Rub-R-Therm
Rub-R-Therm is drainage board that is insulated using 70% recycled materials. Great for protecting against water, backfill, and cold climates.
Rub-R-Therm: Eco-Friendly Insulation Drainage Board for Smarter Waterproofing
Traditional foundation insulation and drainage boards have always come with trade-offs. Fiberglass is itchy and miserable to handle. Blue board foam can break down, waterlog, or leach chemicals over time. And many alternatives simply don’t hold up during backfill.
That’s why contractors are making the switch to Rub-R-Therm — a recycled PET fiber insulation drainage board that combines thermal performance, drainage capability, and superior durability into one easy-to-use product .
Made with 70% recycled content, Rub-R-Therm is not only eco-friendly but also engineered to outperform legacy products in real-world below-grade applications .
Why Choose Rub-R-Therm?
Rub-R-Therm was designed to solve the problems contractors face with traditional insulation boards:
Comfortable to Work With – Gentle on skin, no fiberglass irritation .
Eco-Friendly – Manufactured with 70% recycled PET carpet fibers, reducing landfill waste .
Thermal Performance – Available in R-3, R-5, and R-10 options to meet energy code requirements .
Drainage Power – In-plane flow rates up to 626 gallons/hour/ft ensure hydrostatic pressure relief .
Durability Under Backfill – Thermal binding technology locks fibers in place, preventing washout, leaching, or structural collapse .
Long-Term Reliability – Maintains structure and drainage capacity after installation and backfill.
In short: it’s safer for crews, better for the environment, and tougher in the ground.
How Rub-R-Therm Works
Rub-R-Therm combines insulation and drainage into a single board.
PET Fiber Core: Provides thermal resistance and flexibility.
Thermal Bonding: Fibers are heat-fused for strength, so they won’t leach, wash out, or degrade.
Drainage Capacity: The porous structure quickly channels water away from the foundation, preventing hydrostatic buildup .
Compression Resistance: Strong enough to survive backfill while keeping its shape and function .
It’s a two-in-one solution: keeping foundations both dry and energy efficient.
Technical Performance That Matters
For spec-driven projects, Rub-R-Therm offers proven ASTM-tested performance across insulation and drainage categories:
Thermal Resistance (R-Value): R-3 (¾”), R-5 (1¼”), R-10 (2½”) .
Water Permeability (ASTM D4491): 47.2 gallons/min/ft² .
In-Plane Flow Rate (ASTM D4716): Up to 626 gallons/hour/ft .
Index Puncture Resistance (ASTM D4833): 158 lbs for R-10 .
Compression Strength (ASTM D6364): 294 psi for R-10 thickness .
Grab Tensile (ASTM D4632): Up to 241 lbs .
Elongation: Up to 23% depending on thickness .
These numbers prove Rub-R-Therm isn’t just eco-friendly — it’s tough enough for the most demanding foundation applications.
Rub-R-Therm vs. Fiberglass and Foam Boards
Feature | Rub-R-Therm | Fiberglass / Blue Board |
|---|---|---|
Worker Safety | Comfortable, no irritation | Itchy, irritating, unsafe handling |
Sustainability | 70% recycled PET | Petroleum-based, non-recycled |
Drainage | High flow capacity (626 gph/ft) | Can waterlog or clog |
Durability | Thermal-bonded fibers, won’t leach | Foam can degrade in soil |
Thermal Options | R-3, R-5, R-10 | Limited or inconsistent |
Backfill Strength | Withstands compression | Prone to crushing or breaking |
Contractors using Rub-R-Therm quickly notice easier installs, cleaner handling, and long-term performance that reduces callbacks.
Where Rub-R-Therm Fits Best
Rub-R-Therm is ideal for below-grade foundation insulation and waterproofing systems:
Residential Basements – Adds insulation while protecting against water pressure.
Commercial Foundations – Provides both drainage and energy efficiency for large builds.
ICF Construction – Perfect match for insulated concrete form projects.
Green Building Projects – Earns sustainability points with high recycled content.
Whether it’s a single-family home or a multi-story commercial building, Rub-R-Therm is engineered to deliver durable, eco-friendly foundation protection.
The Bottom Line: Smarter Insulation + Drainage
Why settle for itchy fiberglass or brittle foam when you can choose a product that’s safer, greener, and stronger?
Provides both insulation and drainage.
Made with 70% recycled PET fibers.
Tough enough to withstand backfill without collapsing.
Gentle on crews, sustainable for the planet, and durable for decades.
Rub-R-Therm isn’t just another insulation board — it’s the smarter way to protect and insulate foundations.
Build Green. Build Strong. Build with Rub-R-Therm.
Upgrade your next waterproofing system with Rub-R-Therm — the insulation drainage board that protects foundations, improves energy efficiency, and supports sustainability goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
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