Spray foam’s great for the weird gaps, but I’ve seen folks go overboard and end up sealing spots that actually need to breathe—especially around soffits. Gotta be careful not to mess with attic ventilation or you’ll trade one problem for another. Batts are easier to work with, in my opinion, but yeah, cellulose can fill odd spaces better if you don’t mind the dust. Every house seems to have its own quirks...
I ran into the same issue with spray foam—tried to seal up every little gap, then realized I’d blocked a couple soffit vents by accident. Had to go back and cut it out, which was a pain. Ended up using batts for the main areas and just a bit of foam where nothing else would fit. Anyone have tips for keeping track of airflow when you’re working in a cramped attic? I found it tricky to tell if I was blocking something important, especially near the eaves...
Honestly, I’m not a huge fan of spray foam for exactly that reason—it’s just too easy to mess up airflow if you’re not super careful. I’ve seen a few attics where folks sealed everything up tight and then ended up with moisture problems down the line. Personally, I like using those baffle things (rafter vents?) before adding any insulation near the eaves. They’re a bit fiddly in tight spaces, but at least you can see where the air’s supposed to go. Cutting out foam after the fact is such a hassle... Been there, done that.
I hear you on the spray foam—once it’s in, it’s not coming out without a fight. I tried it in a crawlspace a few years back and ended up cursing myself when I realized I’d blocked off a vent. Those baffles are a pain to wedge in, but at least you know the air’s got a path. I’ve started using rigid foam board cut to fit in tricky spots, just so I can pull it out if I mess up. Not perfect, but at least I’m not chiseling out hardened foam for hours...
Spray foam is like that one friend who overstays their welcome—once it’s in, you’re stuck with it. I made the same mistake in my garage ceiling a while back. Thought I was being clever, but then realized I’d sealed up access to a junction box. Ended up with a drywall saw and a vocabulary lesson for the neighbors.
I hear you on the baffles. I’ve snapped more than a few trying to wedge them between rafters that are about as straight as a politician’s promise. But at least you can see what’s going on with airflow. Rigid foam board is a solid move, especially if you’re the kind of person who likes to change your mind (or just messes up measurements, like me). I’ve started using a combo—foam board for the weird corners and spray foam for the big, open spots where I know I won’t need to get back in there.
One thing I learned the hard way: don’t trust your memory about where vents are. I thought I had it all mapped out, but after a summer of weird attic smells, I realized I’d blocked off a soffit vent. Had to crawl up there in July and chip away at foam like some kind of insulation archaeologist. Not my finest hour.
If I had to do it again, I’d probably go heavier on the removable stuff, even if it’s not quite as airtight. At least you can fix mistakes without feeling like you’re in a home improvement version of “The Shining.” Sometimes good enough really is good enough, especially when it comes to not trapping yourself in your own attic.
