I have one of those fairly standard (US) ceiling light fixtures that is bowl shaped and takes two light bulbs. That thin tin foil layer came off and now the light bulbs radiate directly on to that fiber/insulation material. Is this a fire hazard? It is one of three and I don't want to replace it but I also don't want to replace the house and my family either if you know what I mean. Can I put some real tin-foil back in its place?
its probably ok without it but you can use a piece of aluminum foil in its place.
Foil or no foil, the fitting should have a wire cage over it...you can make this from wire net from your hardware store. The wire cage keeps all the insulation stuff away from the heat source. About 6 inches is needed. Insulation is usually fire proof, but the bulb needs to be allowed to get it's own heat away....or the bulb will blow, or the heat could come the other way and burn its mounting.
Most likely, the insulation is fiberglass and not a fire threat. However, the foil backing is to deflect light and heat downward, so it is best to replace, and generally easy to do.
