- Fiberglass is brutal, no way around it. I’ve found mineral wool a bit easier on the skin, but yeah, it’s heavier and pricier.
- If you’re after “set it and forget it,” closed-cell spray foam is about as close as you’ll get—expensive upfront though, and not really a DIY job.
- Cellulose is decent for sound and eco-friendliness, but the settling can be a pain if it’s not blown in right.
- If you’re stuck with fiberglass, Tyvek suit + gloves + goggles helps a ton. Still itchy, just less of a nightmare.
- Honestly, there’s always a tradeoff. Haven’t met anyone who actually enjoyed attic insulation day...
- If you’re stuck with fiberglass, Tyvek suit + gloves + goggles helps a ton.
Honestly, that “haven’t met anyone who actually enjoyed attic insulation day...” line sums it up. It’s one of those projects that just feels like a rite of passage for anyone who owns an older house.
From my experience, mineral wool is definitely easier on the skin but the weight can be a pain, especially if you’re working overhead. I actually had a client who insisted on cellulose for eco reasons, and we ended up having to top it off a year later because of settling—definitely something to factor in if you’re not keen on repeat visits up there.
If you’re thinking about spray foam, do you ever worry about ventilation or off-gassing? I’ve seen some beautiful results but also heard stories about lingering smells. For fiberglass, I always recommend taping your sleeves and pant legs closed—sounds overkill but it helps keep the fibers out. Is your attic finished or are you dealing with open rafters? That can really change how miserable the job gets...
