Q: I live in a 1970s-era house retrofitted with can lights in the ceiling. Now I’d like to blow insulation into my attic, but I’m worried that those can lights might not be thermal-protected and could cause a fire in the attic if I go ahead with the insulation. Can that happen?
A: Yes, adding insulation could create a hazard if the can lights are not rated “insulation compatible.” Here’s how to check: Remove the light bulb and look up inside the housing. There should be a label attached to the sheet metal with the rating of the fixture. If you see that “IC” rating, then the housing is approved for direct contact with insulation. But we like to err on the side of caution. So it’s best to build mesh cones as a protecting shroud around each fixture as well. Then leave an opening at the top of each cone so the heat can vent.
For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona homebuilding and remodeling industry expert for 25 years, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning Rosie on the House radio program, heard locally from 8-11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson and KGVY-AM (1080) and -FM (100.7) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.
