Cellulose Insulation Over Recessed Lights

Place a stepladder under one the lights climb it and remove the bulb.

Cellulose insulation over recessed lights.

Don t be in a hurry. How to insulate around can lights. I have a ranch home in the kitchen there are recessed lights. I took a look at the insulation around the recessed light cans from the attic and there is none.

Aside from that the recessed lighting i have in all the bedrooms hallway and family room are not iu. A bag of cellulose runs about 11 50 and will cover 36 7 square feet at a. Do your research and be safe. How to install cellulose insulation around recessed lighting 1.

If you are using incandescent bulbs the cans can get hot. Recessed light fixtures are commonly designated as ic insulation contact or no ic no insulation contact to indicate if they can safely be installed with insulation directly touching the canister. Box enclosures to keep attic insulation slightly away from the fixture and recessed lights. The cans have holes in them so my precious warm air is leaking right out of these areas.

Cellulose insulation has an average thermal value of r 3 7 so you d need just over five inches to equal an r 19 batt. Blown in cellulose insulation r 49 i think to a level of 14 16 inches. I want to replace them with these led ones that home depot sells. Apply the sealant around the cable and along the edge of the cover where it rests on the ceiling.

Not only will this prevent air leakage from around the light but it will dramatically increase the insulation level above the light. Ideally your fixtures should have both features. Stuff a little insulation into the gap of the ic rated cans between the can and the ceiling drywall to prevent. Unscrew the bulb from each of the recessed lighting fixtures and look for the letters ic.

The recommendation replace all light cans to iu. Now it will be safe to heap insulation onto that spot. Therefore there is very little insulation in these areas as it was kept 1 ft away from each fixture. Up in the attic clean the ceiling surface around each fixture slit the cover to accommodate the electrical cable and place the cover over the fixture.

Turn off the lights and leave them off for at least 10 minutes before you touch them. Now place this airtight box over the offending recessed light in your attic and use a bunch more expanding foam to seal it up and make it completely airtight. If you get the insulation removed have it done safely by a company that will seal up your air duct registers recessed lights and exhaust fans and create an enclosed exit when removing so the cellulose dust does not enter your house.