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Striking a balance


The importance of ventilation and ensuring a healthy and comfortable interior environment is an essential part of building design. Andy Moul from Construction Specialties (CS) looks at factors which need to be taken into consideration when specifying external louvres as part of a building’s ventilation solution


Louvres are available in a wide range of designs, finishes and colours to suit any application


V


entilation design is a balancing act between delivering a high quality of air and thermal


comfort, while maintaining energy efficiency standards and noise control. Ease of maintenance and long term operational costs of running the system add to the complexity.


It’s why external


louvre systems have such an important part to play in ventilation strategies and their performance characteristics. In particular, airflow efficiency needs to be taken into consideration alongside aesthetic requirements.


Louvre specification


There are three main types of louvre systems available to specifiers, offering different design, functionality and


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performance characteristics. Simple and economical, screening louvres utilise a flat blade profile to provide airflow into a building and some rain defence. These are typically used at the top of buildings to hide unsightly HVAC systems or perhaps in car parks to allow for ventilation of exhaust fumes. Ventilation louvres are chosen when airflow is a key consideration. They may provide adequate rain defence in light rain, but their performance generally falls short in wind-driven rain conditions. When potential rain penetration is an


issue, specifiers should consider rain defence louvres with integral water collection and drainage. These systems are designed to stop wind-driven rain entering a building, while allowing efficient passage of air. This


ADF AUGUST 2022


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