AdvanTech X-FACTOR® Subflooring Panel Recognized as a Class II Vapor Retarder
3 Min Read January 22, 2026
Leading building products innovator Huber Engineered Woods announces its AdvanTech X-Factor® subflooring panel product has been qualified as a Class II Vapor Retarder by the International Code Council Evaluation Services (ICC-ES).1
With a built-in protective surface layer manufactured over high-performing engineered wood subflooring, the integrated panel helps reduce vapor migration and protect moisture sensitive hardwood flooring.
For finished floor applications for which the National Wood Flooring Association Installation Guidelines require a Class II Vapor Retarder, this is a game-changer. “The built-in vapor retarder in AdvanTech X-Factor has really changed the installation process,” said Brett Miller, vice president of Technical Standards, Training and Certification at NWFA. “The installer no longer needs to be concerned about how to properly control any potential for moisture when it’s already installed on that substrate. It’s a cost saver and a time saver for the installer.”
For custom builders and finished flooring contractors working to increase cycle time, the integrated overlay offers an easy to clean substrate that allows installers to quickly begin installation in applicable finished flooring systems, such as glue-down hardwood. AdvanTech X-Factor reduces the need to sand for flooring prep and eliminates wet-laid roll coat primers and vapor retarders in these applications.
“Traditionally, this type of installation requires top-surface sanding, a primer layer, vapor retarder installation and an additional adhesive layer in preparation to receive flooring planks,” added Mike Pyle, HEW Director of Technical Services. “With AdvanTech X-Factor, the primer and vapor retarder layer is built into the panel, reducing the need for moisture-based rolled-on primer and vapor retarder, not to mention additional drying time.”
AdvanTech X-Factor subflooring panels are the latest innovation from the subflooring brand builders have trusted for more than 25 years as the FLAT OUT BEST™. With an integrated, fade-resistant, water-shedding surface, AdvanTech X-Factor elevates moisture-resistance to new levels.
“To me, this product is so unique. No other manufacturer of this type of product has paid so much attention for this specific need of the hardwood flooring installer in terms of moisture retardation and they’re addressing it right up front – right on top,” said Wayne Lee, Business Development and Technical Advisor for Middle Tennessee Lumber.
Huber Engineered Woods tested vapor drive in various flooring assemblies at its Research and Development Lab in Commerce, Georgia, which supported the research and design of the unique panel product. The NWFA also uses AdvanTech X-Factor at its training center as part of its moisture management curriculum.
“We’ve dealt with underperformance in commodity OSB for 30 years, but when we started seeing what AdvanTech X-Factor was all about, we discovered it was a totally different animal,” said Miller. “High-performance wood paneling like this has helped us better understand and work better with floor coverings being installed directly on top.”
Building teams can read full installation instructions in the AdvanTech X-Factor Installation Manual on AdvanTechXFactor.com. As with any complete flooring assembly, installers should also reference finished flooring manufacturer instructions, as well.