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,
is spot on. Even with long sleeves and gloves, I was itchy for days after. But it definitely beat dealing with mice chewing wires and tenants calling at midnight... I'd take a weekend of itchiness over ongoing pest headaches anytime."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,
Totally worth the temporary misery in my book."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.
