If you live in Louisiana, your primary objective in raising a home is likely to be flood avoidance, even if you’re not in an identified flood hazard area. Elevation is the most effective on-site method of reducing future flood damage.

Whether you are just replacing a few shingles or have damage that requires you to strip your roof down to the rafters, you can take steps at every stage of work to minimize future storm damage. In addition, for new construction and substantial remodeling or repair, you’ll have to meet residential building codes designed to reduce potential roof damage from storms.

Any home repair or remodeling work you do presents an opportunity to help your home fare better in the next storm. Whether you are just replacing siding or you have damage that's requiring you to completely remove all the wall coverings – inside or outside – you can work to minimize future storm damage at every stage of the project.

Decks, outside wooden furniture and structures like trellises and gazebos add enjoyment and can enhance the landscape. But, if not properly taken care of, these structures can require constant repair and eventual replacement. This publication includes information on the proper preservation, care and maintenance of wooden decks, fences and lawn furniture.

One important key for successful management of a pest is to identify it. This publication can help you differentiate between ants and the dry-wood and subterranean termites that are pests in Louisiana. It also contains specific information on Formosan subterranean termites.

The single most important thing you can do to keep your air conditioning and heating system working efficiently is to make sure the air filter is matched to the unit and is clean. This publication includes information on air filters and the benefits of keeping your filters clean.

This publication explains the importance of a complete air-conditioning tuneup, including information on restored capacity, lower energy usage, longer compressor life and increased energy efficiency.

This guide is not a technical detailed construction manual. Instead, its purpose is to serve as a comprehensive planning and analysis tool. Find information on advantageous components of a sustainable house in Louisiana, a range of ways to address the criteria - from low-cost options to higher-end, higher-performance solutions and basic principles of building science that should be considered when choosing and installing any building system or technology in a hot-humid or mixed-humid climate.

The Formosan subterranean termite was spread to Louisiana around the end of World War II. Described as the most important structural pestof the new millennium, the Formosan subterranean termite is now considered the most destructive insect in Louisiana.This publication includes information on how to decrease the spread of Formosan subterranean termites.

Most people are aware of the damage fire and severe weather can do to their homes, but many overlook the threat of termites. Photos of termite damage and signs of termite infestation are included in this publication, which covers Formosan subterranean termites and other subterranean termites.

Uncle Sam is encouraging taxpayers to invest in energy-efficient home improvements and systems that use renewable sources of energy (like the sun). For tax years 2006 through 2008, the federal Energy Act is allowing tax credits (dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount owed) of up to $500 to reward certain energy-efficient improvements made over those three years.

Taking simple precautions to protect your home against crime can be the difference between keeping your family and valuables safe or becoming victims. This publication provides information on the steps necessary to secure your home.

Your new home can be safeguarded by using preservative-treated wood and following an integrated pest management program at the time of construction.

Floods, hurricanes and soaring energy prices happen, but they don’t have to bust your budget, damage your home, rob your time or deny your comfort. You can make your home stronger, safer and smarter byincluding both energy-saving and hazard-resistant mprovements whenyou remodel or restore it.