When an application requires protection from moisture infiltration and the ability to regulate airflow, combination louvers are the right choice. Combination louvers allow for fixed sight lines while still controlling the rate of air flow, as well as easier equipment selection and improved aesthetics for construction projects.
What is a Combination Louver?
Combination louvers are a type of louver that combines both fixed and operable blades. The fixed blades provide the aesthetic of a static louver and protection from moisture intrusion, while the operable blades can be adjusted to control the amount of air that enters the system.
The Importance of Fixed Sight Lines
Fixed sight lines are an incredibly important aspect of design. Static louvers enhance a building’s exterior by guiding the eye as the architect intended. Adjustable louvers that are visible break up the sight line and make the view feel more choppy and less cohesive. Combination louvers combine the powerful aesthetics of fixed louvers with the control provided by an adjustable louver.
Flexibility of Adjustability
The need to adjust louvers is a requirement to keep a building operating as designed. As conditions change or the building’s use changes, airflow requirements can change too. Having flexibility through the adjustability of combination louvers means the ventilation system can adapt as needed.
Key Parameters for Combination Louvers
All combination louvers will have certain key parameters to be aware of:
Free Area
The free area of a louver refers to how much of the face area of the louver is available for air flow. The more blades and the tighter they are spaced together, the lower the free area. Louvers with less available free area typically mean more louvers will be required to meet the needs of the application.
Water Penetration
One of the main requirements of the fixed portion of a combination louver is to prevent water penetration. Louvers typically have a rated speed at which they can effectively prevent water penetration. If the airflow is increased above this velocity, water may start to enter the system. For more on water penetration, check out this blog article from AWV.
Pressure Drop
Resistance to flow is referred to as pressure drop. Since these louvers are placed into the middle of the air stream, they increase the resistance to flow. The higher the pressure drop, the harder the fan must work to pull air through the louver. When selecting louvers, it is critical to make sure that the fan downstream will be able to pull enough air through the desired louver.
Wind Load
Wind blowing into a louver can apply a great deal of pressure to the louver. Damage can occur if the louver is not rated to withstand those loads. Louvers designed for areas prone to high winds, such as hurricane prone areas, should be rated to withstand those high wind loads.
Combination Louver Applications
Combination louvers are incredibly popular and used in many different types of applications.
When Are They Used?
Industrial warehouses and large spaces are typical applications with many combination louvers. The ability to install one device, a combination louver, instead of a louver and a control damper keeps installation costs lower and easier to maintain. Combination louvers are also popular for any building where sight lines are important. The added cost of using a combination louver is often worth the price to ensure the desired aesthetic is achieved.
Sizes and Materials
AWV offers a wide range of sizes and options for combination louvers. All AWV combination louvers are made from extruded aluminum and are drainable. Combination louvers are available in a selection of standard finishes with custom finishes available upon request.
American Warming and Ventilating (AWV) Combination Louvers
American Warming and Ventilating (AWV) offers a wide selection of combination louvers in various frame sizes up to 96” x 96”. Designed to meet any project needs in an energy and cost-efficient manner, our combination louvers combine performance and aesthetics in an economical way.
Our LE-32C, LE-45C, LE-64BD, LE-65C, and LE-66C lines provide fixed sight lines on the visible exterior of the building while still providing adjustability. The sturdy, extruded aluminum frame materials provide strength to handle significant wind loads.
With the LE-32C line of combination louvers, even Miami Dade installations are no problem. AWV combination louvers are built to last. AWV combination louvers have the look and functionality that you desire. Consider your options, then contact us today for more information.
The Benefits of AWV’s Combination Louvers
AWV combination louvers come with the trust and durability that AWV has earned over the last 100 years. The superior build quality and attention to detail make AWV one of the industry leaders when it comes to combination louvers.
AWV Options and Accessories
AWV offers an expansive selection of options and accessories to simplify installation and provide the functionality required.
- Manual or electric actuation options
- Customizable size depending on application
- Options to meet leakage requirements (CFM, ACFM, or % of flow)
- Ability to meet various water penetration requirements
- AMCA and Miami Dade certifications available
- Bird and insect screen options
Why Choose AWV Combination Louvers?
Choosing the right type of louver for your application can be challenging. Finding partners you can trust starts with using AWV. The team at AWV is committed to customer satisfaction and delivering an exceptional product every time. The superior build quality and attention to detail that AWV puts into each louver is what sets them apart from the competition.
To learn more about AWV and combination louvers, reach out to the team today!
