Interesting points here. I've worked with clients who've had similar moisture issues with spray foam, especially in tighter builds. Cellulose does seem like a practical alternative—it's breathable and budget-friendly. I'm curious, though, has anyone experienced settling issues over time with blown-in cellulose? I've heard mixed feedback about needing to top it up after several years...
I've had cellulose blown into my attic about eight years ago, and honestly, the settling wasn't a huge issue. Sure, it compacted a bit over time, but nothing drastic enough to worry me or noticeably affect insulation performance. I checked it after about five years and topped up a little in spots that looked thin, but that's more me being picky than anything else. Overall, I'd still pick cellulose again—beats dealing with itchy fiberglass any day...
Glad to hear cellulose worked out well for you—I had a similar experience. When I moved into my current place, the attic was full of that itchy pink fiberglass stuff, and honestly, it was a nightmare every time I had to go up there. Eventually, I bit the bullet and replaced it with blown-in cellulose about four years ago. Definitely noticed less irritation, and it's been way easier to manage since then.
One thing I'd add is that cellulose seems to handle moisture better too. Had a minor roof leak last winter—nothing major, just enough to worry me—but the cellulose absorbed and dispersed it without turning into a soggy mess. With fiberglass, I'd probably have had mold or mildew issues to deal with afterward. Sure, cellulose settles a bit, but topping it off every few years is cheap and easy enough. For anyone on a budget and looking for something effective and hassle-free in the long run, cellulose is hard to beat.
Good points about cellulose dealing better with moisture. I've had fiberglass in my attic for years, and I can relate to the itchy misery. It always seems like no matter how careful you are, you end up covered in tiny shards afterward...
A few years back, I helped a buddy redo his attic insulation with spray foam instead of cellulose. Honestly, it wasn't cheap and took some prep work, but the results were pretty impressive. The attic space feels way more sealed up and comfortable now, and he swears his heating bills dropped noticeably. Still, I've heard mixed things about foam insulation—some say it's tricky if there's moisture or ventilation issues.
Curious if anyone here has experience comparing spray foam directly with cellulose? Is the extra upfront cost of foam actually worth it in the long run, or is cellulose still the smarter choice overall?
I switched from fiberglass to cellulose about five years ago, and honestly, it was a relief to ditch the itchy mess. Looked into spray foam too, but decided against it because my attic had some ventilation quirks. A neighbor did go with foam though—his attic felt noticeably tighter and quieter afterward. He says the energy savings are solid, but admits the upfront cost stung a bit. Seems like foam's great if your attic setup is ideal, but cellulose might be safer if moisture or airflow's tricky...
