Can you put loft boards over downlights?

Can you put loft boards over downlights?

The loft lid creates a barrier between the downlight and the thermal insulation. The insulation can then be laid over the loft lid and packed to the sides if necessary. Loft caps or loft lids for downlights can be used with either fire rated or non fire rated downlights.

Can you put loft insulation over LED downlights?

The manufacturers of most integrated LED fittings don’t recommend installing insulation directly over the fittings. Therefore a fire retardant cover is required, which will ensure that the fitting does not overheat.

Are downlight covers any good?

Downlight covers prevent heat loss and ultimately save money by making your home more energy-efficient. Downlight covers, also known as downlight hoods, allow for continuous insulation over and around the light fitting which improves the effectiveness of insulation and so meets building regulations.

Do all downlights need fire hoods?

Installing fire rated downlights is only necessary when they are recessed or semi-recessed, rather than surface mounted. This is because it is the hole that is cut for recessed downlights that compromises the fire resistance of the ceiling.

Can you cover IC rated lights with insulation?

Unlike their predecessors, IC fixtures can be covered with insulation and are designed to reduce energy loss. As a result, the insulation can be placed in direct contact with the fixture housing without fire hazard concern.

Can LED recessed lights be covered with insulation?

The IC rating determines that it is safe to install recessed lighting in a ceiling with regular insulation such as fiberglass insulation. However, if you’re thinking of using other materials such as spray foam insulation, you might need to consult a contractor you trust.

Can I board over downlights?

Don’t place insulation directly over downlights. Use a downlight cover such as a Loft Lid before rolling insulation over the fittings. Don’t block any vents such as soffit vents with insulation. Don’t squash the insulation as this can reduce its thermal performance by over 50%.

Do downlights need fire hoods?

In any building where people maybe living or inhabiting above, the ceiling below must be fire rated. Fire rated downlights are used to restore the fire integrity of a ceiling. In the event of a fire, the downlight hole is like a gateway that allows fire to spread through, unchallenged.

Do I need fire rated downlights in loft conversion?

Where there is no living space above, e.g. loft space, no fire rating is required. However, we would still recommend fire-rated downlights in the event this area should be converted to a living space at a later date. The more floors in a building, the longer the fire protection/compartmentation has to last.