What's the best approach to air sealing and insulating these recessed can lights? I have IC rated LED recessed lights. I was told the best way is to build a foamboard box around them, taped at the seams, then spray foam around the bottom of the box where it sits for a good air-tight seal. I've also seen some caps that fit right over the lights but I've never used them.

What do you think?

Ideally one would NOT want to have recessed lighting in an attic space. It creates air leaks and energy holes. I would make sure that the canned lights are the type that can be sealed. If not, then you might have to get different canned lights.

I am sure others will chime in with their advice...

 

I have LED recessed lights.

I see your point about creating a hole for air to leak, but it's a small penetration so shouldn't it be easy to air seal?

Posted By strategery on 29 Sep 2012 03:29 AM
I have LED recessed lights.

I see your point about creating a hole for air to leak, but it's a small penetration so shouldn't it be easy to air seal?

What kind of insulation is inside of your attic? Are the canned lights buried in this insulation or exposed?

Well the two recessed LED lights I have now have foam boxes (taped at the seams, sealed to the ceiling plane with spray foam) over them and there's a lot of blown insulation up there, some of it covering the foam. Both cellulose and fiberglass, blown in. I was thinking about doing another LED recessed light in the spare bedroom and I was asking about this in case someone had any better ideas than a foamboard box.

cost effective approach is Insulite boxes, could also use Tenmats but they cost more. I used to build foam boxes but state energy program does not support that. Could also use drywall or cement board.

cost effective approach is Insulite boxes, could also use Tenmats but they cost more. I used to build foam boxes but state energy program does not support that. Could also use drywall or cement board.