Huber Engineered Woods, a leading manufacturer of innovative building solutions, announced today at the AIA National Convention it recommends using AdvanTech® panels for two-layer floating subfloor applications. This recommendation is based on installation instructions provided by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), which suggests using two layers of subfloor panels when installing subfloors over concrete.

“When installed following NWFA guidelines, AdvanTech panels are a flat, stable surface ideal for two-layer floating subfloor applications,” said Jason Darling, general manager of AdvanTech flooring. “The panels provide excellent dimensional stability, moisture resistance and nail holding power.”

The term “floating floor” refers to the installation method, as two layers of wood structural panels used in the application are attached to each other and not to the concrete floor. Two-layer floating subfloor applications are commonly used in mid-rise and high-rise projects with finished hardwood floors and can be used in both retrofit and new construction.

The benefits of two-layer floating subfloor applications to architects, installers and designers include:

• Increased fastener holding capacity – A two-layer application that provides superior fastening base for hardwoods.
• Dimensional stability – The two subfloor layers, oriented perpendicular to one another, minimizes potential movement of panels over the concrete base.
• Sound abatement – The two-layer application helps with sound abatement between floors because it eliminates the need to fasten directly into the concrete slab. Penetrating a concrete substrate with fasteners increases sound transmission because it creates a path for sound to travel.

“Reducing movement is critical in a two-layer floating subfloor application,” Darling said. “We have been told AdvanTech panel’s ability to lay flat and stay flat make the product an ideal alternative to plywood in floating subfloor applications.”

In addition, he added, because AdvanTech panels are available in multiple thicknesses, from ½” to 1 1/8”, installers can choose the right thickness for any job.

“AdvanTech panel’s fastener holding capacity, dimensional stability and moisture resistance gives installers the peace of mind that they have done it right the first time, every time,” Darling said.

For more information, visit www.advantechperforms.com.

About AdvanTech® Flooring and Sheathing
AdvanTech® flooring delivers the total performance package of strength, fastener holding, moisture resistance, and quality. AdvanTech panels help eliminate floor bounce and squeaks by being manufactured to meet ESR-1785 specifications. This report documents the higher design strength of AdvanTech panels, which also feature fastener holding power to keep fasteners securely in place. These design values are documented in ESR-1785 found at www.icc-es.org. For moisture resistance, AdvanTech flooring, backed by a 500-day no sand guarantee and lifetime limited warranty, has one of the lowest water absorption rates in the wood structural panel industry. AdvanTech flooring has been voted number one in quality for 13 years by builders in a survey by BUILDER magazine. For more information visit www.advantechperforms.com.

AdvanTech® Roof and Wall Sheathing is manufactured with design strength and stiffness capacities beyond those required by PS-2, the voluntary standard that all other panels certify to. AdvanTech sheathing panels have design values that are recognized by the ICC-ES and published in ESR-1785, viewable at www.icc-es.org. Engineered to perform, AdvanTech sheathing has a structural-1 rating for greater resistance to wind and seismic loads, as well as offers greater water resistance than commodity OSB sheathing and plywood.

Huber Engineered Woods LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of J.M. Huber Corporation. Headquartered in Edison, N.J., Huber operates a portfolio of companies with a focus on its core engineered materials businesses. Founded in 1883, today Huber is one of the largest family owned companies in the United States. The diversified, multinational company creates products that are used in a broad range of consumer and industrial applications, including building materials, oral care, personal care, food, beverage and pharmaceuticals. For more information, see www.huber.com.

Huber Engineered Woods offers such specialty products as AdvanTech® flooring and sheathing, as well as ZIP System® wall and ZIP System® roof products. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Huber Engineered Woods has manufacturing operations in Maine, Georgia, Virginia, and Oklahoma, as well as research and development facilities in Georgia. Huber Engineered Woods also serves industrial markets with products for door manufacturers and the transportation industry. For more information, visit www.huberwood.com.