"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.
