What proration means in turf warranties

In a prorated artificial turf warranty, the product remains covered for a defined term, and the reimbursement percentage decreases in later years. The schedule is stated in the warranty and is used to calculate how much of the product cost is covered if a valid defect occurs.

  • Non-prorated window: Many warranties include full or near-full coverage for the first 1 to 3 years.
  • Straight-line or step-down decline: Coverage then drops by set amounts each year or at defined year ranges.
  • Written schedule controls: The exact percentages and years in the document control any claim calculation.

Typical proration schedules

Actual schedules vary by brand and product. Here is a common example for a 15-year term to illustrate how it works.

  • Years 1 to 2: 100 percent product coverage
  • Year 3: 90 percent
  • Year 4: 80 percent
  • Year 5: 70 percent
  • Year 6: 60 percent
  • Year 7: 50 percent
  • Year 8: 40 percent
  • Year 9: 30 percent
  • Years 10 to 15: 20 percent

Example claim calculation

  1. Find the applicable year on the schedule. Example: a defect appears in year 7.
  2. Apply the percentage to the original product cost. If the turf product cost was 6,000 dollars and year 7 coverage is 50 percent, the covered amount is 3,000 dollars.
  3. Subtract any exclusions or non-covered items per the warranty. Labor, removal, and shipping are often separate.

This is not a promise of your coverage. Always use the schedule printed in your specific warranty.

What parts are usually prorated

  • Product materials: Face fiber performance, UV stability, and backing integrity are commonly prorated.
  • Finish characteristics: Limited colorfastness or pile retention terms may follow the same step-down schedule.

Labor and installation

Many warranties cover labor fully in early years, then reduce or exclude labor in later years, separate from the product proration. Your installer may offer a workmanship warranty that is different from the manufacturer coverage.

Accessories and infill

Seam tape, adhesives, infill, drainage layers, and sub-base work are often outside the product warranty unless explicitly listed. Check each item’s coverage source.

What may be non-prorated

  • Early-year product coverage: Some warranties include a short period with full product coverage.
  • Workmanship by installer: Often non-prorated for a set period, provided by the installer, not the manufacturer.

How to compare turf warranty proration

  • Length of non-prorated period: Longer early coverage adds practical value.
  • Rate of decline: Slower proration keeps more value available in mid-life years.
  • Labor terms: Note any early full labor coverage and what happens after.
  • Clear schedule: Look for a year-by-year table with percentages and definitions.
  • Claim process and timelines: Simple, documented procedures speed resolution.

Key definitions

  • Prorated warranty: Coverage percentage decreases as the product ages.
  • Non-prorated warranty: Coverage percentage does not decline during the stated period.
  • Claim value: Covered percentage multiplied by eligible costs, minus any exclusions.
  • Term: Total warranty length in years for product and for labor if provided.
  • Transferability: Whether the warranty can move to a new owner and any limits.

Care and use that protect your coverage

  • Follow maintenance guidelines: Brushing, infill top-offs if required, and routine cleaning.
  • Avoid reflective heat hotspots: Use window films or screens where strong reflections exist.
  • Keep chemicals in check: Do not expose turf to harsh solvents or petroleum products.
  • Ensure proper drainage: Maintain base drainage to prevent standing water.
  • Use correct installation methods: Work with certified installers and approved materials.

Questions to ask before you buy

  • What is the exact year-by-year proration schedule for this product?
  • Is there an early non-prorated period, and how long is it?
  • How are labor, removal, shipping, and reinstallation handled over time?
  • What maintenance is required to keep the warranty in force?
  • Is the warranty transferable, and what is the process?

Your FusionTurf warranty

FusionTurf provides clear, written warranty terms so you know exactly how coverage applies through the life of your turf. Review your specific FusionTurf warranty document for the exact proration schedule, labor provisions, and claim steps. If you need help interpreting your coverage or starting a claim, contact FusionTurf support and we will walk you through it, start to finish.