Can 15 lb. Felt paper be used as a vapor barrier?
The Association does NOT consider 15 lb. Felt a vapor barrier. This product is used to help prevent squeaks between subfloor and flooring – particularly in the winter when floors are shrinking and loosen somewhat. The felt also acts as a buffer and moisture retarder as the seasons change. As moisture migrates into, through, or out of the floor system, the felt helps prevent rapid changes and so helps prevent extremes. Felt can also insulate from over heating or drying above HVAC equipment. In addition, felt acts as a slip-sheet and aids during installation. In any event, the presence or absence of felt does not make a wood floor perform perfectly or fail. However, it enhances the performance of the floor.
