I've had cellulose for about 8 years now, and yeah, it settled a bit after the first couple winters. Nothing drastic though—maybe lost an inch or two overall. I topped it off once, and it's been pretty stable since. Beats itchy fiberglass any day...
Cellulose is definitely a step up from fiberglass in terms of comfort, no argument there. But honestly, I've found spray foam insulation to be even better overall. I get the appeal of cellulose—it's eco-friendly, affordable, and way less itchy—but the settling issue you mentioned can be a bit more significant than just an inch or two, depending on your climate and attic conditions.
I worked on a project a couple years back where the homeowners had cellulose installed about five years prior. When we checked it out, it had settled quite a bit more than expected, leaving some noticeable gaps and thin spots. They ended up going with spray foam afterward, and the difference was pretty remarkable. Not only did it seal up all the little nooks and crannies (which cellulose can sometimes miss), but it also improved their home's energy efficiency noticeably. Plus, no settling issues to worry about down the road.
Of course, spray foam isn't perfect either—it's pricier upfront, and some folks have concerns about chemicals and off-gassing. But if you're looking for something that stays put and really seals things tight, it's worth considering. Just thought I'd throw that out there as another option to think about...
I hear you on spray foam, but budget-wise it just wasn't doable for me. Went with cellulose about 3 yrs ago—definitely comfier than fiberglass, but yeah, it's settled more than I expected. Still beats the itchy pink stuff though...
Cellulose does have its perks, but honestly, the settling issue is more hassle than it's worth in my experience. Had it blown in about five years back, and now I'm noticing cold spots again. Ended up topping it off with a layer of fiberglass batts—yeah, the itchy pink stuff—but with gloves and a mask, it wasn't that bad. Plus, fiberglass holds its loft better long-term. Might reconsider giving it another shot if comfort's your main concern...
I've had similar experiences with cellulose settling over time—it's definitely frustrating to see those cold spots creep back in. Fiberglass batts do hold up better, but I've also heard good things about mineral wool insulation. Supposedly it's less itchy and has decent loft retention. Has anyone here tried mineral wool in their attic? Curious if it's worth the extra cost and effort compared to fiberglass...
