Louisiana home contractors can be intimidating. All home contractors, really. No matter which home improvement you’re pricing— window replacements, new doors, siding, or whatever—some contractors seem to speak a different language. No, I’m not talking about those good ole Cajun boys from the deep bayou. I mean those BIG words. When contractors start throwing out that lingo, they can leave you overwhelmed, confused, even frustrated.
Some home contractors are trying to be helpful. They’re honestly trying to explain the situation clearly. Others, well… some shady contractors overuse trade lingo to confuse and hide their extra expenses.
Now, there are scarier words than airtightness, but even if you know what this term means generally, it’s important to have a clear understanding. You don’t want shady contractors slipping things by you, do you? In this blog post, we will explain what airtightness is and why it’s important for your home.
Decoding Louisiana Home Contractors
Airtightness refers to the amount of air filtering uncontrolled into or out of a building. We’re talking about the air leaking through gaps or cracks in floors, ceilings and walls, or around windows and doors.
The more uncontrolled air the lower the airtightness.
Why is Airtightness important?
The level of airtightness is especially important when it comes to a home’s heat or air conditioning. The more drafty a building—the more uncontrolled air—the greater the energy required to maintain the internal temperature.
Makes sense, right? The more gaps in your home, the more hot outside air can come in during the summer AND the cold outside air can come in during winter.
This leads to problem #1. Higher Energy Bills.
In fact, air leaks can cause 15−25% of winter heat loss in buildings.
But that’s not all.
Drafty homes also let in dust, pollen, and pollutants, affecting the health of occupants. Problem #2. Poorer air quality.
As we all know, Louisiana is one of the highest-rated when it comes to pollen and allergens. Depending on where you live and your sensitivity, this can significantly affect your health and the health of your family.
Before calling a Louisiana home contractor and paying to make your home airtight, there’s one more thing to consider…
Problem #3. Too Airtight.
Conversely, if your home is too air-tight–in other words, poorly ventilated–it can cause other problems. Most commonly, a home that’s too airtight can lead to condensation and mold.
Ideally, your home needs to find the right balance between airtightness and controlled ventilation. Your home needs to “breathe,” but all too often, major air loss occurs through old, or poorly installed, windows, doors, and vents.
What’s the solution?
Again, you don’t have to make your home airtight, but if your electric bills keep increasing along with your or your family member’s health issues, you may want to reach out to an expert.
There are experts who test airtightess, but home improvement experts, like your friends at Jim Olivier’s know what to look for. Not only can they point out potential issues, but they can give you a quote to replace.
Replacing old windows and doors can make a huge difference (as we’ve discussed in prior blog posts). Adding attic insulation is another simpler improvement that will lead to a better temperature balance for your home. If your previous roofing contractor neglected your full roof system, adding vents may be the answer. Reach out to our sister company, Roofing Louisiana for advice in this arena. Added insulation and proper venting will lower energy bills, extend the life of your HVAC unit (and roof), and make your home more comfortable.
Remember, when it comes to airtightness, it’s all about balance. Balanced airtightness means lower energy bills, better air quality, and better health conditions for you and your family. When it comes to home improvement jobs, like replacing doors, windows, and siding, proper installation is key.
Saving money on professional contractors may lead to greater energy and health expenses. When in doubt, call the experts at Jim Olivier’s, and get a free quote for your next home improvement. And check out more of our blog posts and learn more, so you won’t be intimidated by Louisiana home contractors.
