building paper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Construction / Professional
Quick answer
What does “building paper” mean?
A heavy-duty, often tarred or bitumen-impregnated paper used in construction as a temporary weather barrier or moisture protection layer, typically installed beneath siding, sheathing, or roofing materials.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A heavy-duty, often tarred or bitumen-impregnated paper used in construction as a temporary weather barrier or moisture protection layer, typically installed beneath siding, sheathing, or roofing materials.
In a broader sense, it can refer to any durable paper or felt-like material used as an underlayment in building construction to protect against water, air, or heat transfer.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both dialects use the term. In UK specifications, 'sarking felt' or 'underlay' might be used for similar roofing/timber frame applications, while 'building paper' remains common for wall sheathing. US usage is more uniformly 'building paper' or specific product names like 'tar paper' or 'felt paper'.
Connotations
The term has a slightly old-fashioned or generic connotation. Professionals often use specific product names (e.g., Tyvek® HouseWrap, roofing felt).
Frequency
Higher frequency in US trade catalogs and construction guidelines. In the UK, it is understood but may be outranked by more specific terms in on-site jargon.
Grammar
How to Use “building paper” in a Sentence
[Verb] + building paper + [to/over/under/beneath] + [surface/material][Quantity/Type] + of + building paperVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “building paper” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The carpenters will paper the timber frame with building paper before the battens go on.
- Make sure to properly paper over the sheathing to prevent drafts.
American English
- The crew needs to paper the roof deck before installing the shingles.
- They're papering the exterior walls with 30-minute building paper.
adverb
British English
- N/A - 'building paper' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- N/A - 'building paper' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The building-paper layer is crucial for breathability.
- Follow the building-paper manufacturer's specifications.
American English
- The building-paper installer finished before lunch.
- Check the building-paper warranty for water resistance.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In procurement lists and material cost estimates: 'Item 7: 30 sq. m. of 15# building paper.'
Academic
In architectural history or materials science papers discussing traditional construction methods and moisture management.
Everyday
Very low. A homeowner might hear it from a contractor: 'We'll staple building paper over the sheathing before the siding.'
Technical
In building codes and installation manuals: 'Building paper shall be lapped a minimum of 100 mm at horizontal joints and 150 mm at vertical joints.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “building paper”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “building paper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “building paper”
- Using 'construction paper' (coloured craft paper) interchangeably. *Incorrect*: 'The workers covered the frame with construction paper.'
- Treating it as a mass noun when ordering specific rolls. *Potentially awkward*: 'We need some building paper' vs. 'We need a roll/50 sq ft of building paper.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. They serve a similar protective function, but 'building paper' traditionally refers to bitumen-impregnated paper or felt, while 'house wrap' usually refers to modern synthetic materials (like Tyvek®) that are lighter, stronger, and designed to be water-resistant yet vapor-permeable.
It is primarily an exterior product. Using it indoors is uncommon and may be against fire codes due to its asphalt/tar content. For interior moisture protection, specific vapor barriers or membranes are used.
Because a common type is saturated with coal tar or asphalt (bitumen), giving it a black, waterproof quality. 'Tar paper' is a strong synonym, though modern products may use different saturants.
You specify it by its weight (e.g., 15-pound or '15#' paper refers to the weight per 100 square feet), its saturant (asphalt, tar), and sometimes its permeability rating. Always consult local building codes for required specifications.
A heavy-duty, often tarred or bitumen-impregnated paper used in construction as a temporary weather barrier or moisture protection layer, typically installed beneath siding, sheathing, or roofing materials.
Building paper is usually technical / construction / professional in register.
Building paper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪl.dɪŋ ˌpeɪ.pə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪl.dɪŋ ˌpeɪ.pɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As common as building paper on a job site (rare, but plausible trade idiom).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a paper **building** its own protective shield before the real walls go up. 'Building' describes its purpose, not its action.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BUILDING IS A BODY, BUILDING PAPER IS PROTECTIVE SKIN (a semi-permeable layer keeping weather out).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be a context for using 'building paper'?