I would like to install recessed lighting in my vaulted ceiling. One contractor I spoke with suggested not doing that because the rafters are shallow (only 6 inches), which does not leave much room for the light housing and not much room for insulation and a channel for moisture to escape. Basically it will compromise the insulation of the roof. I already have ice dams that build up when there is heavy snow, so I don't want to add to the insulation problems. Any ideas as to if this can be done safely with 6" of roof to work with? I would be using insulated lighting (ICAT).
Lighting – install recessed lighting in vaulted ceiling with 6″ rafters
ceilinginsulationlighting
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Best Answer
You can install a shallow 6" can made for 2x6 construction. Halo H27ICAT is the 6" you can use. Lots of manufacturers make these shallow cans.
You can use regular incandescent, fluorescent and LED lamps and have a large selection of trims. The only drawback is you can't use taller lamps or they might stick out the bottom. The most common is the 50PAR30 / 75R30 style lamps. These are also made in remodel style in case the ceiling is already up.
Here is the spec sheet for the H27
EDIT
I'll give this another try. I originally deleted this answer because it is not a slope can. Where I work, some people use regular can lights and use adjustable trims. Because of the depth you have, 8 inches, this can is 5-1/2 inches. I suggest you use a gimbal ring trim. It works like a eyeball, but the lamp is recessed so you don't get that 'bug eye' some people associate with eyeball trims. You can get the above can in 5 inch or 6 inch round cans, both IC rated, depending on the manufacturer your supplier uses. Think about a trim like this.
Make sure you use the same manufacturer as the can and trim to cover yourself. This gives you 2-1/2 inches for your channel and insulation. If this doesn't float your boat try going to a local lighting showroom and look at what they might have. If you want recessed you will find what you want. Consider LEDs to keep from getting the ladder out if your slope gives you a tall ceiling. While considerably more, doing it all together will be less painful. Either way PAR30 Halogen or PAR30 LEDs offer different beam spreads, so you can at least do something with the lighting.The biggest problem is you can't shine the light back to the wall, mostly straight down or with the angle the can is hung, not backwards. If you choose this, don't forget the dimmers!