"Just saying, it's great stuff, but make sure whoever installs it knows what they're doing... otherwise you might trade one headache for another."
Couldn't agree more with this. Spray foam can be fantastic—I've seen it transform drafty attics into cozy spaces—but installation is everything. I've had clients who rushed into it without proper attic ventilation checks and ended up with mold issues down the line. Definitely worth doing your homework first and maybe even getting a second opinion before diving in. Good luck, though... anything beats that itchy pink stuff!
Totally get where you're coming from with the spray foam caution. Had a similar experience myself—thought I was doing everything right, but didn't realize ventilation was such a big deal. Ended up having to redo part of it because moisture started building up (talk about frustration...). But once we sorted out the ventilation, it was night and day difference in comfort.
Have you considered maybe getting an energy audit first? That really helped me pinpoint exactly what needed attention before jumping into insulation changes. Either way, you're definitely on the right track ditching that itchy pink stuff. Honestly don't know how people put up with it long-term... good riddance, right?
Yeah, ventilation is definitely one of those sneaky things that can catch you off guard. I've seen a lot of homeowners jump straight into insulation upgrades without realizing how critical airflow is. Spray foam's great when it's done right, but it can cause some serious headaches if moisture gets trapped. Glad you got yours sorted out eventually.
The energy audit suggestion is spot-on, too. I've recommended them to clients before, and it's amazing how much guesswork they eliminate. Sometimes people think their insulation is the main issue, but it turns out they're losing heat through gaps around windows or doors instead. An audit really helps narrow down the problem areas so you're not just throwing money at random fixes.
As for ditching fiberglass insulation... yeah, can't blame you there. I've installed plenty of it over the years, and even with protective gear, that stuff finds a way to irritate your skin for days afterward. Plus, it tends to settle and lose effectiveness over time anyway. If you're looking for alternatives besides spray foam, blown-in cellulose can be a solid option—it's eco-friendly, less itchy (thank goodness), and does a decent job filling in tight spaces.
One thing I'd add from experience: whatever insulation route you choose, make sure whoever installs it pays attention to sealing air leaks first. Even the best insulation won't do its job properly if you've got drafts sneaking in around attic hatches or recessed lights. A little extra prep work upfront makes a huge difference in comfort and energy savings down the road.
Good luck with your attic project—sounds like you're already thinking things through carefully, which is half the battle right there.
Yeah, the fiberglass itch struggle is real. I remember helping a buddy redo his attic insulation a few summers back—thought we'd be smart and save a few bucks by tackling it ourselves. Even with long sleeves, gloves, masks, the whole nine yards... we were still scratching like crazy for days afterward. Never again.
Totally agree about sealing air leaks first, too. Learned that lesson the hard way on a renovation project a while ago. We upgraded to blown-in cellulose thinking it'd solve all our heating issues, but didn't pay enough attention to sealing around recessed lighting and attic access points. Ended up still feeling drafts and wondering why the insulation wasn't doing its job. After going back and properly sealing those gaps, the difference was night and day. It was one of those forehead-slapping moments—you know, when you realize you could've saved yourself a lot of hassle if you'd just slowed down and done things in the right order.
One thing I'd add from my own experience is to double-check your soffit vents if you're upgrading insulation or changing ventilation strategies. I've seen situations where homeowners unknowingly blocked their soffit vents with insulation, thinking more insulation equals better results. But without proper airflow from those vents, moisture buildup can become a real headache. Had a client once who ended up with mold issues because their attic couldn't breathe properly—took some serious remediation to get things back on track.
Anyway, sounds like you're already on top of things. Attics can be tricky, but taking your time and doing your homework definitely pays off in comfort and energy savings down the line.
Good points about soffit vents—seen that happen more times than I'd like. Another thing people overlook is attic hatch insulation. Even if you seal around it, the hatch itself can be a weak spot if it's just thin plywood. I ended up gluing rigid foam board to mine and adding weatherstripping around the edges. Made a noticeable difference in comfort. Curious, did you guys insulate your attic hatch too, or just seal around it?
