I went with cellulose myself a couple years back and haven't regretted it. You're right about it being forgiving—my old farmhouse walls were anything but straight, and cellulose filled in nicely without much fuss. Hemp insulation does sound appealing, especially with the moisture-handling claims, but I couldn't justify the extra cost either.
One thing I'd add from experience: humidity control is definitely something to keep an eye on, regardless of insulation type. Even cellulose can struggle if your vapor barriers aren't done properly. I learned that the hard way after a particularly damp spring... had to redo part of a wall because moisture got trapped. So whatever you choose, just make sure your vapor barrier and ventilation are solid. Good luck with your project—it's always satisfying once it's done and you're cozy inside.
Totally agree about vapor barriers—seen plenty of insulation jobs go south without proper moisture control. Cellulose is great stuff, but I've also had good luck lately with rock wool. It's a bit pricier, but handles humidity really well and adds some fire resistance too. Whatever you pick, just don't skimp on prep work... learned that lesson myself more than once. Nothing beats the feeling when it's all buttoned up tight and you're finally kicking back inside.
"Whatever you pick, just don't skimp on prep work... learned that lesson myself more than once."
Couldn't agree more—prep is everything. I've been leaning toward natural insulation lately, like sheep's wool. It's pricier upfront, but the eco benefits and indoor air quality improvements are worth it. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to handle. Did a small cabin last year and the difference was night and day... felt like wrapping the place in a cozy sweater for real.
Natural wool insulation is definitely appealing from an eco standpoint, and I've heard great things about its breathability. Still, I'm curious—how does it hold up in terms of moisture control? I've had some rough experiences with humidity issues in older homes, and the last thing I'd want is insulation that traps moisture.
Cozy is great, but soggy sweaters... not so much. Have you noticed any downsides in damp climates?"felt like wrapping the place in a cozy sweater for real."
I've used wool insulation in a couple of older homes, and honestly, moisture hasn't been a big issue for me. Wool naturally wicks moisture and dries out pretty quickly—way better than fiberglass or foam in my experience. But... if your place has serious humidity issues, wool alone might not be enough. You might wanna pair it with better ventilation or even consider hemp insulation—it's eco-friendly too and handles dampness surprisingly well. Just something to think about before you commit.
