"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?