Fair points, but wool insulation isn't always the magic bullet it's made out to be. A couple things to consider:
- Cost difference can be substantial, and depending on the size of your attic, that "bit more upfront" can turn into a lot more. I've seen homeowners underestimate this and end up cutting corners elsewhere in their project.
- Wool does regulate humidity better, sure, but if moisture is a serious concern, you might have bigger issues like ventilation or leaks that insulation alone won't fix.
- Fiberglass has improved a ton over the years—there are encapsulated batts now that drastically reduce itching and airborne fibers. Definitely not the itchy pink nightmare it used to be.
Not knocking wool entirely—it's a solid choice—but sometimes the benefits aren't as dramatic as advertised. Just saying it's worth weighing all options carefully before jumping in.
"Fiberglass has improved a ton over the years—there are encapsulated batts now that drastically reduce itching and airborne fibers."
True, fiberglass has come a long way, but even the encapsulated stuff isn't foolproof. I've seen installations where the encapsulation tears during fitting, and you're back to dealing with itchy fibers again. Wool might cost more upfront, but in my experience, fewer callbacks and happier homeowners can offset that initial sting. Just something to think about...
Fair points on wool insulation—I've considered it myself, but the upfront cost always makes me hesitate. I've also heard mixed things about moisture retention with wool in humid climates. Has anyone here actually used wool insulation long-term in a damp area? Curious if the performance holds up over time or if it ends up needing replacement sooner than fiberglass...
I put wool insulation in my cabin about 4 years ago—pretty damp climate, lots of rain and humidity. Here's my quick take:
- Moisture hasn't really been an issue; wool seems to handle humidity well without getting soggy or moldy.
- Performance-wise, it's held up fine so far—no noticeable drop in insulation quality.
- Cost was definitely steep upfront, but honestly, not dealing with itchy fiberglass every time I go up there has been worth it for me.
If budget allows, I'd say give wool a shot.
Interesting perspective on wool insulation—I can definitely see the appeal, especially in humid climates. But I have to say, from my experience, cellulose insulation might be worth considering as well. I've used dense-packed cellulose in several projects located in similarly damp areas, and it's performed surprisingly well. It's treated with borates, so mold and pests haven't been an issue, and it manages moisture pretty effectively too.
Cost-wise, cellulose is usually more budget-friendly than wool, and installation isn't nearly as itchy or unpleasant as fiberglass. Of course, wool has its advantages—especially if you're looking for a natural product—but cellulose is also eco-friendly since it's mostly recycled paper.
Just thought I'd throw that out there as another option. Wool sounds great, but if the upfront cost is a concern, cellulose could be a solid middle ground.
