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

For rabbits I wrap with building paper or wire screen.

From The Apple by Various

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

On the top of this a hard pine 1¼ inch floor was laid over a course of building paper.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 647, May 26, 1888 by Various

In place of lath and plastered walls, thick building paper formed the interior covering, leaving a space between the iron outside and the paper within.

From An I.D.B. in South Africa by Vescelius-Sheldon, Louise

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