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 location. Once the material is injected, it more than doubles the R-value of any existing insulates and completely stops any cold air movement within the wall cavity — reducing thermal energy use by 20 to 30%.

- 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

- Upgrade building envelope - Insulate building/unit - Reduce cold air infiltration - Regulate indoor temperature - Reduce building energy/utility costs

Third party case studies indicate a 20-30% thermal energy reduction resulting in a 10-15% reduction in utility bills

Pinhole Insulation reduces the amount of electricity or gas used for heating and cooling by 20-30%, thereby lowering associated GHG emissions.

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

Existing building retrofit

Building walls must contain cavities, either standard with fiberglass batt or shallow empty cavities (e.g., strapping over CMU). Works on plaster and lath.

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.

5+ units

40+ units

If the building has single pane windows, windows should be replaced in order to fully realize savings. Poor HVAC control can significantly affect savings.

Connect with Building Envelope Materials to learn more about contractor availability.

Pre-qualification site visit by BEM or a BEM-licensed contractor is preferred.

Boston Housing Authority; Eversource and National Grid; 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)

Attachments_CaseStudies_BEM.pdf

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.

A tight building envelope improves occupant comfort through better temperature, moisture, and noise regulation and improves indoor air quality.

New York State's Affordable Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program

Incentive coverage varies by state and locale. In many locales, incentives cover 70-100% of the cost. Con Edison incentives covers 20% of the solution cost. Upstate incentives are higher.

Dependent on incentives received.

No maintenance required once installed.

None required.

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)