The Resilient Building Paper: Ensuring Longevity in Construction
Building Paper: A Versatile Construction Material
Building paper is a thick paper renowned for its water-resistant properties and serves as an excellent insulation material. Often referred to as tar paper, this material features bitumen, a derivative of natural asphalt, embedded between pieces of kraft paper. The bitumen layer serves as an effective water barrier. Employed in the construction industry for nearly a century, building paper’s track record speaks to its durability and reliability.
In recent times, some builders have experimented with housewrap for applications where tar paper previously reigned supreme. Despite this shift, building paper still offers distinct advantages, including superior resistance to breaking down under sunlight and excelling as a water barrier.
Practical Applications of Building Paper
Building paper’s versatility makes it indispensable in various applications:
- Roofing and Siding: When placed behind roofing and siding, building paper acts as a robust moisture and air barrier.
- Wet Areas: Building paper is installed in wet-prone areas of homes to prevent water seepage into the underlayment, ensuring the structural integrity and dryness of these spaces.
It’s clear that building paper continues to be a valued asset in construction, outperforming newer alternatives in specific performance attributes.
Related Terms: housewrap, bitumen, kraft paper, insulation materials, roofing felt.
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### What is another common name for building paper?
- [ ] Housewrap
- [ ] Kraft paper
- [x] Tar paper
- [ ] Bitumen paper
> **Explanation:** Building paper is also known as tar paper. The name comes from the use of bitumen or tar as a filler between pieces of kraft paper, which acts as a water barrier.
### What substance is used as the filler between pieces of kraft paper in building paper?
- [x] Bitumen
- [ ] Plastic
- [ ] Fiberglass
- [ ] Aluminum
> **Explanation:** Bitumen, a derivative of natural asphalt, is used as the filler between pieces of kraft paper in building paper. This substance acts as the water barrier.
### Which advantage does building paper have over housewrap?
- [ ] Better insulation properties
- [x] Does not break down in sunlight
- [ ] Cheaper to produce
- [ ] Easier to install
> **Explanation:** One of the advantages of building paper over housewrap is that it does not break down in sunlight, making it more durable when exposed to the elements.
### For how long has building paper been in use in the construction industry?
- [ ] About 50 years
- [x] Almost 100 years
- [ ] About 25 years
- [ ] Over 200 years
> **Explanation:** Building paper has been in use in the construction industry for almost a century.
### In which part of the house would builders typically use building paper to provide a moisture and air barrier?
- [ ] In the foundation
- [ ] In the interior walls
- [ ] In the ceiling
- [x] Behind roofing and siding
> **Explanation:** Builders typically use building paper behind roofing and siding to provide a moisture and air barrier.
### Besides serving as a moisture barrier, what other function does building paper typically provide?
- [ ] Electrical insulation
- [x] Air barrier
- [ ] Floor protection
- [ ] Fire resistance
> **Explanation:** In addition to serving as a moisture barrier, building paper also acts as an air barrier.
### What is the main use of building paper in wet areas of the house?
- [ ] To provide thermal insulation
- [x] To prevent water from getting to the underlayment
- [ ] To improve structural integrity
- [ ] To enhance aesthetic appeal
> **Explanation:** In wet areas of the house, builders use building paper primarily to prevent water from getting to the underlayment.
### What material is traditionally used to make building paper water-resistant?
- [ ] Fiberglass
- [ ] Silicone
- [x] Bitumen (tar)
- [ ] Rubber
> **Explanation:** Bitumen, also known as tar, is traditionally used to make building paper water-resistant.
### What recent material have some builders started using as an alternative to building paper for certain applications?
- [ ] Aluminum foil
- [x] Housewrap
- [ ] Polyurethane foam
- [ ] Metal sheeting
> **Explanation:** In recent years, some builders have started using housewrap as an alternative to building paper for certain applications.
### Which industry has primarily used building paper for almost a century?
- [ ] Automotive industry
- [ ] Textile industry
- [x] Construction industry
- [ ] Medical industry
> **Explanation:** The construction industry has primarily used building paper for almost a century for various applications like moisture and air barriers.