- 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...
DEALING WITH ITCHY PINK NIGHTMARE IN MY ATTIC
Taping sleeves and pant legs is a must—learned that the hard way after my first round up there. I’d add: if you’re crawling around open rafters, lay down some cheap plywood or even cardboard to spread your weight and keep from stepping through the ceiling (ask me how I know…). About spray foam, I was tempted, but the ventilation thing made me nervous too. I’ve read some folks have to leave their house for days after install, which sounds like a hassle. For now, I’m just sticking with the Tyvek suit and a lot of patience.
Taping sleeves and pant legs is a must—learned that the hard way after my first round up there.
Yeah, skipping the tape is just asking for days of regret. I’ve done the cardboard trick too—way cheaper than plywood if you’re on a tight budget, and it works fine unless you’re hauling heavy stuff. The Tyvek suit is a lifesaver, but I still itch for hours after. As for spray foam, I’m with you—cost and hassle both seem high unless you’re desperate to seal things up fast. Sometimes slow and steady (and itchy) wins the race.
The Tyvek suit is a lifesaver, but I still itch for hours after.
- Fully agree on taping—miss a spot and you’ll regret it later.
- Cardboard’s decent for makeshift flooring, but watch out for flexing if you’re carrying tools or materials.
- One thing I’d add: double up on gloves. I’ve had fiberglass sneak in at the wrists even with taped sleeves.
- For the itch, cold shower right after helps more than anything else I’ve tried.
- Spray foam’s only worth it if you’ve got weird gaps or need an air seal—otherwise, batt insulation’s less mess (but yeah, more itch).
