Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Can light insulation???
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lderoos
12-17-08, 07:48 AM
Hi,
I've just remodeled an old addition with 2x6 ceiling rafters. I installed can lights that would work in that narrow of an area. Now I can feel cold air coming in through the can light, and it does certainly show on the roof on a frosty morning that heat is getting out. Is there any special can light insulation helps like the outlet foam that one can use to tighten around electrical outlets?? Due to the narrow space in a 2x6 ceiling structure, the options for can lights were not all that favorable.
Thanks for your help!
JR
I've just remodeled an old addition with 2x6 ceiling rafters. I installed can lights that would work in that narrow of an area. Now I can feel cold air coming in through the can light, and it does certainly show on the roof on a frosty morning that heat is getting out. Is there any special can light insulation helps like the outlet foam that one can use to tighten around electrical outlets?? Due to the narrow space in a 2x6 ceiling structure, the options for can lights were not all that favorable.
Thanks for your help!
JR
Bud9051
12-17-08, 10:59 AM
Hi JR, here's is what you want:
"Air Tight AND “IC” Rated HousingsDefinition: This means that this housing is “Air Tight” rated AND is also “IC” rated. Therefore this housing is approved and made to be sealed so as not to allow air to escape through it into your ceiling or attic AND can make direct contact with insulation as well. These housings are designed to save you money on your electrical bill by reducing your heating and air conditioning costs and will meet all Air Tight Requirements. The light output that these housings can handle varies and is posted by each housing."
The rating for your cans should be printed somewhere on them. If you have IC rated air tight cans, you can go to work insulating around and above them, where you have space. If they are not IC rated, you will want to replace them:wall: I have read that in some cases only the can will need to be replaced, but have never done that.
Good luck,
Bud
"Air Tight AND “IC” Rated HousingsDefinition: This means that this housing is “Air Tight” rated AND is also “IC” rated. Therefore this housing is approved and made to be sealed so as not to allow air to escape through it into your ceiling or attic AND can make direct contact with insulation as well. These housings are designed to save you money on your electrical bill by reducing your heating and air conditioning costs and will meet all Air Tight Requirements. The light output that these housings can handle varies and is posted by each housing."
The rating for your cans should be printed somewhere on them. If you have IC rated air tight cans, you can go to work insulating around and above them, where you have space. If they are not IC rated, you will want to replace them:wall: I have read that in some cases only the can will need to be replaced, but have never done that.
Good luck,
Bud