radiant heat and black felt paper.

Jim_55

Is it true that you cant install radiant heat when there is black 15 # felt paper installed between your hardwood floor and your subfloor? I heard that it will stink up the house. Thanks Jim

Joe Brix

It's not felt

it's tar paper. Ever smell a hot roof?

Bob Vennerbeck

'Paper' is felted cellulose (mostly), and the black is (was) tar...

hr

I'd guess it's felt

or asphalt impregnated felt paper to be exact. True tar paper is hard to come by.

Real 15# paper used to weigh 15 lbs per square. These days it is built with a much lighter paper weight than the old days. So that 15# number is a bit deciving.

I've never had a problem with felt paper if the supply temperatures are 140 or lower. That 140 is about all the plywood and wafer board manufactures are comfortable with also.

The ONLY outgas issue I have ever had was a very high temperature staple up. 180 supply temperatures!

If a design ever calls for 180F in a direct staple up... run far away!

To test if you have tar or asphalt, spill a little diesel or heating oil on it. Asphalt will disolve tar will not.

Airpots use a tar seal to protect the asphalt from jet fuel, glycol and other spills.

hot rod

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jim P._2

dear hot rod, thanks for your reply. I allready have baseray for heat and it heats the house great but I want to add a staple up under the floor to keep the floors warm. I guess 100 F would be the most I need. This would not stink up the house right?