Those can lights are a real pain for air sealing, no doubt. I’ve run into similar issues—sometimes even after sealing, you’ll get those little convection currents around the trims. I’m curious if you noticed any condensation issues after boxing in the non-IC cans? I’ve seen cases where moisture can build up if the airflow isn’t right, especially in colder climates. Polyiso’s a solid choice for critter resistance though. And yeah, working around old wiring is always nerve-wracking… one wrong move and you’re patching drywall for days. Headlamp is clutch—never realized how much I needed one until my first attic job.
Boxing in non-IC cans can definitely be tricky, especially where condensation is concerned. I’ve seen a few cases where the air movement gets restricted just enough that moisture starts to collect, particularly when outside temps drop fast. One thing that’s helped me is making sure the boxes are vented or at least not completely airtight, but that’s a bit of a balancing act with air sealing. Polyiso’s great for pest control, though, you’re right—mice hate it. Old wiring is always a wild card... I had to reroute a whole circuit last year because the insulation was so brittle it just crumbled in my hands. Wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
Old wiring is always a wild card... I had to reroute a whole circuit last year because the insulation was so brittle it just crumbled in my hands. Wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
Man, I hear you on the old wiring. Last winter, I opened up a section thinking I’d just add some insulation and ended up with half the attic torn apart because the cloth wire basically disintegrated. As for boxing in non-IC cans, I’m still not convinced venting them enough really solves the condensation issue—seems like you’re just trading one problem for another sometimes. Polyiso does keep critters out, though. Mice chewed through my old fiberglass but left the polyiso alone.
Yeah, those old wires are like a horror movie—never know what you’ll find till you open it up. I’m with you on the non-IC cans, too. Tried venting mine and still ended up with drippy cans and soggy insulation. Polyiso’s been a win for me, though. Mice must hate the taste or something...
I hear you on the polyiso—definitely seems to deter critters better than fiberglass. But honestly, I went with mineral wool last time since it handles moisture a bit better in my climate. Haven’t had much luck keeping things totally dry up there, even with extra venting. Maybe it’s just our humid summers...