Warranty Claim For Flooring And Release Form

Hi. So I had new flooring installed a little under four years ago and after the first two years, it started buckling and warping. The product carries a 15 year warranty. The manufacturer sent out an inspector who did a thorough inspection and shortly thereafter, my claim was approved. About 1500 ft.² of product have been replaced under warranty with product provided at no cost by the manufacturer through my local distributor. They provided the materials, I supplied the labor through my previous installer and they agreed to reimburse 50% of the labor, which is what the warranty requires.

I’m now awaiting my reimbursement check and the local distributor tells me it will be accompanied by a release letter then I will be required to sign to get the check. I’ve asked for an advance copy but haven’t gotten it yet, but he says it will require me to agree that I won’t pursue litigation.

I would like to understand how and if I am required to sign such a letter in order to receive my warranty payment, or any type of letter honestly other than an acknowledgment that I received the payment. This was an exhausting project, the product was made during Covid and was clearly defective, which they have acknowledged by replacing it at no cost. It took me about a month to tear my house apart and I am now putting it back together. Moving everything was exhausting. My garage is still full. I’m not saying I’m going to sue, but I would like to understand my legal obligations with regard to any type of letter, acknowledgment, or release in order to get warranty payment I am due.

Adding to this, I tried to mitigate the issue by purchasing about $600 worth of new material about two years ago and having my installer put them in in some of the areas that were becoming damaged. This isn’t money I’m getting back.

Thanks!

Location: Florida