R-38 is decent, but keep in mind batt insulation can leave gaps if installation isn't meticulous. I've seen blown-in cellulose perform better overall—fills those tricky spaces more reliably. Slightly pricier upfront, but fewer headaches down the road with drafts and cold spots...
Batt insulation can definitely work, but you're spot on about installation—I've seen too many attics where rushed installs left noticeable cold spots. Blown-in cellulose tends to be more forgiving, especially around tricky corners or irregular framing. Worth the slight premium for peace of mind and consistent performance.
Batt insulation can be tricky, sure, but honestly I've had pretty good luck with it. The key is patience and attention to detail—if you're careful and take your time fitting it snugly around joists and corners, you can avoid most cold spots. Blown-in cellulose is forgiving, yeah, but I've found it settles over time, losing some R-value. Batt stays consistent if installed right...just gotta put in the effort upfront.
"Blown-in cellulose is forgiving, yeah, but I've found it settles over time, losing some R-value."
Interesting point about the settling issue—I've heard that mentioned before. But have you considered that even with some settling, blown-in cellulose might still outperform batt insulation in terms of overall coverage and air sealing? Batt insulation can be great if you're meticulous, no doubt about it, but realistically, how many DIYers have the patience or skill to get it just right every single time?
I worked on a friend's attic remodel last year, and we initially went with batt insulation because it seemed straightforward enough. We were careful, took our time, and thought we'd nailed it. But after a particularly cold winter storm, we noticed some cold spots and drafts we hadn't anticipated. Turns out, even small gaps or slight misalignments can make a noticeable difference.
We ended up supplementing with blown-in cellulose afterward, and honestly, the difference was pretty clear. Sure, it might settle a bit over time, but the initial coverage was so thorough that even after settling, it still felt warmer and more consistent than our batt-only attempt.
Have you thought about maybe combining both methods? Using batt insulation carefully around tricky areas like joists and corners, then topping off with blown-in cellulose to fill any remaining gaps? Might be worth considering if you're aiming for maximum efficiency and comfort...
