I've just bought a house with many halogen spotlights in the bedroom ceilings. My first look in the attic revealed it isn't insulated so it's lit up like the starship enterprise. I'd like to lag the loft, but don't know if I can lag over the bulbs. Please help a damsel in distress.
2006-12-29 04:45:00 · 7 answers · asked by statstastic 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
There are two different types of ceiling fixtures. Ones that can be covered with insulation and the ones that can NOT. If your fixture is not rated appropriately, you need at least 4" spacing between insulation and your fixture.
If your fixture is rated, it should say something about "IC" or "Insulated Ceiling" somewhere on the fixture itself. If in doubt, DO NOT COVER the fixture with insulation. It can be a cause of fire.
2006-12-29 04:55:14 · answer #1 · answered by tkquestion 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Even if they are not rated to be insulated I think there is an alternative. Check to see what insulation they mean! FiberGlass? Another option is to build a heathield over the recessed can. Basically enclose the can in a box in the attic and then insulate over the box. I'd probably use Durock cement board. IT can be used as a heatshield. I used it to build a hearth for my wood stove.
Also look into perlite. It is used in high temp applications for insulation.
There has to be a way to insulate. If you don't find a safe suitable way then rplace them with ones oyu can insulate over. YOu'll save money in the long run
2006-12-29 05:10:27 · answer #2 · answered by Carp 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are the old types of can lights then no you can not cover them.
If they are you will need to replace them with Air-tight ICT can lights you can insulate right over the tops of them.
Replacing older can lights so that you can insulate right over them is a fairly easy DIY job.
2006-12-29 08:59:41 · answer #3 · answered by zen522 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
these light of yours are non ic lights due to your starship effect. you can replace these with new "remodel" ic lights very readily. never create the heat shield thing because not only is there the fire potential but the thermal switch that is built in will cause the light to be a blinking light.
2006-12-29 17:36:55 · answer #4 · answered by ben e 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could but I certainly WOULD NOT recommend it.. They get so very hot and it would definitely become a fire hazard
2006-12-29 05:56:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
99% of the time i assume NOOOO do not insulate..
2006-12-30 01:41:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES, IF THEY ARE IN SEALED CANS ( NO VENTS TO ATTIC / SUB-FLOOR SPACE)!
2006-12-29 04:48:35 · answer #7 · answered by Bonno 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋