On Nov 24, 1:23 pm, Wayne Whitney wrote:
On 2007-11-24, Joe wrote:

Taking logic a step further, using a non-permeable membrane and the
appropriate adhesive (avoiding staples), there will be no moisture
transmission problems.

I don't think it's that easy to ensure that no moisture will get into
the walls. The staples are just one example, there are also corners,
lap joints, etc.

The building inspector who regarded roofing felt as permeable is
puzzling. If that were true, then Tyvek and other brands used as
house wrap today could be replaced by cheaper felt.

Indeed, I believe that synthetic house wrap has little or no advantage
over traditional felt. For example, see:
http://www.umass.edu/bmatwt/publications/articles/housewraps_feltpape...

Cheers, Wayne

Just my opinion but isn't tyvek touted more as being a better air
barrier than felt in that the seams are sealed better...always
assuming of course that it is applied correctly. I don't see that
there is much difference in moisture barrier over felt. If there is
any it would be on the side of the tyvek.

Harry K