I am soundproofing a ceiling by combining spray-in insulation, and Green Glue added between the existing ceiling and a new layer of QuietRock.

The existing recessed can lights create an open air column that allows sound from the room below to infiltrate to the floor above. So, to maximize the sound reduction benefits of the project, I have concluded that I need to replace the recessed lighting with some form of surface lighting.

Has anyone faced this same issue and found a surface lighting option that replaces recessed can lights without requiring a lot of additional electrical work?

Alternatively, does anyone know if a recessed can light that is both soundproofed and compatible with spray-in insulation? I am not interested in building boxes around the recessed lights -- that would be too time-consuming.

Thanks in advance for your insights!!!

Get some cans that are rated to be used with insulation. They should be labeled as such.

You'll need IC (insulation contact) and AT (air tight). A box around it would help though.

Build a box around the can using 2" rigid foam. Each box takes about 10 minutes to make. Seal it well at all joints and where it meets the ceiling.

Jason

Thank you both for your inights and suggestions!

evb

I used to have 6" cans and they made noise like crazy. I found these 3" utilitech cans that where very solid and used a GU-10 halogen bulb. Instead of using six 6" cans, I now use ten 3" cans. The halogen bulb gives off a beautiful light and they don't make a peep when my subs hit low notes.

Intersting! Two questions:
When you say the 6" cans 'made noise like crazy', do you mean that they allowed sound to escape into the floor above?
Is utilitech a brand name?

Thanks a bunch. this is beginning to sound better than replacing all the cans
with surface-mounted track lights, which is what I had been thinking most recently.

Intersting! Two questions:
When you say the 6" cans 'made noise like crazy', do you mean that they allowed sound to escape into the floor above?
Is utilitech a brand name?

Thanks a bunch. this is beginning to sound better than replacing all the cans
with surface-mounted track lights, which is what I had been thinking most recently.


My 6" cans where made by Halo. Some not all would vibrate and make a tinny noise in the cans themselves. I think I will be using track lights myself for my next project I am starting next week in my back yard (separate 12x20 HT) which just started.

Intersting! Two questions:
When you say the 6" cans 'made noise like crazy', do you mean that they allowed sound to escape into the floor above?
Is utilitech a brand name?

Thanks a bunch. this is beginning to sound better than replacing all the cans
with surface-mounted track lights, which is what I had been thinking most recently.

Yes, it's a brand lowes carries with many different style baffles.