Expert: Al Hanzal - 10/25/2004

Question
Third major carpet purchase from Lowes.  First two purchases OK.. Present carpeting reinstalled
Dec.03. This installation still shedding after
one years wear.  Very much like first installation.  Just wife & myself live here with
periodic visits from grandkids.  Have not recontacted Lowes about this yet.  First reinstall was like pulling teeth and long in getting it reinstalled.  Any advice on this.  Thanks.

Answer
Thank you Ed, for your question.
    I will try to answer it with a strategy for getting some results from Lowe's.  First of all, some carpets shed more than others.  Staple yards shed more than continuous filament nylons.  Still, after the first few months with a staple yard carpet, the shedding should be reduced.  You may have a defective carpet (yards not attached securely to the backing) or it maybe the wrong carpet (should not use staple yard carpets in high traffic areas like stairs or hallways.)  Let's hope its the former issue.  When you call Lowes, ask them to send someone out to inspect your carpet.  The shedding should not continue after the first few months.  Insistent that they send someone out.  If you have no luck getting someone to come out, contact the manufacture of the carpet.  This should be on your invoice.  Tell them the same story about the excess shedding.  The correct pecking order is your dealer(Lowes) then the manufacturer.  If Lowes will not do something, then go to the manufacturer.  They may tell you your type of carpet does shed.  Keep telling them it is excessive shedding and you think something is wrong with the carpet.  This will usually move them to some action because they know that carpets can have defects.  Be careful about the one year wear because after one year, many of their warranties are not valid.  They often use this as an "out"  so try to phrase it that it has been less than a year since they reinstalled the carpet.  Keep pushing.  You have a legitimate issue.  Carpets should not, even staple yard carpets, have excess shedding after the first few months.  If you have more questions, you can email me at al@hanzal.com.  Good Luck.