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LaHouse is a display of high-performance building practices to create more sustainable, resilient and healthy homes in the gulf region. The research-based facility is located on LSU's Baton Rouge campus and displays home-building techniques and solutions for Louisiana's unique climate. LaHouse is open weekdays from 10 am to 4:30 p.m. for self-guided tours or can be toured completely virtually.
Experience the Lahouse via virtual tour
Attic ventilation is necessary to allow wet hot air out. A buildup of heat and condensation can cause major damage to your roof and allow mold and mildew to grow.
Uninsulated attic stairs create a huge hole in your building envelope. Insulating where your attic ladder goes prevents untreated attic air from entering the rest of the home, which can raise the workload of your HVAC system. Airtight, pre-insulated attic ladders allow convenient attic access without compromising on insulation.
The recommended R-value for most parts of the country is R-38, according to the US Department of Energy.
Fiberglass insulation is cheaper than cellulose per installed inch. Additionally, fiberglass is generally easier and faster to install.
Mold and moisture are common in homes without well-ventilated attics. Attic baffles allow air to flow from exterior soffit vents up to your attic. The air pathways channel airflow from the attic soffit vents, and then the baffles move the air through the space.
Radiant barriers are building materials that reflect thermal radiation and reduce heat transfer. They typically are thin and feature highly reflective surfaces. In an attic, the most amount of heat received is in the form of radiation from the sun. According to the US Department of Energy, this can save homeowners 5% to 10% on utility bills in warm weather climates.
To have an effective attic ventilation system, air must be able to enter at the soffit, travel up under the roof sheathing and exit at the ridge vent. This results in the removal of heat in the summer and moisture in the winter.
