Good call on the gloves—I learned that lesson myself a few years back. I was sealing up some ductwork in an older property, and figured I'd just quickly tape things up bare-handed. Big mistake. Those edges are deceptively sharp, and I ended up with a couple of nasty cuts before I even realized it. Since then, I've kept a pair of sturdy work gloves handy whenever I'm dealing with foil tape or insulation. Another thing I've found helpful is using a small roller or even the handle of a screwdriver to smooth the tape down firmly. It saves your fingers from unnecessary pressure and ensures a tighter seal. Just my two cents from experience...
Definitely learned the hard way myself when I tackled attic insulation a while back—thought I'd be fine with just long sleeves and basic gloves. Nope. Itchy fiberglass got everywhere. Now I swear by full-body disposable coveralls and a decent respirator...makes all the difference.
Interesting take on the disposable coveralls—I get why you'd go that route, fiberglass is no joke. But honestly, I've found that investing in a good quality reusable jumpsuit works better for me. Sure, it's a bit pricier upfront, but the comfort level is way higher, and I don't feel like I'm wrapped in plastic. Plus, less waste overall, which feels better environmentally.
Also curious about the respirator choice...do you find a full respirator necessary, or would a decent N95 mask do the trick? I've done some insulation work with just an N95 and haven't had any issues yet. Maybe I've just been lucky though. Either way, totally agree that basic gloves and sleeves alone are asking for trouble—learned that lesson myself pretty quick.
I've done a fair bit of attic insulation work myself, and I totally get the reusable jumpsuit preference. Tried disposable coveralls once and felt like I was in a sauna wrapped in cling film—never again. Switched to a decent reusable suit after that, and it's been way more comfortable, especially for longer jobs. Plus, like you said, less waste is always a bonus.
On the respirator front though, I'd lean towards something more substantial than an N95 if you're dealing with fiberglass regularly. I used an N95 mask initially too, thinking it was enough, but after a couple of hours up there, I could still feel irritation in my throat and nose. Maybe I'm just sensitive or unlucky, but switching to a half-face respirator with replaceable cartridges made a noticeable difference for me. It wasn't even that expensive—just picked one up at the local hardware store—and breathing felt easier overall.
I agree gloves and sleeves alone are definitely not enough protection. Learned that lesson the hard way when I first tackled insulation years ago... spent days itching afterward. Now I always make sure to tape up cuffs and ankles too—fiberglass dust has an annoying way of sneaking into every little gap.
Anyway, everyone's tolerance is different, so if you've been fine with an N95 so far, maybe you're good. But personally, I'd rather err on the side of caution when it comes to breathing in tiny glass fibers.
"Switched to a decent reusable suit after that, and it's been way more comfortable, especially for longer jobs."
Totally agree with you on the reusable jumpsuit—disposable coveralls are just miserable. I remember one attic insulation job where I thought I'd save myself some cleanup by using disposables... big mistake. Felt like I was wrapped in plastic wrap, sweating buckets within minutes. Never again.
Interesting point about the respirator though. I've mostly stuck with N95 masks myself, but now you've got me thinking. Did you notice a significant difference in comfort or breathing ease with the half-face respirator? I've always assumed they'd feel heavier or more restrictive, especially when you're crawling around tight attic spaces. But if they're actually easier to breathe through, maybe it's worth giving them a shot.
Also, good call on taping cuffs and ankles—I learned that lesson pretty quickly too. Fiberglass dust is sneaky stuff; it finds its way into every tiny gap imaginable. One thing I've found helpful is wearing a thin cotton layer underneath my jumpsuit. It seems counterintuitive at first (extra layers?), but it actually helps wick away sweat and reduces irritation from any stray fibers that manage to sneak through.
Have you tried using goggles or safety glasses as well? I know some people skip them because they fog up easily, but fiberglass particles in your eyes are no joke either. I've had decent luck with anti-fog coated safety glasses—they're not perfect, but definitely better than nothing.
Anyway, appreciate your insights—might have to reconsider my respirator choice next time I'm tackling insulation work.
