Insulation Around Recessed Lights

Construct a circular dam to place around each can with wire mesh or sheet metal if the lights are not ic rated.

Insulation around recessed lights.

Since you mentioned your cans have holes in them they are most definitely not ic rated. If you have recessed lighting in your ceiling it can get in the way when you want to insulate the attic because the canisters might get hot enough to ignite the insulation. These fixtures are sealed to stop airflow. The dam should provide a minimum 3 inch space around the perimeter of the can.

The best solution is to avoid putting any recessed lights in cathedral ceilings. In addition they have gasketed edges to seal them to the drywall. When heat builds up in a recessed can light it can. Use spray foam around recessed ceiling canister lights these lights are a prime area for heat loss if they re installed on the underside of your roof but be careful about some types of spray foam insulation around the top of ceiling light boxes.

Replacement can be challenging. In order to cover your recessed light cans with insulation you need to have ic rated insulation contact cans installed regardless of the type of light installed in the can. They can trap heat and increase the danger of fire. Insulation should be kept away from recessed can lights because the insulation does not allow the heat generated by the lights to dissipate.

Make your next attic insulation project that much easier by adding a smartcap attic recessed light cover to your list of hard working insulation accessories. However if you want them use type ic airtight fixtures available at lighting stores and home centers. If i replace those bulbs with leds will that reduce the heat enough so i can insulate around the existing lighting cans.