Non-toxic, zero VOC, retarder for hardwood flooring

Silicone Vapor Shield (SVS) is the best-rated underlayment paper for moisture protection of nail down or engineered hardwood flooring over plywood or OSB subfloors. Rather than trapping moisture, this semi-impermeable vapor retarder allows moisture to slowly dissipate through the flooring without mold developing and without causing cupping or buckling of the flooring. It's non-toxic, eco-friendly, and a zero VOC alternative to red rosin paper and asphalt impregnated paper (tar paper).

NOTE: This must be applied with the shiny side up.

Silicone Vapor Shield is approved and recommended by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) for nail down hardwood flooring. SVS can also be used under engineered hardwood, bamboo, cork or Marmoleum flooring when applied over OSB or plywood subfloors.

For the technically minded, SVS has a perm rating of .46 without nails and .712 with nail holes, making it a best-in-class semi-impermeable Class II vapor retarder, according to the International Residential code (IRC). Please refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for your specific floor, as each is different. Green Building Supply offers other types of semi-impermeable vapor retarders such as cork; however, none perform as well for nail down floors as Silicone Vapor Shield.

Silicone Vapor Shield is a safe, effective underlayment that is made of 100% recycled paper content. Unlike tar paper which is petroleum-based and can off-gas nasty fumes for months or years, Silicone Vapor Shield has no odor whatsoever and contains nothing toxic to off-gas.

Silicone Vapor Shield was designed to protect hardwood flooring from excessive moisture over the life of the flooring. It's made with a 6 mil. wet strength paper and has a baked Silicone coating on the top layer that won't allow moisture to penetrate. Unlike rosin, craft paper or wax paper, it won't tear or fall apart during or after installation and will protect against moisture for the life of your floor.

For those with radiant heated floors, lab tests at the Radiant Heat Association have proven that this product will allow radiant heat to easily transfer through it, and will not break down or off-gas.