asphalt paper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Industrial / Construction
Quick answer
What does “asphalt paper” mean?
A heavy, waterproof building material made of paper or fibre saturated with asphalt, used as a moisture barrier or underlay.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A heavy, waterproof building material made of paper or fibre saturated with asphalt, used as a moisture barrier or underlay.
Any paper-based material impregnated or coated with asphalt for waterproofing, insulation, or sealing purposes in construction and roofing. The term can also refer, in specific contexts, to a type of paper used in road construction.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties, but more commonly used in the construction industry in the US. In the UK, the more general term 'building paper' or a specific product name like 'roofing felt underlay' might be used in everyday construction contexts.
Connotations
Practical, functional, utilitarian. No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English, correlating with common use of asphalt shingle roofing systems.
Grammar
How to Use “asphalt paper” in a Sentence
[Verb] asphalt paper + [on/under/to] + [noun phrase] (e.g., lay asphalt paper on the roof deck)[Noun] + [made of/with] + asphalt paper (e.g., a barrier made of asphalt paper)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “asphalt paper” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The asphalt-paper layer must be continuous.
- They used an asphalt-paper underlay.
American English
- The asphalt-paper underlayment is code-required.
- We need asphalt-paper flashing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In a construction supply business: 'Our top seller this quarter is the 30-lb asphalt paper.'
Academic
Rare. Might appear in materials engineering or architecture papers describing historical or basic roofing systems.
Everyday
Very rare outside of DIY or home improvement contexts. 'I need to pick up a roll of asphalt paper before I can start the shed roof.'
Technical
Core usage. 'Apply a layer of asphalt paper over the sheathing to act as a secondary weather barrier before installing the shingles.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “asphalt paper”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “asphalt paper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asphalt paper”
- Confusing it with 'tar paper', which is a very similar but slightly different bitumen-based product.
- Using it as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'three asphalt papers'); it's typically uncountable or used with quantifiers like 'a roll of', 'a sheet of'.
- Misspelling 'asphalt' as 'ashphalt'.
- Attempting to use it in non-construction contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are very similar and often used interchangeably in casual conversation, especially in American English. Technically, 'tar paper' is impregnated with tar, while 'asphalt paper' uses asphalt. Asphalt paper is generally considered more modern and durable.
Yes, it can be used as a weather-resistive barrier on walls in certain construction methods, though specialised house wraps are more common in modern frame construction. Its primary use remains in roofing.
Yes, it is combustible. While it is somewhat resistant to moisture and weathering, it can burn if exposed to an open flame or extreme heat. Builders must follow local fire codes regarding its use.
The number (15, 30, 40, etc.) refers to the weight in pounds per 100 square feet (a 'square' in roofing terms). A higher number indicates a thicker, heavier, more durable, and more waterproof sheet. 30-lb is a common standard for steep-slope roofing underlayment.
A heavy, waterproof building material made of paper or fibre saturated with asphalt, used as a moisture barrier or underlay.
Asphalt paper is usually technical / industrial / construction in register.
Asphalt paper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæsfælt ˌpeɪpə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæsfɔːlt ˌpeɪpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(None. This is a technical compound noun with no idiomatic usage.)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PAPER road (ASPHALT) for your house – it's paper made tough like a road to keep water out.
Conceptual Metaphor
HOUSE AS BODY: Asphalt paper is the 'skin' or 'waterproof jacket' under the exterior 'clothing' (shingles/slates).
Practice
Quiz
In which industry is the term 'asphalt paper' most commonly used?