Cellulose is definitely easier on the skin, but man, the dust cloud it kicks up can be brutal if you’re not wearing a good mask.
Yeah, that dust is no joke—first time I used cellulose, I looked like I’d been in a flour fight. As for moisture, I’ve seen mineral wool hold up better in damp crawlspaces. Cellulose can get clumpy if there’s a leak, but it dries out okay if you catch it early. Mold-wise, mineral wool seems to resist it a bit more, at least in my experience rehabbing old farmhouses. Both have their quirks, but you’re right to keep an eye on moisture in those older places.
- Pink fiberglass is the worst for itch, no doubt. Even with long sleeves, I always end up scratching for days after crawling around in it.
- Cellulose is easier on the skin, but yeah, that dust gets everywhere. I’ve had to vacuum my beard out more than once after blowing it in an attic.
- Mineral wool’s a solid choice for moisture-prone spots. I’ve pulled out soggy cellulose before—if you don’t catch leaks fast, it turns into a heavy mess.
- Mold resistance is a big plus with mineral wool, but I’ve noticed it’s not as easy to cut and fit around weird rafters or wiring. Sometimes feels like wrestling a scratchy pillow.
- One thing I’ve wondered: has anyone tried those newer spray foam kits in older attics? I hear they seal up air leaks better, but I’m not sure about long-term issues if there’s ever a roof leak. Seems like every insulation type has its own trade-offs...
One thing I’ve wondered: has anyone tried those newer spray foam kits in older attics? I hear they seal up air leaks better, but I’m not sure about long-term issues if there’s ever a roof leak. Seems like every insulation type has its own trade-offs...
I’ve looked into spray foam for our place, and honestly, the air sealing is tempting. But I keep coming back to the concern about roof leaks. If moisture gets trapped behind closed-cell foam, it could go undetected for ages and cause rot. At least with batts or loose fill, you can spot and fix problems more easily. Maybe I’m just risk-averse, but the potential for hidden damage makes me hesitate. Anyone else feel like the “perfect” insulation doesn’t really exist?
DEALING WITH ITCHY PINK NIGHTMARE IN MY ATTIC
Yeah, the “perfect” insulation is kind of a unicorn. I’ve seen spray foam work wonders for air leaks, but you’re right—if your roof springs a leak, it’s like a slow-motion disaster hiding behind the foam. I’ve had clients who loved the energy savings, but tracking down a hidden leak later was a pain. Sometimes I think the old-school stuff is messy but at least it’s honest... you can see when it’s wet or moldy. Every option’s got its headache, just depends which one you want to live with.
Sometimes I think the old-school stuff is messy but at least it’s honest... you can see when it’s wet or moldy.
That’s exactly why I’m torn. The “itchy pink nightmare” (love that phrase, by the way) in my attic is a total pain—my arms still haven’t forgiven me from last weekend’s attempt to patch a spot. But at least I can SEE what’s happening up there. With spray foam, I keep picturing some horror movie situation where water’s quietly rotting away the rafters and nobody knows until the ceiling caves in.
Energy savings are tempting, yeah, but I’d rather deal with visible mess than hidden disasters. Maybe I’m just paranoid, but there’s something comforting about being able to poke your head up there and get the ugly truth. I guess it comes down to whether you want your headaches upfront or lurking in the shadows. For now, I’ll stick with the “honest” itchy stuff... even if it means another round of pink fuzz in my hair.
