building paper

American  

noun

1. heavy paper used especially in the construction of frame buildings to block drafts, for insulation, etc.

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building paper British  

noun

1. any of various types of heavy-duty paper that usually consist of bitumen reinforced with fibre sandwiched between two sheets of kraft paper: used in damp-proofing or as insulation between the soil and a road surface

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Etymology

Origin of building paper

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

The framework was of logs or poles which had been partly boarded over; and above the boards and where they were lacking, black building paper had been nailed, secured by big tin discs.

From The Indian Drum by Balmer, Edwin

For rabbits I use tin from the roofs of burned buildings or building paper.

From The Apple by Various

The frame was light, and the cabin was built with double boards, with building paper between, to keep out the cold wintry winds.

From The River Prophet by Coleman, Ralph P. (Ralph Pallen)

I use building paper as a protection against rabbits, and for borers I whitewash the trees; then remove about three inches of earth from the trees and pour some around the roots.

From The Apple by Various

The room had been lined with patches of building paper, some red, some blue, and finished out with old newspapers.

From Land of the Burnt Thigh by Voorhies, Stephen J.