Insulation Services Photo Album: Leaky Can Lights in Oxford, MA

This homeowner in Oxford,MA had issues with ice damming and so he reached out to us for help. There was one newly added room that seemed to be particularly problematic. Our free evaluation revealed that one issue was that this room had can lights, also known as recess lights, that were not properly sealed in the attic. Ice damming occurs when air that was heated inside the home escapes up into the attic and warms the underside of the roof. Lower layers of snow that are in contact with the roof melt and that water runs down to the gutter, freezing at the eaves where none of the warmth from that inside air will reach. As more snow melts and freezes, a dam is created. Now, instead of being able to get to the gutter, water starts pooling up and flowing over, which causes those big icicles that you may see in the winter on some houses and not others. The icicles themselves can be dangerous, but another danger is that the water can start seeping in under the roof's shingles, which are made to stop water from coming in from above, not below. This water can then cause major damage to the home. Warm inside air should not be going up into the attic for this reason. The solution is to seal the can lights up in the attic, but given the heat that comes from the lights being on, spray foam alone cannot be used. Thankfully we have TiteShell can light covers, which are fireproof and airtight once air sealed into place with expanding foam. Now that this air leak is resolved, we can insulate right up against the cover with our TruSoft blown in cellulose. Thanks to Dr. Energy Saver by Eco Energy Solutions, ice damming will be a thing of the past for this homeowner!