Louvers prevent rainfall and other damaging elements from infiltrating a ventilation point. We often focus on this aspect of a louver because it is important to keep ductwork dry during a storm. Water damage can also affect other HVAC components, like fans or electrical equipment inside the duct.
While it’s important to find a rain-resistant louver, there are other elements to consider that could damage your HVAC system. For instance, insects and birds will try to sneak into your system through the ventilation points along the walls of your building. Without a screen in place, these critters can pass through the free spaces between the blades of your louver and enter your HVAC system. There may be times when your louvers need help with draining water. You can add versatility to your louver with the right louver accessories.
Drain Pans and Sill Extensions
Drain pans are pans designed to prevent rainwater from spilling back into the louver. When installed, the pan will sit underneath the louver, on the substrate of the opening. This accessory is important for severe weather louvers that need to drain excessive amounts of water. The pan has an open face that extends slightly past the face of the louver, so that the opening of the pan is flush with the edge of the ventilation opening. Drain pans will also have walls along the jambs and back of the louver, which capture any water that may try to splash back through the louver. Captured water will flow under the louver and be expelled from the face.
Sill extensions are designed for recessed louvers. Louvers are typically installed so that they are flush with the wall, but they can be recessed inside the opening. The sill extension provides a back wall to prevent backsplash, like the drain pan, but its primary role is to extend the louver’s sill to the edge of the ventilation opening. Recessed louvers will have a more difficult time of rejecting rainwater, because water can easily collect in the recess space. Sill extensions provide a ramp underneath the louver’s sill. This ramp will have a slight decline, providing an unobstructed route to the opening.
The sill is a weak point for many louvers. Drainable louvers will drain towards the sill, but that water can collect into a puddle during a major storm. Drain pans and sill extensions provide an extra barrier and an avenue for drain water to leave from the sill. These sill accessories ensure that drained water doesn't collect into a puddle and splash back into the duct. Prevent backsplash by adding a drain pan. Keep your recessed louvers dry with sill extensions.
Flange Frames
A flange frame is a frame option consisting of one or more flanges on at least one side of the frame. Flange frames are available for louvers installed flush with the opening. Flanges are flat, metal frame members that extend along the surface of the wall when the louver is installed. Think of the louver as a painting on a wall. If the louver’s frame makes up the edge of the canvas, then the flange would act as the frame of the painting. Flanges are typically used to cover the seam of a ventilation opening.
Consider a ventilation point on a metal wall. When a louver is installed, there will be a clear dividing line between the wall and the louver's frame. The flange frame will cover this seam, so that the louver looks like a part of the metal wall. Flanges can also provide additional support to the louver by acting as an anchor point to the surrounding wall, but it is recommended that the louver be fastened to the opening as well.
Flanges can provide an aesthetic enhancement to the building’s exterior. You can create a clean look by eliminating the seam between louver and opening.
Screens
Screens are installed on the back side of the louver to prevent larger objects from passing into the ductwork. There are two common types of screens: bird screens and insect screens. Bird screens will have large holes that look like a chain-link fence. These larger holes minimize the screen’s effect on air performance while keeping birds out of the air stream. Insect screens will resemble a metal mesh, with smaller holes for air to travel through the screen. Insect screens have a greater impact on air performance because of this design. If flying insects are an issue in your area, then you will need an insect screen to keep them out.
Screens will need regular cleaning to keep the air stream free of debris. That is why many choose to add removable screens to their louvers. With this option, maintenance technicians can easily remove the screen from the back of the louver and clean it as needed. Keep uninvited guests out of your ducts with insect and bird screens.
Actuators
Actuators are important accessories for louvers with adjustable blades. These devices control the rotation of the louver’s blades, so that the louver can open and close as needed. The type of actuator you choose will depend on several factors, such as the louver’s location. Electric actuators are the most common type of actuator for adjustable louvers since louvers are typically located in hard-to-reach areas. Electric actuators operate automatically and can be configured to close via a remote signal.
Each actuator type will have advantages and disadvantages. Like many decisions, there will be a trade-off. Electric actuators provide the most options for automation, but they require an electrician to safely install. Electric actuators must be wired to the building’s power grid to operate. Pneumatic actuators can be set to activate automatically but require a centralized air compressor to operate. Manual actuators, like quadrants, can work for adjustable louvers in easy-to-reach places. Manual actuators are the cheapest option but require an operator to adjust the louver’s blade position. Actuators are intended for louvers with adjustable blades, including combination adjustable louvers. They provide no benefit to stationary louvers.
There are many optional accessories available for louvers. Louver accessories enhance a louver’s capabilities and can even help the louver fit the building’s aesthetic. Make sure your louvers are prepared for the task at hand. Equip them with the right accessories.
Louvers by AWV
AWV build louvers for commercial and industrial HVAC projects. We build each of our louvers from the ground up, so that they meet your specifications. We are louver experts, with over 50 years of experience fulfilling requirements. From standard airflow to hurricane-rated protection, AWV has you covered. Contact us today and let’s work together on your next project!
