Funny, I’ve actually had the opposite luck with sheep’s wool—maybe it’s just the local critters here, but I put some in a knee wall about five years ago and haven’t noticed any rodent trails yet. Could be the spot was less appealing, or maybe they just had other snacks nearby... who knows? Mineral wool definitely wins on fire resistance though, no argument there. Cutting it still drives me nuts—always seems to shed everywhere no matter what knife I use.
I hear you on the mineral wool mess—last time I cut a batch for a crawlspace, I swear it looked like a snowstorm in July. Tried everything from serrated knives to those fancy insulation saws... still itchy every time. Funny thing about rodents, too: I’ve seen them chew through foam board but leave sheep’s wool alone, at least around here. Maybe they’re picky or just have better options in the walls.
I swear it looked like a snowstorm in July. Tried everything from serrated knives to those fancy insulation saws... still itchy every time.
Yeah, mineral wool’s a pain—doesn’t matter what tool you use, it gets everywhere. I’ve started wearing long sleeves and taping my cuffs, but it still finds a way in. As for rodents, I’ve seen them tunnel through just about anything if they’re determined enough. Sheep’s wool might hold up for now, but I wouldn’t bet on it long term. Good to hear you got the boiler sorted though—those systems can be a real puzzle.
Totally get what you mean about mineral wool—it’s like the stuff multiplies as soon as you cut into it. I’ve tried goggles and even a dust mask, but somehow I still end up scratching for hours. One time I thought I’d outsmart it by wetting it down first... just made a sticky mess. As for rodents, I’ve seen them chew through foam board and even some plastics, so I’m always a bit paranoid about what’s in my walls. Glad your boiler’s sorted—those things can be a headache if you miss even one valve or connection.
Mineral wool is the worst for that—no matter how careful I am, it always finds a way to itch. Ever tried those disposable coveralls? They help a bit, but you end up sweating like crazy. About rodents, I’ve heard they’ll chew through just about anything if they’re determined enough... makes me wonder if there’s really any “rodent-proof” insulation out there. Did you ever try steel wool in gaps, or does that just rust over time? And yeah, boilers—one wrong move and suddenly you’re tracing pipes for hours trying to figure out what’s leaking.
