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is achieved through either a complex single- blade profile extrusion to give a slim louvre depth or a deeper, multi-bank system.


Required performance Traditionally, louvres were specified based on a simplistic, physical ‘free area,’ which simply relates to the gaps between the blades in the louvre design that facilitate airflow, but this does not quantify airflow efficiency. Therefore, specifiers should be placing more importance on the design pressure drop and aerodynamic airflow efficiency. This is a true indicator of a louvre’s performance, which ensures mechanical equipment has the required airflow to optimise function. When it comes to the selection of a rain defence louvre system, third-party test data should be examined to ensure a project’s functional requirements will be met. BS EN 13030:2001 standard is used for evaluating louvres’ effectiveness against rain penetration as well as its airflow characteristics, and enables specifiers to directly compare the performance of the different weather type louvre systems. All performance considerations such as required airflow, the maximum acceptable pressure drop, and the degree and depth of acceptable water penetration should therefore be balanced with the building’s envelope design – hence the need for a ‘form and function’ approach.


Other considerations A site’s location and the position of louvres on a building is another important consideration in louvre selection, as exposure to prevailing weather conditions – in particular wind direction – will affect the amount of potential wind-driven rain penetration. In addition, Building Regulations Approved Document F recommends that ventilation intakes are positioned away from the direct impact of air pollutant sources, such as parking areas, loading bays or busy roads.


Exhaust locations should be chosen or designed to minimise re-entry of exhaust air into the building or having a harmful effect on the surrounding area. Finally, in some applications noise attenuation may be required in addition to other functional requirements and acoustic louvres could be considered for those situations.


Aesthetics


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


ADF AUGUST 2022


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


any application. A louvre system that uses hidden mullions, for example, gives continuous, ‘architectural’ lines because the support system is behind the blades, making the mullions almost invisible. Louvres with visible mullions, on the other hand, can be used as a design feature to line up with joints between exterior wall panels or with windows. These systems are typically supplied in a prefabricated modular form and are available in designs offering horizontal or vertical blade configurations. Some are available with frames designed to easily fit into glazing cavities. Other design options include models utilising varying blade depths for added interest, or hidden behind decorative features such as perforated panels. Specification should always be supported with performance test data as such features can potentially increase louvres’ resistance to airflow.


Great looks


There are a range of architectural louvre systems that provide creative freedom to specifiers without sacrificing airflow performance. High strength and lightweight, these products are superbly effective for ventilation, screening and rain protection.


Due to their complex, extruded blade


design, rain defence louvre systems are thinner than those relying on multiple banks of simpler blades and additional drainage, while offering some of the best combination of rain defence and airflow performance in the market.


For specifiers looking for an excellent way to address air quality and ventilation challenges in a wide range of buildings, louvres can improve a building’s energy efficiency, lowering power consumption and thus reducing carbon emissions. They can also bring a high level of aesthetic value to a facade’s design.


Andy Moul is technical director at Construction Specialties (CS)


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