Howard writes from Portland, Oregon: "I have IC rated cans installed in a cathedral ceiling. The kraft-faced insulation is installed with the vapor barrier facing the room. Can the craft paper vapor barrier come into contact with the top of the IC Halo can light or should the paper be removed? It seems that the paper could become a fire hazard."

Answer: Operating temperature of the Kraft paper is 150 degrees F. It is very common for the paper vapor retarder to be down toward the warm-in-winter side of the insulation and thus in contact with IC-rated fixtures. The IC-rated fixture requires no special consideration.

For others who read this on the blog, insulation should always be placed three inches away from recessed lighting fixtures unless the fixture is marked "IC" (Insulated Ceiling). If insulation is placed over an unrated fixture it may cause the fixture to overheat and perhaps start a fire. This is also true for metal chimneys, gas water heater flues and other heat-producing devices. Always check with the manufacturer of the appliance if you are unsure about insulating around the device and its exhaust system.