Wrapping My House Up Like a Sweater - Worth the Hassle?

Totally agree about moisture sneaking in - it's relentless. Spray foam can be effective, but I've found natural insulation options like sheep's wool or cellulose breathe better and handle humidity surprisingly well. Did a remodel with wool insulation a few years back; zero mold issues so far, and no lingering smells either. Worth considering if you're sensitive to chemicals or odors... just my two cents.

"Did a remodel with wool insulation a few years back; zero mold issues so far, and no lingering smells either."

Interesting experience, but I'd caution against assuming wool or cellulose is always the safer bet. I've seen cellulose insulation settle significantly over time, reducing its R-value and effectiveness. Wool can be great, but it's pricey and sometimes tricky to source reliably. Spray foam, despite the chemical concerns, offers consistent air sealing and structural rigidity - especially useful in older homes with uneven framing. Just something to weigh before committing fully to natural insulation...

"Did a remodel with wool insulation a few years back; zero mold issues so far, and no lingering smells either."

That's reassuring to hear - especially about the mold. Every insulation type has its quirks, but wool's breathability definitely helps manage moisture. Glad it's working out for you long-term!

Did wool insulation in our attic last year - felt like I was tucking the house into bed, lol. No mold or funky smells so far, either. Honestly, the biggest hassle was convincing my partner it wouldn't smell like a wet sheep every time it rains... thankfully, I won that bet. Breathability seems to be key; glad it's holding up for others too.

Great to hear your wool insulation is working out well - especially the absence of mold or odors. I recently finished my first attic insulation project using cellulose, and I can definitely relate to your concerns about breathability. From what I've researched, wool's hygroscopic properties make it particularly effective at managing moisture, which is probably why you're not getting that dreaded wet-sheep smell. Your partner's skepticism was understandable, though; natural materials do tend to raise eyebrows initially. I'm glad your experience aligns with the technical data I've come across - it's reassuring to hear real-world feedback matching the theory. Keep an eye on humidity levels occasionally, just as a precaution, but sounds like you're on solid ground so far.

I had a similar experience with wool insulation on a client's renovation last year. They were hesitant at first, worried about smells and moisture, but a year later they're still happy - no mold, no odors, and humidity stays pretty stable. I was skeptical myself initially, but seeing it perform in real life definitely changed my mind. Seems like wool really does live up to the hype...at least from what I've seen so far.

Had wool insulation installed in a rental property about two years ago - same initial worries about moisture and smells. Tenants haven't complained once, and inspections showed zero issues. Honestly, I was expecting at least some minor hiccups, but nothing so far. Seems like wool insulation might actually be worth the extra upfront hassle and cost...

Interesting to hear it's held up so well. I've considered wool insulation too, but worried about pests - heard stories of moths or rodents nesting. Did you take any extra pest-proofing measures, or just standard install?

"worried about pests - heard stories of moths or rodents nesting."

Honestly, wool insulation sounds great in theory, but I've found pests can be a real headache in older homes. Even with standard pest-proofing, rodents can squeeze through tiny gaps you'd never even notice. I ended up going with cellulose insulation instead - treated to resist pests and fire. Been about 5 years now, zero issues, and it's still cozy as ever. Something to consider if pests are a concern in your area...

Even with standard pest-proofing, rodents can squeeze through tiny gaps you'd never even notice.

Cellulose is solid, but honestly, wool insulation isn't the pest magnet people think. Had mine for 3 years now - zero rodents, zero moths. Key is proper installation and sealing gaps. Plus, wool handles moisture way better...my basement thanks me every rainy season, lol.

"Cellulose is solid, but honestly, wool insulation isn't the pest magnet people think."

Fair point, but I've seen wool insulation become a cozy nesting spot firsthand. Friend of mine installed it - did everything right, sealed gaps meticulously - but still ended up with mice setting up camp. Could've been just bad luck or something specific to his area, though. Agree on moisture handling, wool definitely shines there...just sharing another perspective to keep in mind.

Had a similar issue in my 1920s place - mice got comfy real quick. Switched to cellulose and haven't seen any since. Wool's great for moisture, sure, but pests seem to vary by location...just my two cents.

Interesting take on cellulose! I've worked with wool insulation a few times, and while it's fantastic for moisture control and sustainability, you're right - pests can be tricky. It really depends on your local ecosystem. I've seen wool perform beautifully in some areas, but in others, critters seem to treat it like their personal Airbnb.

One thing I'd suggest is looking into treated wool insulation. Some brands add natural borates, which deter pests without compromising the eco-friendly benefits. But cellulose is a solid choice too, especially if pests are a known issue in your neighborhood. It's always a balancing act between insulation performance, moisture management, and pest control.

At the end of the day, wrapping your house up like a cozy sweater is definitely worth it - just make sure you're picking the right "fabric" for your local guests... furry or otherwise.

"Some brands add natural borates, which deter pests without compromising the eco-friendly benefits."

Borate-treated wool insulation is definitely appealing, but from my experience, it's not always a guaranteed fix. I installed it in my attic last year, and while it did reduce pest activity initially, after a particularly damp season, I noticed some determined critters still managed to settle in. Personally, I've found rock wool insulation to be a more reliable alternative - still eco-friendly, moisture-resistant, and pests seem far less interested in it. Just another option to consider...

"Personally, I've found rock wool insulation to be a more reliable alternative - still eco-friendly, moisture-resistant, and pests seem far less interested in it."

Interesting you mention rock wool - I was leaning toward wool insulation myself but now you've got me thinking. Has anyone else had issues with dampness affecting the borate-treated wool? I mean, if a bit of moisture turns my attic into a cozy critter Airbnb, that's definitely not ideal...

On another note, is rock wool tricky to work with? I've heard mixed things about installation - itchiness, cutting difficulties, etc. I'm pretty new to DIY renovations (translation: I watch a lot of YouTube and cross my fingers), so the easier the better. If rock wool is as pest-resistant and moisture-proof as you're saying, maybe it's worth braving the itchy sleeves for a weekend.

I was in your shoes last summer - rock wool definitely checks the boxes for moisture and pests, but yeah... installation isn't exactly fun. Here's my mini-guide: long sleeves, gloves, goggles, and a decent mask are your friends (trust me on this). Cutting is manageable with a serrated insulation knife; don't even think about scissors or utility knives. Itchy? Yep. But honestly, after dealing with damp wool insulation at my brother's place, I'll take itchy sleeves over a critter motel any day.

"I'll take itchy sleeves over a critter motel any day."

Haha, totally agree with you there. Last fall, I helped my neighbor redo his attic with rock wool, and man, it felt like gearing up for battle - fully armored in protective gear just to keep the itch away. But honestly, once it's done, it's such a relief. His place used to be a cozy hangout for squirrels and who knows what else... now, it's quiet and dry. Definitely worth the hassle, even if the installation day isn't exactly a picnic.

I redid insulation in an older rental property a couple years back - fiberglass batts, not rock wool - and yeah,

"it felt like gearing up for battle"

Yeah, fiberglass insulation can be brutal - I remember doing an attic job mid-summer, sweating buckets and covered head-to-toe, still itching like crazy afterward. But you're right,

"I'd take a weekend of itchiness over ongoing pest headaches anytime."

Fiberglass insulation definitely isn't the most pleasant material to handle, especially in hot weather. I've had my fair share of attic jobs too, and even with protective gear, that itchiness seems unavoidable. But you're spot-on about the pest issue - proper insulation really does help keep critters out, and that's a huge plus.

One thing I'd add, though, is that fiberglass isn't always the best solution for every scenario. Have you considered alternatives like cellulose or spray foam insulation? Cellulose, for instance, is treated with borates, which not only improves fire resistance but also acts as a deterrent to pests. Spray foam, on the other hand, seals gaps and cracks more effectively, creating a tighter envelope around your home. It can be pricier upfront, but the long-term energy savings and reduced pest infiltration might justify the investment.

Also, while fiberglass is relatively straightforward to install, improper handling or installation can lead to reduced effectiveness. I've seen plenty of DIY jobs where insulation was compressed or gaps were left uncovered, significantly lowering the R-value. If you're going through the hassle anyway, it's worth taking the extra time to ensure it's done right - no shortcuts.

Curious if anyone here has tried cellulose or spray foam and noticed a significant difference in comfort or pest control. I've had clients swear by spray foam, especially in older homes with lots of nooks and crannies. Fiberglass is reliable, sure, but sometimes exploring other options can yield even better results.