Recessed light leakage

839 Views 9 Replies 5 Participants Last post by ktkelly, Feb 15, 2016

harpua728

Discussion Starter · Feb 13, 2016

So I have a sunroom on my main floor that used to be an enclosed porch. There are 4 recessed lights in the ceiling and right above that is a slanted roof (not an attic for me to access the area above the light).

When it snows, you can see that the snow melts on the roof where the high hats are. We don't use the room that much this is caused more by heat loss rather than the lighting overheating. When I put my hand over the opening, it feels like an open window.

These are the lighting cans that are in there. They are vented and it says not to put insulation within 3 inches of the can.

http://www.cooperindustries.com/con...ng/incandescent/_6_inch_housings/_269414.html

Is my best bet to replace these with insulated cans? Is that safe? Is this an easy DIY project?

Thanks for your help.

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Oso954

· #2 · Feb 13, 2016

I am not aware of insulated cans, just cans that are insulation contact rated. I would replace the current cans with the H7RICAT or equivalent.http://www.cooperindustries.com/content/public/en/lighting/products/recessed_general_purpose_downlighting/incandescent/_6_inch_housings/_269412.html
The air tight will eliminate any direct air exchange between the room and attic space.

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joecaption

· #3 · Feb 14, 2016

Need some pictures.
Typical added on "sun room" Low slope roof, no where near enough insulation (in you area it should have been at least R40 which is almost 12") proper roof venting.
Any lighting should have been air tight IC.

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harpua728

Discussion Starter · #4 · Feb 14, 2016

joecaption said:
Need some pictures.
Typical added on "sun room" Low slope roof, no where near enough insulation (in you area it should have been at least R40 which is almost 12") proper roof venting.
Any lighting should have been air tight IC.

Here's a current pic of the room and a close up of the recessed cans with vents. Also a pic of the replacement airtight can and LED light.

Do you think I could get away with just putting the LED light in the current can? Even though the can is vented, if I can get a good seal between the light/trim and the ceiling it should (hopefully) block the cold air from the roof. Thoughts?

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Fix'n it

· #5 · Feb 14, 2016

i installed air tight IC cans on my kitchen. they may have been good for IC. but they were anything but air tight. i used automotive type high temp silicone sealer on all of the gaps and holes. and regular house caulk at the DW-can gap

if you are not looking to insulate, this is what i would do. then use LED's, as i did.

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harpua728

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 14, 2016

How can I insulate without having access to the area above the cans? Can I "pre insulate" around the cans before pushing them into the ceiling? Can't see how this would work as they wouldn't fit through the hole if I tried something like this?

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Fix'n it

· #7 · Feb 14, 2016

harpua728 said:
How can I insulate without having access to the area above the cans? Can I "pre insulate" around the cans before pushing them into the ceiling? Can't see how this would work as they wouldn't fit through the hole if I tried something like this?

is your question directed to me ?

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harpua728

Discussion Starter · #8 · Feb 14, 2016

Fix'n it said:
is your question directed to me ?

Sure...why not! It's for anyone really

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Fix'n it

· #9 · Feb 14, 2016

ok. well, i am not a pro. but i think the only way to do it correctly, is to remove the DW, add shoots, insulate, new cans DW and perhaps electrical.

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ktkelly

· #10 · Feb 15, 2016

Using the retrofit LED lights WILL help with the air flow issue.

Enough said on that issue.

I think the only real way to correct a lack of insulation, if that is the case, would be to remove the ceiling drywall, and start fresh.

That's my two cents, and it's worth about that much. :biggrin2:

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Recessed light leakage

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