To get the best coverage for our roof insulation, we had to make sure that we could get the insulation in to as many places as possible.
In our roof, this posed a bit of a problem. When we first moved into our house in 2000, one of the first things we did was install R80 style downlights. Effectively, we cut holes in our ceiling creating gaps in the air tight integrity of the home, allowing heat to escape in winter and enter in summer.
So before the installers arrive (due on 15th September) we installed downlight mitts over each of the light fittings. We sourced them from this online store; http://efficiencymatrix.com.au/product/loft-mitt/. This is the 120mm version.
They look a bit like the sorting hat in Harry Potter! These mitts cover the downlight fitting so that the insulation can be placed around it tightly. They also stop draughts emanating from the light fittings as well.
Just a word of caution if installing these in your roof over downlights. You cannot fit them over halogen downlights because these types of lights are just too hot and may cause the mitt to smoulder. You can only use them if you use compact fluorescent lights or LED. We have a mixture of both, which emit very little heat. There is a different type of downlight mitt for halogen downlights, which are much smaller and designed for this additional heat.
I will post further updates as they occur over the next two weeks. Kim and I are very excited and hope it all goes to plan.
Hey Gavinm they look like a great idea. Do you think you could include a link to where you got them from?
Good point Meryl. I have updated the post.
Well that was interesting. I would never have thought of that. Yes, they do look like wizard hats and i know you secretly put one on for fun.
Gavin, these things are great. We installed the same (not sure if supplier was the same) a little while back. When we had the house checked with thermal imaging the tester remarked that the ceiling was really impressive given the number of down lights (CFDs). Normally down lights result in great big cold circles given the hole and the way insulation gets pushed back, and when you have 10 in a room…
I had no trouble installing them but the first few took a lot longer until I got in the rhythm of slicing the cone for the wires and setting all in place with silicon. And then the insulation can be spread right against them.
That is a great result Cameron. Glad we made the decision to install them.
Hello there Gavin. Love your cheerful site. I’d be concerned about having an airtight house…. Care to comment about the radon gas issue?
Hi Mike. I probably didn’t use the right choice of words. The house will be far from airtight, but it will be draught-proof. There will be air-flow.