Did blown-in at our last place, and yeah, prep was key. A few things I learned the hard way:
- Plastic sheeting and painter's tape are your best friends—seriously underestimated how sneaky that stuff is.
- Batt insulation is easier on cleanup, but fitting it into odd-shaped spaces was a puzzle I never want to solve again.
- Definitely second the gear-up advice. Fiberglass itch is real and relentless...still shudder remembering the scratchy aftermath.
Either way, once it's done, you'll love the difference. Totally worth the temporary nightmare.
Did the blown-in route myself a couple years back and honestly, I think batt insulation gets a bad rap. Sure, it's a pain fitting it into those awkward corners—felt like playing Tetris blindfolded—but at least you can see exactly where it's going. The blown-in stuff sneaks everywhere...found bits of it months later in places I didn't even know existed. Still, can't argue with the results, my heating bills dropped noticeably. Just make sure your mask and sleeves are solid; that fiberglass itch is no joke.
I went with batt insulation during my last attic renovation, and honestly, I found it manageable with careful prep. Yes, cutting around odd angles and beams was tedious, but being detail-oriented, I appreciated the control over placement. With blown-in, it bothered me how easily it drifted into recessed lighting fixtures and ventilation openings—spent hours sealing everything beforehand. Still found stray fibers months later (how?), but like you said, the energy savings made the hassle worthwhile. Either way, that fiberglass itch is real... learned my lesson about skimping on protective gear.
Did my attic with blown-in a couple years ago, and yeah, that stuff gets everywhere. Thought I'd sealed every nook and cranny, but nope—still found bits drifting down through the attic hatch months later. Batt insulation was easier to control when I did the basement walls, but man, the cutting around pipes and wiring drove me nuts. Either way, learned real quick to invest in a decent respirator and full sleeves... fiberglass itch is no joke.
"fiberglass itch is no joke."
Yeah, learned that lesson quick myself doing attic jobs. Sounds like you handled it solidly though—those tricky pipe cuts are always patience testers. Good respirator and long sleeves definitely make a huge difference... hang in there, you're doing great.
