Replies

1. 
   FrankB89 | Dec 04, 2002 03:52am | #1

   If you have attic access, you can build plywood boxes to put over them (large enough to leave some air gap around the cans, especially if they're the "do not insulate around these devices types").  Caulk around the box to seal out the breezes.

   If they're in a vaulted ceiling, you can also box them in, but you'll have to work from below and maybe do some retro-finish after.

   Jules Quaver for President   2004

1. 
   PeteBradley | Dec 04, 2002 07:59pm | #7

   Building boxes around cans is something that I have thought about.  My mother's house (1-story ranch built ~1960) has 14 6" cans, all of them the original (non IC) type.  If you put a plywood box over 'em, could you run into problems with heat buildup and/or fire danger?  It's pretty hot in the attic during the summer already.

   Does anyone sell a premade box for this (so I don't have to fabricate 14 of 'em)?

   Pete

1. 
   FrankB89 | Dec 05, 2002 03:15am | #8

   I think some of the posts mentioned the enclosed cans, which I put in my own house because I could insulate right up and around them.  That would be the best way to go. 

   I did box in some cans once in a vacation home attic, but I made the boxes large enough to leave about a 6" airgap around the fixture.

   Not very scientific, I realize, but it solved the problem (which was similar to the original post with the addition of mice gaining access, chewing on the wiring and building nests around the cans.Jules Quaver for President   2004

1. 
   Piffin | Dec 05, 2002 06:54am | #10

   If the attic is accessable and I wanted to solve the problem with boxes, I would buy some 1/2" or so foil faced foam and cut it neat on the table saw but it can be done with a straight edge and knife. I would use duct tape to box it and then fasten it in place with a squirt of low expansion foam spray..

   Excellence is its own reward!

   "The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.

   The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are."

   --Marcus Aurelius

2. 
   PeteBradley | Dec 05, 2002 04:49pm | #13

   Sure enclosed cans are the way to go in new construction.  My question was what to do if you've already got vintage cans in your house.  Swapping 14 of 'em is going to run into money and time.

   Pete

1. 
   Luka | Dec 05, 2002 04:57pm | #14

   I was going to say, spray them full of foam, and finish over them with drywall mud.

   But I won't say that, because someone might take me seriously.

   Uh oh...Don't bogart the Ghost

   Quittin' Time

2. 
   PeteBradley | Dec 05, 2002 05:10pm | #15

   Gee, I went to Home Depot and they had two different kinds of foam.  Which one should I use?  Or do you mean styrofoam?    ;-)

   Pete

2. 
   Piffin | Dec 04, 2002 03:52am | #2

   Especially tonight!

   It sounds like you used the wrong kind of cans. There are several. You probablyhave the ones for when there is another floor above. You needed recessed units for insulated spaces.

   You did it yourself? or a builder?

   Can you get into the attic above or is it a sealed roof system?

   I wouldn't plug the soffits.

   .

   Excellence is its own reward!

   "The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.

   The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are."

   --Marcus Aurelius

3. 
   andybuildz | Dec 04, 2002 03:57am | #3

   MArk

         there are special cans for insulated places. You may want to replace the ones you have and use them elsewhere (or put em on Ebay). DO NOT close up the vents! That will make matters even worse. Things will start to corode and moisture build up. Change the cans. Reuse the current ones somewhere else and be done with it.

   Be safe

             Namaste

                         Andy

   It's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

4. 
   JeffBuck | Dec 04, 2002 04:35am | #4

   and now for some even more disturbing thoughts......

   are the cans making enough heat up there to heat thru the roof.....and melting the snow/ice...so if warms to water...flows down a bit....then refreezes.....

   making for one big ugly ice dam?

   maybe replacing the cans ain't so expensive...in the long run.....

   Gotta keep that heat in somehow. Jeff

   Buck Construction   Pittsburgh,PA

    Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite                  

1. 
   Mongo | Dec 04, 2002 08:35am | #5

   12' by 36' addition? Attic?

   Sounds like a shed dormer addition.

   If there is no attic and the cans are in the rafter bays, I say pull 'em and plug the holes. Find a nice surface mounted or pendant light. If there is an attic, make sure they're IC cans then box them in. If you really want to keep the cans and you have no attic access, you need to replace them. Ones that can handle insulation contact (IC-rated) and are air tight. More expensive than the $7 ones at the box stores...but worth it.

2. 
   andybuildz | Dec 05, 2002 08:59am | #11

   Jeff

         What Notch said. Replace em' with the boobs.I mean cans I mean.uhhh...well, replace with the high hats that you can insulate right up on and over...Geezzzz.....been a late night here.ugh

   Boobs(I mean)be well

                      Namaste' 

                                   AndyIt's not who's right, it's who's left ~ http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

5. 
   ARM_STAR | Dec 04, 2002 04:39pm | #6

   Mark

   I feel for your heat loss, but your addition may have other problems than just recessed light wether they are the IC type or not.

   My list of questions would be:

   type of windows and how many

   type of siding

   house wrap type and how was it installed

   what type of insulation do you have did you install or contractor

   heating system

   if it is forced air where are the supplies located and where is

   the cold air returned located and is it large enough for the room

   and if you are using the same furnace is it capable of handling

   the added load

1. 
   Piffin | Dec 05, 2002 06:50am | #9

   the poor guy caame in with a broken arm and you want to send him home with a broken leg too??????.

   Excellence is its own reward!

   "The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.

   The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are."

   --Marcus Aurelius

1. 
   ARM_STAR | Dec 05, 2002 03:16pm | #12

   Piffin

   Even a doctor would treat the whole patient. Why wouldn't you do the same for a house? Any way I don't think his heat loss is that great through 12 recessed lights unless he has gaping holes around them. My thought is there isn't enough cold return air movement in that room. I have seen many people make that mistake in their own home remodels. Anyway nice talking with ya.