Does the fiberglass really get through regular clothes that easily? I've always wondered if there's a specific fabric or material that's better at keeping those tiny shards out. Maybe something thicker like denim or canvas would help more than just regular long sleeves? I mean, gloves are a given, but is there anything else people usually wear to avoid the itchiness altogether... or is it just inevitable no matter what you do?
I've messed around with attic insulation and fiberglass more times than I'd like to admit, and honestly, thicker materials like denim or canvas do help a bit. Regular cotton shirts just don't cut it—those tiny fibers seem to sneak right through. Last summer, I wore a denim jacket thinking it'd be enough protection, and while it was definitely better than a regular long sleeve, I still ended up itchy as heck afterward.
One thing I've found that makes a noticeable difference is layering up. Wearing something tight-fitting underneath (like a compression shirt) helps keep the fibers from getting directly onto your skin. Then throw on something heavier like canvas or denim over that. It's not foolproof, but it reduces the itchiness significantly.
Still, no matter how careful you are, some fibers always seem to slip through somehow... maybe it's just inevitable? Curious if anyone's tried those disposable painter's coveralls—I've seen them at hardware stores but never gave them a shot myself. Might be worth experimenting next time I'm stuck crawling around in fiberglass insulation again...
I've tried those disposable painter's suits once or twice. They're pretty decent at keeping fibers off, but they're also super thin and tear way easier than you'd expect—especially if you're crawling around tight spaces. Layering definitely helps, but honestly, I'm starting to think there's no perfect solution. Maybe fiberglass itch is just one of those unavoidable annoyances we have to accept when dealing with attic projects... or does anyone have a secret trick they're holding back?
"Maybe fiberglass itch is just one of those unavoidable annoyances we have to accept when dealing with attic projects..."
You're not wrong there. I've spent my fair share of weekends squeezed into attic spaces, and honestly, fiberglass itch seems almost inevitable no matter what you do. Those disposable suits are okay-ish, but as you mentioned, they rip pretty easily, especially around elbows and knees if you're moving around a lot.
One thing I've found helpful—though it’s definitely not foolproof—is to start with a decent quality long-sleeve shirt and pants underneath. Cotton or denim works pretty well. Then put on the disposable suit carefully, making sure you don't stretch it too tight in the shoulders or knees. Even then, yeah, they'll tear eventually, but the extra layer beneath at least keeps most of the fibers from directly hitting your skin.
Also, don't underestimate taping up your wrists and ankles. It sounds tedious, but it really does help keep fibers from sneaking in. I use painter's tape or even duct tape loosely around cuffs, just tight enough to seal but not cut off circulation. Gloves are a must, too—thin nitrile gloves under work gloves can help reduce irritation on your hands.
But honestly, even with all these precautions, some itchiness still creeps in. I think it's just part of the territory with attic work. Showering immediately after finishing helps a lot, and cold water first (sounds awful, I know) actually keeps pores closed and fibers from embedding deeper into your skin. Then switch to warm water after rinsing thoroughly.
Hang in there—attic projects can definitely be frustrating, but you're not alone in dealing with the itch factor. It's one of those rites of passage where we all just grit our teeth and power through...
Yeah, fiberglass itch is pretty much inevitable in attics. I tried the tape trick too—it helps, but there's always that one sneaky gap. Cold showers sound brutal though...might give it a shot next time if I'm desperate enough.
