My folks just bought a bungalow and the previous owner has run pot lights in the kitchen ceiling. After searching for access to the attic (there wasn’t) I punched a hole in the linen closet and crawled up there. The pot lights have about a three inch gap from all the loose fill insulation (it looks like the previous owner just swept the insulation away from the lights). My question is; should I build a box out of some spare rigid insulation around the lights and then cover it with some batting. Or should I remove them and install the proper IC (insulated ceiling) rated boxes and then re-install…
Open for suggestions
Replies
IC = insulation contact.
At least it sounds like the previous owner properly installed the can lights which he had. 3" is the specified clearance to insulation for most non-IC cans.
Toronto?? I would be inclined to buy cans that were ICAT - insulation contact, air tight. Install per manufacturer's recommendations, fill any gaps around the perimeter of the can with the fire barrier caulk, install the gaskets provided and then bury them in insulation.
Air tight = no openings through the can to produce heat loss, will be listed / identified as such. Heat loss can be significant through all those little holes.
Jim
I'd say either way will work. Build the box out of rigid insul., GWB, or plywood.
The other posters suggestion to install ICAT is a good idea if you are going that direction.
Your thread title misled me. I thought it was going to be a question about installing grow lights for a cash crop. :)