Shaw Revises Carpet Warranties

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shaw Revises Warranties to Reflect Requirements for CRI Seal of Approval Products and IICRC Certification

Dalton, GA – Following the company’s announcement in June of 2005, Shaw has revised its residential carpet warranties to require the use of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Seal of Approval products for carpet cleaning supplies and equipment for carpet manufactured after January 1, 2007. Effective January 1, 2008, the company will also require the use of Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Certified Firms for professional cleaning services.

The CRI Seal of Approval Program was established to test and certify the performance of products and equipment used in carpet cleaning. Years of research has shown that about half of the carpet spot removal and cleaning products in the marketplace do not clean any better than water, and may also leave soil-attracting residues. The results of the use of these products have been shown to be a major source of consumer dissatisfaction with carpet. The Carpet and Rug Institute program offers consumers a quick, easy way to locate products that work well and do not damage their significant investment in carpet.

The new requirements have been included under “Homeowner Obligations” in Shaw’s residential warranty booklet covering its 3-, 4-, and 5-Star warranties. Revised wording addressing the changes is included in the company’s homeowner requirement that periodic cleaning by hot water extraction be performed at least once every two years. Whether the consumer elects to have the cleaning performed by a professional cleaning service or with a do-it-yourself system, the equipment must be “certified under the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval Program.” The additional IICRC wording reads as follows:

“NOTE: Effective January 1, 2008, professional service must performed by an Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified firm.” IICRC Certified Firms must meet several stringent criteria that serve to protect the consumer. The firm must have at least one IICRC Certified Technician on all job sites, must have a business license, must carry both general liability and workers compensation insurance (where required), have an approved consumer complaint policy, and must agree to adhere to the IICRC code of ethics. All these protect the consumer against unscrupulous operators.

“We believe our recommendations and requirements will ultimately help consumers enjoy and appreciate our products more fully,” says Carey Mitchell, Shaw’s director of technical services. “This information reflects years of carpet cleaning research and testing and provides a firm foundation for proper maintenance that will enhance and extend a carpet’s useful life.”

8/25/06

Shaw Industries

Note from editor: Get Fresh Carpet Cleaning is an IICRC Certified Firm and the first and only CRI Approved Service Provider in Calgary.