additional 1000 SF.

Radiant Heating: Radiant-heated subfloor systems can be concrete, wood or a combination of both. The heating systems

components must have a minimum of 1/2" separation from the flooring product. The system must be on and operational for at least 2 weeks prior to installation to reduce residual moisture. Three days prior to installation lower the temperature to 65 degrees, after installation gradually increase the temperature in increments of 5° F to avoid overheating. Maximum operating temperature should never exceed 85°F. Use of an in-floor temperature sensor is recommended to avoid overheating. Contact the manufacturer of your radiant heating system for further recommendations. 

• Electric Radiant Floors: consist of electric cables (or) mats of electrically conductive materials mounted on the subfloor below the floor covering. Mesh systems are typically embedded in thin-set. When embedding the system components, use cementitious patching and leveling compounds that meet or exceed Shaw’s maximum moisture level and pH requirements.  Use of gypsum-based patching and/or leveling compounds which contain Portland or high alumina cement and meet or exceed the compressive strength of 3,000 psi are acceptable. 
• Hydronic Radiant Floors: pump heated water from a boiler through tubing laid in a pattern under the flooring. Typically installed in channels under a wooden subfloor (or) imbedded in concrete slabs. Requires the installer follow a specific nailing pattern to avoid penetration of the heat system.

C. Existing Floor Coverings

Flooring can be installed over most existing hard–surface floor coverings, provided that the existing floor surface is fully adhered, clean, flat dry structurally sound and free of deflection.

• Existing sheet vinyl floors should not be heavily cushioned and not exceed more than one layer in thickness. Soft underlayment and soft substrates will compromise the product's locking ability as well as diminish its indentation resistance.
• Installation is NOT allowed over any type of carpet.
• Do NOT install over wood floors adhered to concrete.
• Never use solvents or citrus adhesive removers to remove old adhesive residue. Solvent residue left in and on the subfloor may affect the new floor covering.

III. INSTALLATION

Tools: Tape Measure, Utility Knife, Jigsaw, Tapping Block or Rubber Mallet, Pull Bar, ¼" Spacers, T-Square, Safety Glasses, Broom or Vacuum and, if necessary, tools for subfloor repair.

Floating Installation

WPC plank flooring is designed to be installed utilizing the floating method. Do NOT secure the planks to the subfloor when using the floating installation method. Proper perimeter expansion space 1/4”, (6.35 mm) is required. Undercut all doorjambs. Do not fasten wall moldings and or transition strips to the planks.

Alternate Installation Patterns:

The herringbone planks can be identified by:

a – Herringbone plank with groove on right end side.
b – Herringbone plank with groove on left end side.

Getting Started

	1. Establish a primary line.
	2. Establish the secondary line.
	3. Once you have established the primary and secondary line, check for square - use the 3’, 4’, 5’ method (otherwise known as Pythagorean Theorem). For larger areas you can 6’, 8’, and 10’ and so on.
	4. To set diagonals – first line - 45 degrees.
	5. Second diagonal – 45 degrees. 6. Once all the lines are established the pattern can be laid from the primary lines or use the diagonal lines to install on a 45 degree angle.
	7. After you have determined the direction to install the pattern you will need to lay out a plank and establish reference lines (secondary) to keep the pattern from running off. Prior to installation always refer to the installation guidelines of the product for complete installation details.
	8. After the secondary lines are created. Move an (a) plank to the start wall and align groove side end point and tongue side end point on secondary lines.
	9. Install the planks alternating (a) and (b) toward the outside walls. This will create a centered layout to the room.
	10. After the initial herringbone row is installed, start from the back right corner and install the (a) planks skipping the (b) across the width of the herringbone layout.
	11. Once the (a) planks are installed proceed with installing the (b) planks across the width of the herringbone layout.
	12. After 4-5 rows of the herringbone have been installed across the width, slide out from the wall 6-12 inches. Chalk a line across the width of the planks to remove the excess material installed. Take a straight edge and score the product several times with a utility knife along the chalk line.
	13. Place a block underneath the material on the side of the chalk line for the material to keep in the install. Take a hammer and strike the excess side to break away.
	14. Process with the installation from the right to left alternating the (a) and (b) planks during the installation.

Final Inspection: After the floor has been cleaned, inspect the floor for nicks, scratches, gaps or planks that may have moved during installation, as well as, any other imperfections that need attention.

COMPLETING THE JOB – ALL INSTALLATIONS

• Sweep or vacuum floor
• Clean the floor with proper hardwood floor cleaner
• Install transition pieces - i.e. thresholds, t-moldings, base boards and quarter round. Nail moldings to wall, not the floor.
• Inspect final floor for nicks and or minor gaps.
• Unused material should be left with owner and stored in a dry place in case of future repairs are needed.
• Use plywood or hardboard when moving heavy appliances or furniture across floor.

Floor Protection During Construction: After installation, if you choose to protectively cover the floor, cover the floor completely, since some species are light-sensitive and uncovered areas may change color. Use a covering material with a vapor permeance (perm rating) of 1 perm or more (tested I accordance with ASTM E-96) to avoid trapping moisture/vapor on or within the floor. Any covering should be taped, using a low-adhesion tape, to base or shoe moldings. Avoid taping to finished flooring. When taping paper or sheets together, tape them to each other, not to the floor.

Moldings Help You Make Easy Transitions

• T-Moldings: Used to create a transition between floor coverings of similar heights or to cover an expansion gap.
• Stair Nosing: Used in conjunction with flooring installed on steps or provide a finished edge. Secure by gluing and nailing/ screwing down into place. Predrill holes to avoid splitting.
• Reducer Strips: Used to transition floor coverings of differing heights- wood floor to vinyl, vinyl composition tile, or low-pile carpet. Can also be used to border a fireplace.
• Thresholds: Used to transition floor coverings or to create a break between floor coverings – wood to carpet, can be used as a trim molding around fireplaces or sliding glass doors.
• Shoe Base Moldings: Used to cover the expansion space between the floor and vertical surfaces. Can be used as a substitute for Quarter Round moldings when space is a limitation.
• Quarter Round Moldings: Used to cover the expansion space between the Wall Base and your hardwood floor. You can also use them to make smooth transitions between the floor and cabinetry.
• Wall Base Moldings: Can be stained and finished to the color of the flooring to be used an alternative to painted baseboards.

Residential Resilient Waterproof Products lifetime Limited Warranty

Shaw Industries, Inc. (“the Company”) warrants its resilient waterproof flooring products under this Residential Limited Warranty when used in the proper fit for use indoor Residential applications with light to moderate foot traffic.

The warranty belongs to you, the original end-use purchaser, and begins when you purchase the resilient and extends for the limited warranty period stated above. The basis of any warranty related claim is the original “Company” invoice or authorized “Company” dealer.

The resilient waterproof flooring must be installed in accordance with the Company’s installation guidelines and specifications. The product must be maintained in accordance with the Company’s maintenance (resilient care) recommendations and such maintenance (resilient care) continues throughout the duration of the original installation. Damage resulting from a failure to follow installation and cleaning/maintenance guidelines will not be covered under this warranty.

Installation guidelines, specifications, and resilient care recommendations can be obtained from your dealer. For additional information, please see the bottom of this page.

Shaw products are not warranted against squeaking, popping or crackling. Some squeaking, popping, or crackling is possible when installed using floated methods.

What the Warranty Covers

• Manufacturing Defects – The Company warrants that the floor plank or tile will be free from manufacturing defects during the period of this warranty. Manufacturing defects include delamination, core voids, thickness variation, and dimensional stability defects. Dimensional stability related defects are defined as dimensional changes in the width and/or length of the product greater than the tolerances as defined in ASTM F2199. Thickness variation is defined as thickness exceeding the thickness tolerance as defined in ASTM F386.

• Wear – The vinyl layer of the floor plank is warranted not to wear through under normal residential use during the period of this warranty. Gloss reduction, scratches and dents in the finish are not considered surface wear and are not covered under the warranty. Wear through is defined as wear due to light to moderate foot traffic will not wear through to the pattern layer of the product.

• Limited Lifetime Structural Warranty - Upon determination of a valid manufacturing defect, credit will be issued to the dealer and will be good toward the purchase of a replacement. When a defective product is installed, credit applies to material only and does not include labor since it is the responsibility of the installer to determine suitability of material prior to installation. Should a problem attributable to a manufacturing defect develop after flooring is installed, the cost of labor for repair will be covered by the Limited Lifetime Structure Warranty.

• Limited Lifetime Petproof Warranty -  The Company warrants that your luxury vinyl floor will resist staining caused by pet (domestic cat or dog) stains, including urine, feces, and vomit. Stain resistance means the ability of your floor to resist (i.e., minimize or withstand) permanent stains for as long as you own your floor. Cleaning of the affected area should begin immediately upon discovery. The more time that elapses before removal, the more difficult a stain will be to remove.

  •  The Limited Petproof Warranty DOES NOT COVER: ​Any urine, feces, or vomit stains other than pet.

• Limited Lifetime Waterproof Warranty – This warranty covers topical moisture as long as the water does not flow over the edge of the surface (edge of the room, cut boards, etc.).  The Company warrants that for the lifetime of stated warranty period from the date of original purchase, your Shaw product will not swell, cup or crack due to:

  • Normal cleaning practices (see care and maintenance document for additional information)

  • Moisture due to everyday household spills (see care and maintenance document for additional information)

  • Normal moisture levels from subfloor when exposed to such conditions (see installation instructions document for additional information)

  • While moisture will not affect the product’s integrity, it is possible that, when excessive moisture accumulates in buildings, subfloors, or on building materials, mold (and/or) mildew growth can occur - particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed.  In addition, such excessive moisture levels can cause the ends and/or sides of the product to lift/flare due to the vapor pressure from underneath.  Such damage from excessive moisture levels (as outlined in the installation instructions document) are not covered by this warranty.  All sources of subfloor moisture should be remedied prior to installation.

• No Acclimation – The Company warrants the floor plank or tile can be installed without allowing the product to achieve room temperature as long as the building where product will be installed is acclimated and climate controlled as according to the installation guidelines.

What Conditions Apply

For jobsite and floor preparation conditions, see product specific installation guidelines. Any moisture related testing (i.e. relative humidity, pH, and calcium chloride) is not the responsibility of the Company and all issues related to subfloor moisture, including any product related issues, are excluded from this warranty. Chair floor protectors are recommended to inhibit premature wear of the surface of the resilient. Replacement resilient will come from current running-line products comparable to the warranted product.

Your warranty does not cover the following: damage caused by improper installation and/or maintenance; differences in color between products and samples or photographs; problems arising from excessive moisture, alkali or water pressure from the sub floor, floods, indentation from improper loading including heavy static loads, high heels, spiked shoes, rolling loads, chairs or other furniture not using floor protectors; cracking, warping, soiling, fading, improper maintenance or abuse caused by items such as roller skates and/or golf shoes; surface scratches, changes in shading, texture and/or gloss during use; damage caused by chemically reactive material, adhesive or tape, dye, mold, stains, spillage, burns, gouges, scratches, indentations, accidents, abuse or any harsh scouring pads while buffing; damage due to U.V. light and thermal heat sources or damage to floor caused by flooring that is installed using the floating method that subsequently is heated to temperatures above those specified in the product specific installation instructions. 

What If You Need Warranty Service

You, the original purchaser, will contact your authorized Company dealer and/or Sales Representative for warranty or claim service.  Please provide a valid proof of purchase and a detailed description of the issue, along with photographs showing the concern.  Samples should be submitted for testing when available. 

Dealers/Shaw Sales Representatives will file a claim via www.shawnow.com and submit the information you provided.  A Shaw claims representative will thoroughly evaluate your claim. 

Claims contact information: Shaw Industries Financial Services, PO Box 2128, Dalton, GA 30722 - 1-800-257-7429.

What We Will Do

Should a defect covered under this warranty be found, the affected area will be repaired to conform to the warranty. If repair is not commercially practical, the Company may, at its sole option, replace the affected resilient or refund the proportional purchase price for the affected area. The Company will pay the reasonable costs for freight and labor. Any costs incurred for the moving of equipment, furnishings, partitions and the like, that were installed over the commercial product, will be at the consumer’s expense.

NOTE: The warranty is not transferable. It extends only to the original end use purchaser. Shaw Industries Inc. does not grant to any person or entity the authority to create for it any obligation or liability in connection with this product. Shaw Industries Inc. shall not be liable to the consumer or any other person or entity for any incidental, special or consequential damages, arising out of breach of this limited warranty or any implied limited warranty (excluding merchantability).

All implied warranties, including an implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are hereby limited to the duration of this limited warranty. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or the limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to the purchaser. This warranty gives the purchaser specific legal rights, such rights may vary from State to State.