Radiant Heat Considerations

Kennebec Lumber shall apply this warranty to all of its Classic Collection of flooring in the 2 ¼ width over Radiant Heating systems; if those systems are installed to meet the NWFA requirements for installing over radiant heat. The warranty as stated shall cover only the finish on the floor. Since wood is a natural material that is affected by changing climates it is recommended that all homes with radiant heat utilize humidifiers in the winter and dehumidifiers in the summer to control the relative humidity of the home at an average range from 35% to 50% year round. Maintaining and or controlling your relative humidity will decrease the amount of expansion and contraction of your floor, especially when radiant heat is being used.

Structural Defects

This warranty covers structural defects in boards, ensuring that boards are free from shaping and manufacturing defects and classification errors. This also covers flaws in the application of the stain and finish. A 5% margin of error is an acceptable industry standard and is our standard. Grading errors and defects affecting 5% or less will not be considered as a defect with in the warranty. Any discounted products will not be covered under this warranty.

Wear

Kennebec Lumber Company guarantees the finish on the boards for wear through, flaking or peeling for 35 years on its Classic Collection of Prefinished flooring effective on date of purchase.  Rustic grade and items sold "as is" are not covered under this warranty.

Light Commercial Warranty

Kennebec Lumber warrants to the original purchaser of our Classic Collection of pre-finished ¾ inch solid flooring, that the finish we apply will not wear through or delaminate from the surface of the floor for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase.  This warranty is for installations in commercial businesses or similar with light foot traffic, with floor not installed in main entrances, outdoor entryways, and food establishments (including bars).

  The warranty coverage mandates proper installation according to Maine Traditions Acadia Collection Installation Guide, and proper maintenance and care of floor.   

Exclusions and Limitations to the Warranty:

• Improper handling and/ or storage of flooring
• Improper installation, including glue down   
• Lack of maintenance
• Abnormal abuse or wear
• Excessive moisture exposure before and after installation
• Damages due to pets, heels, furniture, stains, water, fire, wet mopping, sand & gravel
• Natural disasters and/ or weather conditions

  Our goal is to achieve total customer satisfaction-it is imperative that the buyer and installer inspect all flooring before permanent installation.  Once a floor is permanently installed it is considered accepted by the installer and or customer.  Claims must be filed by the initial buyer.  Proof of purchase and original receipt will be required, as well as the Lot# from the floor installed (found on product packing list and under side of flooring boards).  Kennebec Lumber Company reserves the right to inspect and remove samples for analysis within 30 days from receipt of written claim.  Warranty is limited to the repair of the damage or replacement of the material as seen applicable by Kennebec Lumber Company.  No retailer, installer, agent or employee of Maine Traditions may, in any way, alter or increase the limitation of this warranty.  This warranty is non-transferable and applies exclusively to Maine Traditions Hardwood Flooring by Kennebec Lumber Company.

Conditions of Warranty

This warranty only applies to flooring installed per manufacturers installation guidelines. Labor is not covered in the warranty. The manufacturer guarantees the milling and finishing for residential use for 35 years on the Classic Collection of Prefinished flooring; and 5 years Light Commercial.  In order to get the benefits of the warranty, the purchaser must comply with the installation guidelines, and maintenance instructions found in the installation & care guide.

Flooring Installation and Maintenance

The installer must examine each board before installing it. Any board installed (nailed or glued) will be considered accepted by the installer and/or owner. Any boards installed cannot be claimed under the warranty for defects or classification errors. If there is fault with the grade of wood, its structural quality or finish, make sure you stop installation and contact the distributor immediately. If you install over radiant heating systems, it must comply with the NHFA (National Hardwood Flooring Association) standards. It is recommended that you use only specified hardwood flooring cleaner, any other cleaner may dull or damage finish and render the warranty null and void.

Owners' Responsibilities

Moisture is the worst thing for your new floor. It is recommended that the relative humidity in the house is between 35-50% at the time of installation and throughout the life of the floor. Too much humidity will cause swelling whereas not enough will cause shrinkage. Our flooring is designed to withstand normal moisture conditions. You should not pour water or any other liquid directly on the floor, nor should you use abrasive cleaners. Wipe any spills immediately. Spiked heels will damage the floor, removing your shoes is recommended. Use felt protectors on the legs of your furniture to protect from scratches and indentations. Area rugs are also recommended in high traffic areas. In the even of a claim, it is the owners’ responsibility to know and have the following information:

• Humidity level in the house
• Ambient air temperature
• Moisture content of the wood and the sub-floor
• Width of the board (measure of 20 boards installed)
• Installation evaluation (e.g. ¾ inch space along the wall, square of the room)
• Presence of animals.
• Type of driveway (gravel, sand, asphalt, dirt, etc…)
• Fastening (nailed, stapled, glued)
• Nailing distance on each board and metal detector reading
• Date of purchase and installation (save receipts)
• Age of house
• House occupants
• Photos if possible

Claims, Policies, and Procedures

THE WARRANTY APPLIES ONLY TO THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF THE PRODUCT AND IS NON-TRANSFERABLE. THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER MUST PROVIDE AN INVOICE OR PROOF OF PURCHASE. PROPERLY COMPLETED CLAIM FORM, SAMPLES SHOWING THE DEFECTS IN MATERIAL. PURCHASER SHOULD ALSO COMPLETE WARRANTY REGISTRATION FORM TO INSURE PROPER DATA IS AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE ANY WARRANTY CLAIM.

In the event of total disagreement, the Manufacturer reserves the right to designate a third party inspector to settle the claim. Both parties agree to manage all borderline claims smoothly, in the basis of common sense, in order to find the best solution for all involved. The judgement of the manufacturer appointed 3rd party shall be final and binding on both parties.

The Kennebec Lumber Company warranty excludes the following:

• Improper handling and/or storage
• Improper installation (see installation guide)
• Lack of maintenance
• Use other than residential
• Abnormal abuse or wear
• Excessive moisture
• Damages due to pets
• Natural disasters and/or weather conditions