Replacement can be challenging.
Can you insulate around recessed lights.
In order to cover your recessed light cans with insulation you need to have ic rated insulation contact cans installed regardless of the type of light installed in the can.
Insulation should be kept away from recessed can lights because the insulation does not allow the heat generated by the lights to dissipate.
Make your next attic insulation project that much easier by adding a smartcap attic recessed light cover to your list of hard working insulation accessories.
Since you mentioned your cans have holes in them they are most definitely not ic rated.
The best solution is to avoid putting any recessed lights in cathedral ceilings.
However if you want them use type ic airtight fixtures available at lighting stores and home centers.
These fixtures are sealed to stop airflow.
If you re lucky you can pull the old mounting bracket out through the existing hole.
When heat builds up in a recessed can light it can.
The heat that recessed lights produce can affect temperature in the attic and in the room in which they shine.
You could hire an electrician to replace each fixture with a sealed one rated for insulation contact ic.
You can insulate more effectively if the cans are ic rated.
Go to a home center and buy a fire rated recessed light cover like the ones made by tenmat for every fixture.
In addition they have gasketed edges to seal them to the drywall.
Smartcap attic recessed light cover is a pre assembled easy to install fire rated recessed light cover that simply unfolds into a perfect cap over non ic rated attic light fixtures requiring a 3 gap between fixture and insulation.