Rub-R-Wrap: The Vapor-Permeable Air Barrier That Works as Hard as You Do

You can’t stop the rain, the wind, or the constant push of outside air — but you can control what gets into your building envelope. That’s the power of Rub-R-Wrap, a high-performance, fluid-applied acrylic membrane that cures into a seamless barrier around your walls.

Whether you’re building a commercial cavity wall system or wrapping a modern multifamily project, Rub-R-Wrap is designed to stop air infiltration and exfiltration while still allowing vapor to escape. The result? Dry, energy-efficient, durable buildings that resist mold, condensation, and costly callbacks .

Think of it as your jobsite’s “invisible armor” — airtight, waterproof, but breathable where it matters most.

Why Rub-R-Wrap Matters

Air leaks and trapped moisture are silent killers in construction. They don’t make noise, but they wreak havoc on energy efficiency, structural durability, and occupant comfort. Rub-R-Wrap solves these issues in one shot by combining:

• Air Tightness – Stops uncontrolled air leaks that drive up energy costs .

• Vapor Permeability – Lets water vapor pass through, preventing condensation inside walls .

• UV Resistance – Can be left exposed to sunlight permanently without breaking down .

• Full Adhesion – Bonds seamlessly to CMU, concrete, exterior sheathing, OSB, wood, and even metal .

It’s not just a “wrap.” It’s a fully engineered air and moisture control system that keeps buildings drier, tighter, and more efficient.

Key Features of Rub-R-Wrap

Rub-R-Wrap gives contractors a competitive edge with features that make application simple and results reliable:

• Spray-Applied – Quick, low-cost, monolithic installation.

• Breathable – With a water vapor permeance of 12 perms (ASTM E96), it ensures drying potential while keeping liquid water out .

• Extreme Flexibility – With 1,000% elongation and crack-bridging capability at -26°C, it won’t fail when buildings shift or climates fluctuate .

• Strength Under Pressure – Tensile strength of 300 psi keeps the barrier intact against building movement .

• Energy Efficiency Boost – Meets ASTM E2178 air leakage performance requirements with a rating of >0.004 cfm/sq. ft .

Bottom line: Rub-R-Wrap doesn’t just meet code. It exceeds it — giving you peace of mind on every project.

Where Rub-R-Wrap Excels

Rub-R-Wrap is engineered for cavity wall construction and excels in projects that demand airtightness without trapping moisture. Perfect applications include:

• Commercial Buildings – Offices, retail centers, and mixed-use developments.

• Multifamily Housing – Apartment complexes, condos, and dormitories where energy efficiency matters.

• Institutional Projects – Schools, hospitals, and public buildings that must meet rigorous performance standards.

• Sheathing Protection – Bonds to a wide range of materials, including exterior drywall, OSB, CMU, and concrete.

Because it can be permanently UV exposed, it’s also a great fit for projects where cladding installation may be delayed.

How Rub-R-Wrap Is Applied

Rub-R-Wrap was designed with contractor efficiency in mind:

1. Surface Prep: Walls must be structurally sound, free of dust, grease, frost, and loose mortar.

2. Repairs & Reinforcements: Fill voids with Rub-R-Wall VP Mastic; use reinforcing strips at transitions.

3. Spray Application: Apply in multiple passes to achieve 60 mils wet (non-porous substrates) or 80 mils wet (porous block) .

4. Cure Time: Allow a minimum of 24 hours for full cure before covering or cladding .

By eliminating seams and overlaps, Rub-R-Wrap delivers a continuous, reliable barrier that reduces installation errors common with sheet goods.

Common Pitfalls in Air & Vapor Barriers

Too often, projects fail because of:

• Cheap Housewraps – Rips, tears, and taped seams that leak air.

• Non-Breathable Barriers – Trap vapor inside walls, leading to condensation and mold.

• Improper Sealing at Joints: Gaps around penetrations that compromise performance.

• UV Breakdown: Wraps that deteriorate when left exposed too long.

Rub-R-Wrap is engineered to avoid these pitfalls with seamless adhesion, high vapor permeability, and UV resistance built in .

Sustainable and LEED-Friendly

Rub-R-Wrap isn’t just tough on the jobsite — it’s also designed with sustainable building goals in mind. By improving energy efficiency and meeting LEED criteria for optimizing building performance, it helps projects hit their green targets .

Contractors and architects can count it as a performance-driven, eco-friendly upgrade over traditional wraps.

Rub-R-Wrap vs. Traditional Housewraps

The difference is simple: Rub-R-Wrap is a professional-grade system — not just a sheet of plastic stapled to a wall.

The Bottom Line: Seal It Right the First Time

In construction, the details you don’t see are often the ones that matter most. With Rub-R-Wrap, you get a seamless, vapor-permeable air barrier that protects your buildings against air leaks, water intrusion, and condensation.

• Airtight and energy efficient.

• Breathable to prevent mold.

• Flexible enough to handle building movement.

• UV resistant for long-term durability.

Contractors who use Rub-R-Wrap don’t just build walls. They build trust, efficiency, and performance into every project.

Ready to Wrap Smarter?

Protect your next build with Rub-R-Wrap, the professional-grade alternative to housewraps.