Same here—went with cellulose after way too many late-night rabbit holes about insulation. Definitely agree on the draft reduction; our upstairs bedrooms used to feel noticeably colder, but now they're much more consistent. One thing I'd add is cellulose's fire-retardant properties (it's treated with borates). Gives me a bit more peace of mind, especially with wiring running through the attic. Haven't noticed much settling yet, but good point—I'll probably check levels every few years just to be safe.
"Haven't noticed much settling yet, but good point—I'll probably check levels every few years just to be safe."
Good call on checking periodically. A few things from experience:
- Cellulose does settle a bit more than fiberglass, especially in the first year or two. Not a huge deal, but worth keeping an eye on.
- Borate treatment is definitely reassuring for fire safety, but also helps deter pests—had fewer critters since switching.
- If you're worried about drafts, double-check attic hatch seals and recessed lighting fixtures. Those spots leak more air than you'd think...
Good points overall, but honestly, I've had different experiences with cellulose. Mine settled quite noticeably after just a year, enough that I topped it off sooner than planned. Maybe it depends on installation technique or climate, I dunno... Also, about recessed lighting fixtures—definitely worth sealing, but make sure they're rated for insulation contact before packing insulation around them. Learned that the hard (and expensive) way after overheating a fixture.
"Mine settled quite noticeably after just a year, enough that I topped it off sooner than planned."
Interesting, mine's been up there almost two years now and hasn't settled much at all. Maybe it's the humidity or something? Totally agree about the recessed lights though—wish I'd known that before my electrician charged me extra to swap them out...
Mine hasn't settled much either, and it's been up there a good three years now. Wonder if insulation type makes a difference? I went with the blown-in stuff, but my brother used batts and swears they've flattened noticeably. And yeah, recessed lights are sneaky little heat escape routes—I learned that the hard way too after my first winter bill came in...
