Rub-R-Shield: Self-Adhered Air and Vapor Barrier for High-Performance Walls

Air leakage is one of the silent killers of building performance. It leads to heat loss, condensation, drafts, and higher energy bills. Worse, uncontrolled air movement carries moisture into walls, where it can cause mold, rot, and long-term structural damage.

That’s why today’s contractors and architects turn to Rub-R-Shield — a self-adhered air barrier membrane engineered to stop air infiltration and exfiltration while maintaining durability under real-world conditions.

Applied as part of the Rub-R-Wall waterproofing system or as a standalone barrier in cavity wall construction, Rub-R-Shield delivers the airtight, weather-resistant protection modern building envelopes demand.

Why Choose Rub-R-Shield?

Unlike basic housewraps that rely on taped seams and can tear under stress, Rub-R-Shield is a composite membrane that bonds directly to the substrate. It’s built to handle wind, stack effect, and pressurization forces without failing .

• Seamless Adhesion: Provides a structurally sound, continuous air barrier .

• Durable Thickness: 40 mils of protection with robust puncture resistance .

• Moisture Protection: Water vapor transmission rate of just 0.05 perms, keeping walls dry .

• High Strength: Tensile strength of 750 psi and elongation of 400% ensure flexibility under stress .

• Compatibility: Works with concrete, masonry, wood, metal, and more .

• New Builds or Retrofits: Designed for both new construction and retrofit projects .

Rub-R-Shield isn’t just an “extra layer” — it’s a critical part of building tight, efficient, and durable structures.

How Rub-R-Shield Works

Rub-R-Shield is made of a rubberized asphalt layer bonded to a cross-laminated polyethylene film . Together, these layers form a tough, flexible sheet that is self-adhered to the substrate.

• Roll Application: Supplied in 18” x 75’ rolls (112.5 sq. ft.), easy to handle on-site .

• Overlap Sealing: Lapped a minimum of 2” at seams and pressed into place for continuous coverage .

• Primer System: Installed over Rub-R-Wall primer for maximum adhesion .

• Protection Window: Can be left exposed for up to six weeks before covering with insulation or cladding .

• Repairable: Damaged sections can be patched with additional Rub-R-Shield for a seamless fix .

The result? A permanent bond to the substrate that creates airtight, water-resistant protection for the entire wall assembly.

Technical Performance That Delivers

Rub-R-Shield has been ASTM-tested to meet the needs of high-performance wall systems:

• Thickness: 40 mils

• Puncture Resistance (Film): 110 kg/CM (ASTM D781)

• Composite Puncture Resistance: 40 mils (ASTM E154)

• Tensile Strength: 750 psi (ASTM D412 modified)

• Elongation: 400% (ASTM D882 modified)

• Water Vapor Transmission: 0.05 max perms (ASTM E96 Method B)

These aren’t marketing numbers — they’re proven test results showing Rub-R-Shield can withstand jobsite abuse and long-term exposure while maintaining airtightness.

Rub-R-Shield vs. Traditional Housewraps

Contractors and architects who make the switch to Rub-R-Shield see tighter envelopes, fewer call-backs, and better energy performance.

Where Rub-R-Shield Excels

Rub-R-Shield is versatile enough to be used across commercial, institutional, and residential projects:

• Cavity Wall Systems – Delivers airtightness behind brick, stone, or metal cladding.

• Retrofit Projects – Adds air and vapor control to existing walls.

• Commercial Facilities – Designed to handle mechanical pressurization.

• Residential Builds – Outperforms housewraps in durability and longevity.

Wherever airtightness and moisture control matter, Rub-R-Shield is the contractor’s choice.

The Bottom Line: Build Airtight, Build Strong

A building is only as good as its envelope. With Rub-R-Shield, contractors and architects get a tested, proven self-adhered air barrier that keeps water and uncontrolled air out — while protecting the long-term integrity of the wall assembly.

• Stops uncontrolled air movement.

• Protects against moisture intrusion.

• Withstands wind, stack effect, and pressure.

• Backed by ASTM performance testing.

Don’t settle for housewraps that tear or seams that leak. Protect your projects with Rub-R-Shield — the self-adhered membrane engineered for modern construction.

Seal It Right the First Time

Contractors across North America are choosing Rub-R-Shield to deliver high-performance air and vapor control.