Building Envelope Materials is on a mission to develop quick inexpensive minimally disruptive technologies for reducing the global warming impact of buildings to zero.
Building Envelope Materials
Minimally Disruptive Insulation
Pinhole Insulation using a closed cell polyurethane injection foam with a Class A fire rating and without hazardous particulates.
Description
Building Envelope Materials' Pinhole Insulation is a minimally invasive retrofit insulation system for large multifamily buildings. The system works by injecting closed cell polyurethane foam through a 1/4" hole, allowing for envelope upgrades in a matter of hours and without resident relocation. Once the material is injected, it more than doubles the R-value of any existing wall and completely stops any cold air movement within the wall cavity — reducing thermal energy use by 20 to 30%.
Use Cases
Upgrade building envelope
Insulate building/unit
Reduce cold air infiltration
Regulate indoor temperature
Reduce building energy/utility costs
Key Differentiators
Minimally-disruptive, quick installation - Pinhole Insulation can be installed in 2-3 hours per apartment, without relocating tenants
Compatible across building typologies - It can be installed in virtually any size or type of building, including large masonry exterior buildings that would not be accessible to dense-pack cellulose
Non-hazardous, fire-safe - Pinhole Insulation delivers on air quality safety (no hazardous particulates generated) and fire safety (Class 1 fire rated material)
Low Global Warming Potential - The foam has a global warming potential over 1,000 times lower than older convential polyurethane insulating foams
Cost Savings
Third party case studies indicate a 20-30% thermal energy reduction resulting in a 10-15% reduction in utility bills
About
Decarbonization Impacts
Operational Emissions
Pinhole Insulation reduces the amount of electricity or gas used for heating and cooling by 20-30%, thereby lowering associated GHG emissions.
Embodied Carbon
Pinhole Insulation's low GWP foam has a "carbon payback time" of 7 months or less. GHG emissions are reduced for the rest of the life of the building
Project + Building Compatibility
Project Type
Existing building retrofit
Essential Building Characteristics
Building walls must contain cavities, either standard with fiberglass batt or shallow empty cavities (e.g., strapping over CMU). Works on plaster and lath.
Ideal Building Characteristics
Suitable buildings are typically brick or masonry exterior, built between 1900 and 1980. Elevator service buildings preferred. Installation in plaster and lath may require extra time to accurately identify studs/framing, and for wire lath in particular.
Minimum Project Size
5+ units
Ideal Project Size
40+ units
Additional Considerations
If the building has single pane windows, windows should be replaced in order to fully realize savings. Poor HVAC control can significantly affect savings.
NY Contractor Availability
Connect with Building Envelope Materials to learn more about contractor availability.
Other Screening Criteria
Pre-qualification site visit by BEM or a BEM-licensed contractor is preferred.
Example Installations
Installed By
Boston Housing Authority; Akelius, Paths/Renewall, POAH; Winn Corporation; CT Realty Trust; Springfield Housing Authority; Hudson Housing Authority; Waltham Housing Authority; Acushnet Housing Authority; Revere Housing Authority; Somerville Community Development Corp; DOE Building America and Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (research grants); University of CT, University of MA, and University of ME (research collaborations)
Case Studies
Resident Experience
During Installation
Pinhole Insulation can be installed without relocating residents. Typical total installation time per apartment is 2-3 hours, depending on apartment size. Small holes drilled for installation are filled with color-matched patching spackle. Building Envelope Materials cleans up and returns the space to its original condition.
Post Installation
A tight building envelope improves occupant comfort through better temperature, moisture, and noise regulation and improves indoor air quality.
Financing
Upfront Costs
Incentive coverage varies by state and locale. In many locales, incentives cover 70-100% of the cost. Upstate incentives are higher.
Payback Period
Dependent on incentives received.
NY Incentives/Financing Resources
New York State's Affordable Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program
Operations, Management, and Maintenance
Operations and Maintenance Requirements
No maintenance required once installed.
Service Support
None required.
Specifications
ASTM E84 (Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials); NFPA 286 (Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth)
