Considerations When Installing Exterior Architectural Louvers
Louvers are a ventilation system. They allow for air to pass through windows. At the same time as allowing for air flow, they also keep unwanted elements out, such as dirt and water. Exterior or architectural louvers are able to due this because of their design. A exterior louvers is a fixed or operable blade that is mounted to a frame, this structure allows for air flow. They are an important part of any residential or commercial property, providing protection from the elements, yet adding a flare to a building.
Factors
There are certain factors to consider when deciding upon louvers for any residential or commercial property include. These factors include; free area, water penetration, and resistance to airflow or pressure loss. By fully understanding these concepts the proper louver will be applied.
Free Area
To determine the free area, it’s important to take the total open area of the louver. This is done by subtraction all the potential obstructions such as blades and the actual frame and then diving the overall wall opening. This then allows for a comparison of the louvered opening as opposed to an unobstructed opening. The common range for louver free areas is about 35% to 60% of the wall opening. Having a high percentage of free area is very beneficial. This will allow for more air to enter a smaller wall opening, this will therefore, reduce the cost of the wall opening as well as the louver.
Obstruction
Obstruction is important as it prevents water from entering through the louver. A wholly obstructed opening will not allow any amount of water to enter. A fully non obstructed opening will let water enter at an unimpeded rate. However, a properly designed louver will all for an optimized free area while at the same time allowing for minimal water entry.
Water Penetration
To figure out the water penetration of a louver, the velocity of air intake must be calculated. The first point of penetration by water is the point in which a louver will allow water to pass through. By taking the threshold measurement of the intake velocity into account the proper penetration will be determined. This allows for the best louver to be installed.
Pressure Loss
Any obstruction that is in the air stream will create a resistance. This includes louvers, coils, filters, ductwork, the structure of the building, the list goes on. The actual resistance provided by the louver can be determined by measuring the running air through the louver while also measuring the pressure differential at a variety of free area velocities.
Blade Shape
Louvers will create a resistance to air flow. This is because they cause an obstruction. The frame of the sun control system as well as the shape of the blade determines the resistance of the air flow. Blades that are of lover angles will have a more aerodynamic shape that allows for less resistance. In order to fully figure the resistance to airflow the free velocity allowed by the louver must be determined. It is very important to figure out the resistance because this will help maximize air flow.
