"I'm still skeptical about blown-in insulation though. I've heard mixed reviews—some swear by it, others say it's more trouble than it's worth."
Had blown-in insulation done in my attic a couple years back. Honestly, it wasn't too bad... but yeah, the fluff definitely settled after a while. First week or two, it was like living in a snow globe every time I opened the attic hatch. On the plus side, it did noticeably improve warmth upstairs. Still, if I had to redo it, I'd probably lean toward foam boards—less hassle overall.
Had blown-in insulation installed about five years ago, and I can relate to the settling issue you mentioned. Initially, it was a bit messy, but after a few weeks, things stabilized nicely. I've found that proper installation technique and consistent attic ventilation really help minimize those issues. Foam boards are definitely convenient, but blown-in can still be effective if done right—don't feel discouraged by mixed reviews; every home is different.
Interesting insights, though I wonder if attic ventilation alone really addresses the settling issue with blown-in insulation. In my experience, density and material choice (fiberglass vs. cellulose) play a bigger role. Have you noticed differences based on insulation type used...?
From what I've noticed since moving into our first home last year, attic ventilation definitely helps with moisture control, but you're right—settling seems more tied to insulation type. Our cellulose settled noticeably within just a few months, even with decent ventilation. On the other hand, my neighbor went fiberglass and swears he's had minimal settling issues. So maybe the density and material really do matter more than ventilation alone...though proper airflow can't hurt, right?
Had a similar experience with cellulose insulation at my own place—settled way quicker than I expected. Switched to fiberglass batts in another project, and honestly, haven't noticed much settling at all after a couple years. Ventilation definitely helps keep moisture down, but yeah, insulation type seems to be the bigger factor for settling issues. Guess it's one of those things you learn by trial and error...
Had a similar issue with cellulose myself—settled faster than my motivation on a Monday morning, lol. Fiberglass batts definitely hold up better, but honestly, window sealing plays a sneaky big role too. If your windows aren't sealed right, moisture creeps in no matter what insulation you use. Ever checked your window seals closely? Sometimes a quick caulk touch-up can save you from chasing insulation ghosts...
Good point about the window seals, but have you checked your attic ventilation lately? Sometimes moisture buildup isn't just about insulation or sealing—poor airflow up top can trap humidity and send it straight to your windows. Had a client once who kept redoing caulk every winter until we realized his attic vents were blocked...ever looked into that angle?
"poor airflow up top can trap humidity and send it straight to your windows."
Great advice there—I see attic ventilation overlooked pretty often, and it definitely plays a bigger role than most people realize. If the attic isn't breathing properly, moisture has nowhere else to go but downwards toward your windows. I've seen plenty of cases where homeowners kept chasing window condensation issues, only to find out later their soffit vents were clogged with insulation or debris. Worth a quick attic check just to rule that out...
Good points all around. I struggled with window condensation for what seemed like forever, and attic ventilation wasn't even on my radar at first. Everyone kept telling me to replace windows or run a dehumidifier (which did help somewhat), but the real culprit turned out to be exactly what you're talking about:
"If the attic isn't breathing properly, moisture has nowhere else to go but downwards toward your windows."
In my case, the previous owners had stuffed insulation right up against the soffit vents—probably thinking more insulation always equals better efficiency. Once I cleared that out and installed some proper baffles to keep airflow moving, the condensation issue pretty much vanished overnight. I'd also suggest checking bathroom exhaust fans, making sure they're vented properly outside and not just dumping moisture into the attic space... learned that one the hard way too.
Exactly! When I bought my house, I found the bathroom fan venting straight into the attic—total nightmare. Rerouted it outside and added ridge vents for better airflow, and boom, no more foggy windows. Definitely beats shelling out big bucks on new windows...