This page lists six rules to remember for building in Louisiana, based on the geographic basics, air basics, heat basics and moisture basics provided on other pages in the Design and Construction channel. Keep these rules in mind when designing and building your home.
- Source control beats all. In Louisiana, the biggest benefits come from investments in curbing air and moisture infiltration, blocking solar and external heat gain, reducing internal heat and moisture production and controlling indoor sources of air pollutants. If you control sources, there is far less need (and cost) to remove heat, moisture and indoor pollutants mechanically.
- Random “natural ventilation” (through a leaky structure) does more harm than good. Controlled, filtered ventilation is better; to always have enough but not too much fresh air for good air quality and energy efficiency.
- The amount of air going out is balanced by the amount of air coming in. In Louisiana, avoid negative pressure; a slight positive pressure is preferable to a negative pressure.
- Moisture flow is from warm to cold and also from more to less. Therefore, Louisiana houses dry mostly to the inside; interior surfaces should be water vapor permeable (no vapor barrier on the inside).
- Rain must be drained on a drainage plane. Louisiana’s frequent rain and high humidity call for planned and built-in high capacity drainage and drying systems for all parts of the structure (walls, roof and foundation).
- Preventing damage costs much less than repairing it. Insurance does not pay for everything, especially your time and trouble.
Comfort is a personal matter. It is NOT merely a matter of air temperature, but depends on a combination of four factors:
- Air temperature (We use forced air heaters and air conditioners to control air temperature.)
- Radiant temperature (Standing in sunshine, near a fire or a cold window makes you feel warmer or colder than the air temperature.)
- Air movement (Fans and breezes make you feel cooler.)
- Relative humidity (In high humidity, we feel clammy and uncomfortable; in low humidity, we feel cooler because moisture on our skin evaporates more readily. When RH is too low, however, it can cause skin and eye irritation and static electricity.)
Today, it is possible and practical to have a stronger, safer, smarter home while doing your part for national energy independence and environmental protection. If you have a home that is resource efficient, durable, healthy, practical and convenient, you don’t have to be a helpless victim of unstable energy prices; your new home can be earth friendly, affordable and comfortable. Your home doesn’t have to be devastated by termites, hurricanes, floods, fire or decay; it can be built to resist damage and to last. Your home doesn’t have to create barriers or harm your family’s health with mold and other indoor hazards; it can be healthy, safe and convenient.
As you restore or rebuild, take control of your investment.