Hello everyone.  This is my first post and appreciate any advise you can offer to me.   Except for the kitchen, the main floor was originally constructed with a vaulted ceiling.  The studs are 2X12 with 12 inches of rolled insulation (R-38).  There is no ventilation between the drywall and roof – only insulation.

With the help of a friend I have removed the dropped ceiling so that the kitchen is also vaulted.  The  kitchen/dining area is 10’X25′ with the peak being 10′ across.  The ceiling is 12′ high at the peak and 8′ on each end. 

At my wife’s request, I had planned to install recessed lights in the sloped ceiling – 8 of them placed strategically around the kitchen with a 9th one directly over the sink.  There would a hanging light over the dining room table at the “other end” of the room. Seemed like a good idea to install recessed lights.  However, now I am told that recessed lighting is not recommended in sloped ceilings because of the lack of ventilation and consequently moisture problems (see Handyman magazine’s most current publication).  

It has been suggested by my friend that, if there is room between the electrical can and the roof, I could install foam insulation directly above the can – with the regular rolled insulation in the remainder of the ceiling.  Perhaps this would significantly reduce the condensation since there would be insulation between the heat source (the can) and the roof.  What do you think?  Would that work?  Would it be dangerous to do?  Any other ideas or concerns?

I would use 6″ IC fixtures. 

Thanks for your input.