"Unlike fiberglass, cellulose can absorb and release moisture without losing insulation effectiveness"
Interesting point about moisture management, but have you considered potential downsides? I've seen cases where cellulose absorbed a bit too much moisture in poorly ventilated attics, leading to settling or even mold issues down the line. Maybe it's less about the material itself and more about attic ventilation design? Curious if anyone else has experienced similar challenges after switching insulation types...
Good points raised here, especially this one:
"Maybe it's less about the material itself and more about attic ventilation design?"
From my experience, you're spot-on. Cellulose insulation can indeed manage moisture better than fiberglass, but it isn't foolproof. A few things I've noticed in projects where cellulose was used:
- Proper attic ventilation becomes even more critical. Without adequate airflow, cellulose can retain moisture longer than ideal, potentially leading to mold or mildew.
- Installation quality matters a lot. I've seen uneven installations settle significantly over time, reducing the R-value and creating cold spots.
- Vapor barriers or retarders are sometimes overlooked when switching from fiberglass to cellulose. This oversight can exacerbate moisture issues.
Overall, cellulose is great for comfort and sustainability, but it does require careful planning and execution. It's not just a simple swap-out—ventilation and moisture control strategies need to be revisited to ensure long-term performance.
I ran into similar issues a couple years back when we switched from fiberglass to cellulose. Thought we'd solved the itchy insulation problem for good, but ended up trading it for moisture headaches instead. Turns out our attic ventilation was pretty inadequate—once we improved airflow and added proper soffit vents, things got way better. Definitely agree it's less about the insulation itself and more about getting the ventilation details right...
Did you notice any moisture or mold issues before switching insulation? I'm dealing with itchy fiberglass right now, but hesitant to swap until I figure out ventilation.
"Turns out our attic ventilation was pretty inadequate"
How did you pinpoint exactly where the airflow was lacking?
We actually had a similar issue, but honestly, pinpointing exact airflow problems was tricky. Instead of trying to find specific weak spots, I ended up doing a smoke test—just lit an incense stick on a breezy day and watched how the smoke moved around the attic. It gave me a clearer picture of airflow patterns without needing fancy equipment. Might be worth trying before you dive into insulation swaps or major ventilation upgrades...
