Recessed lights in sound proof ceiling
Problems installing recessed lights in sound proof ceiling.
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I am sound proofing a basement ceiling using resilient channels (Z strips) and insulation.
I have just run in to a couple of potential problems.
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First the insulation has to be at least 3 inches from the lights. Normally you would use a metal box to hold the lights but they are expensive and I can’t use then because they only go in flush with the bottom of the joists however the drywall ceiling will not be flush to the joists when I use resilient channels. I also feel that the metal boxes would negate the sound proofing techniques I am using.
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My solution which I am considering is to use drywall and add four pieces between the joist vertically to create a box in surrounding the lights to help deaden the sound and keep the insulation from touching the lights. I am worried that this may build up too much heat and wouldn’t reduce noise.
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I am open to suggestions.
Replies
Buy recessed lights that are rated for insulation contact. They are often refered to as " IC" housings. For example - Halo 933R- IC would indicate it's safe to have the insulation up against the housing...BUIC
Those would solve the issue of insulation contact.But you still have the issue of sound.I suspect that they are going to be a nice "sound hole" in the ceiling.Boxing them in with DW might help.But I would like at alternate source of lighing that was not recessed in the ceiling.
Bill - you can cover the top of the housing in insulation ( bury it completely) so I don't think there will be a sound hole, unless there's no room above the housing for any insulation,,,BUIC