Factors To Consider When Installing Exterior Louvers

Posted by thizzfacedisco on February 15, 2012

Louvers act as a ventilation system that allows air to pass through a window. At the same time these exterior architectural louver will keep undesirable elements like dirt and water out. Exterior architectural louvers offer such service by featuring fixed or operable blades that are mounted to a frame. This structure allows for proper air flow, however, excluding those unwanted elements. When considering louvers there are many factors to take into account in order to hve the proper louvers installed.

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

Free area is an important aspect to consider when thinking about installing louvers. The free area is calculated by determining the total area of the obstructed air flow in comparison to the overall wall opening. The complete louvered opening versus the unobstructed opening will most often fall within the ranges of 35% to 60%. A high percentage of free area is very beneficial. This will allow for an optimized amount of air flow to a smaller wall opening.

Obstruction

Some obstruction is needed in order to keep unwanted water out. A full obstructed opening would allow for no water to enter, while a totally unobstructed opening would allow for water to enter unhindered. A louver that is properly designed will be able to maximize the free area while at the same time allowing for a minuscule amount of water to enter.

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.

Resistance to Air Flow

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.

Aerodynamics

Louvers will create a resistance to air flow. This is because they cause an obstruction. The frame of the sun control louver 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.

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