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

When tin is applied to roofs, resin-sized building paper should first be laid on the roof plank, and the sheets of tin should be painted on the lower side before being laid.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 648, June 2, 1888. by Various

For rabbits I wrap with building paper or wire screen.

From The Apple by Various

The lagging was then covered with building paper waterproofed with paraffine.

From Concrete Construction Methods and Costs by Gillette, Halbert Powers

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.