- Hearing about corncobs makes me feel better about the piles of crumbling pink fiberglass I found jammed behind my living room walls. It’s wild what people used to use for insulation—like, were corncobs even effective or just whatever was lying around the farm?
- Multi-tool’s been a lifesaver for me too, but pre-cutting notches is next level. I kinda wish I’d thought of that before trying to wrestle full batts around every pipe and wire. Ended up with way more tiny pieces than I wanted.
- Spray foam is intimidating. I tried a can in one corner, and it expanded way more than I expected... let’s just say my patch job afterward was a little “creative.” Those backer rods are a smart idea—I’ll have to try that next time.
- The “quick” weekend project thing is so real. I keep telling myself it’ll just be a Saturday, but then it’s Sunday evening and I’m still itchy and covered in dust.
Has anyone tried those blown-in cellulose kits? Wondering if that actually speeds things up or if it’s just a different flavor of chaos.
Blown-in cellulose is on my list too, but I keep wondering about the mess factor. Does it actually fill weird gaps better than batts, or do you just end up vacuuming dust for days? Also, how’s the settling over time—does it really stay put?
I’ve worked with both batts and blown-in cellulose, and honestly, the mess is real—especially if you’re doing it yourself. You’ll probably be finding dust in weird places for a bit. But in terms of coverage, cellulose really does a better job getting into odd corners and around obstacles. As for settling, it can compact a little over time, but if it’s installed right and at the proper density, it mostly stays put. Just make sure whoever’s installing it knows what they’re doing... otherwise you might end up with thin spots down the line.
Totally get what you mean about the mess—cellulose dust seems to find its way into every nook and cranny, no matter how careful you are. But you’re right, it really does hug all those weird angles where batts just can’t reach. I had a similar experience in my attic last year. The prep took longer than I expected (taping off vents, laying drop cloths, etc.), but watching that stuff fill up every gap was pretty satisfying.
One thing I’d add—if you’re doing it yourself, take your time with the prep and cleanup. It’s tempting to rush, but a little extra effort upfront saves a lot of headaches later. And yeah, settling can be an issue if you don’t pack it in enough, but most reputable installers know the right density to shoot for. It’s definitely worth the hassle for the coverage you get.
If anyone’s on the fence about cellulose because of the mess, just remember: a good mask and some patience go a long way. The payoff is a warmer house and lower bills... totally worth finding dust in your socks for a week or two.
Nailed it with the advice about not rushing—seriously, I learned that the hard way. The first time I tried blowing in cellulose, I skipped taping a couple of light fixtures and ended up vacuuming for days. It’s messy, but you’re right, nothing else gets into those weird corners like cellulose does. The dust is annoying, but honestly, the energy savings make up for it pretty quick. Good mask, patience, and maybe a sense of humor about finding dust in your shoes for a week... totally worth it.