Can You Spray Foam Around Ceiling Light Fixtures?

About Spray Foam Installation

• Spray foam insulation is available in a variety of materials, including phenolic, cementitious, polyisocyanurate and polyurethane compounds. Polyurethane is one of the most commonly used types. More recently, soy-based products have been developed that are “greener” and safer for the environment, as well as for human health. Spray foam may be open-celled or closed-celled types. Open-celled foam is flexible, less expensive and has a lower R-value -- that is, the measure of heat transfer blockage. Closed-cell spray foam is more rigid, adding to the building’s structural integrity. Either type can be used in ceiling areas of the home.

Insulating Ceiling Areas

• Installing insulating materials in ceiling areas can help to keep living areas more comfortable and save in energy costs. Up to 45 percent of the heat loss in uninsulated homes occurs through the ceiling, according to the Bonneville Power Administration. Uninsulated ceilings not only allow heat from the inside to flow out, but they allow heat from the sun to come in, making your home harder to cool in summer. Homeowners can use batts, rolls or blown-in insulation for ceiling areas. Spray foam can be used in areas that do not have enough space for traditional rolled or batt insulation. Spray foam conforms to the shape of the area in which it is sprayed, making it a good choice for confined areas or areas where heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment fills the space.

Heat Loss From Light Fixtures

• Your home can lose heat not only around windows and doors but also from open areas around light fixtures below your attic. These areas should be sealed with insulation and replaced with “insulated ceiling” types of light fixtures. This action will prevent heated air from flowing into cold attic areas.

Installing Spray Foam Around Light Fixtures

• Certain requirements are necessary when installing spray foam insulation around ceiling light fixtures. Generally, a 3-inch clearance is given to recessed lights and other electrical equipment to prevent interaction and corrosion of materials by the insulating compounds and provide for cooling. Frequently, a drywall box is constructed around the fixture and the spray foam installed to the outer perimeter of the box.