Mineral wool's decent, but cellulose really isn't as straightforward as you're making it sound. Sure, vapor barriers help, but I've seen enough attics to know that installation is rarely perfect. Tiny gaps or punctures happen all the time—especially when you've got electricians or HVAC guys crawling around up there later on. And once moisture gets in, cellulose can compact and lose its insulating value pretty quickly. Mineral wool tends to be a bit more forgiving in real-world conditions.
Good points on cellulose—seen similar issues myself.
- Mineral wool definitely handles moisture better, less likely to compact or degrade.
- But honestly, even mineral wool isn't foolproof if installation's sloppy.
- Bottom line: insulation's effectiveness usually comes down to careful install and maintenance...regardless of material.
Fair points, but I'd argue material choice matters more than you're suggesting. Sure, installation quality is key, but some materials—like spray foam—are inherently more forgiving of minor install mistakes. Seen it firsthand on several projects...just something to consider.
You're spot on about spray foam being forgiving—I had a similar experience renovating an older home a few years back. The attic was a disaster zone with that itchy fiberglass stuff everywhere, and even though the crew wasn't exactly meticulous, the spray foam covered up a multitude of sins. Still, I wouldn't completely discount the importance of skilled installation. I've seen some pretty questionable spray foam jobs too—uneven application or missed spots can still lead to drafts and moisture issues down the line.
Curious though, have you (or anyone else here) tried cellulose insulation? I've heard mixed reviews—some swear by it for being eco-friendly and effective, while others complain it's messy and settles over time. Wondering if it's worth the hassle compared to spray foam...
We went back and forth on cellulose when we built our place last year. Ended up going with spray foam mostly because the installer talked me out of cellulose, saying it settles and can leave gaps over time. But my brother-in-law swears by cellulose—he insulated his attic with it maybe five years ago and says it's holding up fine. Honestly, seems like it comes down to how well it's installed and your tolerance for potential messiness or settling down the road...
