Recessed lighting offers a clean, streamlined look in a home and is the number one choice for creating ambience in any room.  It is used to increase the amount of light in a room, opening up spaces so they look and feel bigger. Correctly laid out, it can highlight wall pieces and will turn wall textures or draperies into art.

The type of ceiling dictates the choices available to you.  Ceilings of concrete or those with ornate plasterwork or delicate molding details are not good candidates for recessed lighting. In these spaces, choose a chandelier, or track lighting (if there is already an electrical box in the ceiling), wall sconces, or table lamps instead.

Putting pot lights in a ceiling with attic space directly above requires special fixtures as well as special installation techniques.  Standard potlights cannot be used. The fixtures must be designated "IC" (insulation contact). To prevent the chance of fire, these fixtures have a metal box around the lamp casing to create airspace between the hot light fixture and the insulation. The fixtures also have an internal thermal overload that disconnects the power to the bulb before critical temperatures are reached.

If the fixture has not had the insulation properly installed around it or  if the attic is not properly ventilated, condensation will be created in cold weather promoting the growth of mould.  In some cases it can even melt snow on the roof causing an ice dam that will damage your roof and shingles.

Approved liners form a sealed vapour barrier around the IC pot light in the attic space. These liners are available for all makes of pot lights. This barrier is especially important if spray foam insulation will be used in the attic space. (Spray foam insulation is a must-have Mike Holmes recommendation.)

Ready for the attic work

Scott and Scott lay out the pattern

  Laying out the pattern is dependent on whether you are using the lighting to provide ambient light (even lighting throughout the room), using it to highlight wall art (accent lighting), or using it to create increased texture on the wall (wall grazing). A symetrical layout is more visually appealing.

 The layout appears easy on the ceiling, but it must be compatible with the layout of the ceiling joists above the ceiling.

 When attic space is involved, the two man job is accomplished with "walkie talkies" head lamps and insulation-protective mask and gear.

The type of bulbs you choose will alter the overall look of the project. The bulbs in this installation peek out and give a nice overall glow to the room. Recessed bulbs provide a slightly more subtle glow.

Being able to dim these lights provide the greatest flexibility to set the ambiance of the room.

New technology just out! 

LED potlights. They are only 2 cm deep so they do not infiltrate the attic.  You don't need to make layout concessions to get around ceiling joists either. They are great energy savers using less than 30 watts and generate no heat. We have seen these in demonstration and the light emitted is excellent.

We really appreciate it!

Cheri