Louvres consist of parallel horizontal blades built from various materials – glass, wood, aluminium – that controls light infiltration and airflow into the building. They allow air and light to pass through whilst keeping out undesired elements such as dirt, debris, water, rain, moisture or the sunshine.
Louvres are, fundamentally, a ventilation product. The design of louvres, which includes the blade and the frame, differs depending on the type of ventilation required. Different configuration work for specific uses. For example, rain defence louvres will allow air to release through the blades, but not rain.
Louvre systems in industrial and commercial buildings support a variety of application from simply an aesthetic impact to a combination of light control, screening, ventilation and protection against weather elements.
Louvres are either fixed or adjustable depending on their application:
Fixed louvres:
Fixed Louvres are used for air-conditioning and similar ventilation demands. Powered by nature and designed with architectural requirements in mind, fixed louvres offer sustainable yet effective ventilation solutions.
Fixed Louvres are manufactured to provide permanent fresh air ventilation and are most effective when used simultaneously with Natural Roof Ventilation systems (The combination of the two provides a sustainable air change rate.) Ventilators evacuate stale air from within a building, replacing it with brisk fresh air from fixed louvres and other openings at low level.
The types of Fixed Louvres Curvent supply are:
Continue-Line Louvers: This is a continuous horizontal louvre panel of any length and height. By virtue of its unbroken lines, it combines an attractive appearance with a large area of opening for the movement of air. The narrow profile, concealed support mullions, joined louvre blades and the attainability of corner sections present the appearance of a continuous line of louvre, regardless of the panel size or shape.
Screening louvres: Hide unsightly equipment whilst providing essential airflow to plant machinery. Screening louvres are routinely used in locations where rain penetration is acceptable or the location is protected from adverse weather conditions as they generally offer an inadequate level of weather performance. Frequently used on the top of buildings to conceal HVAC systems. For optimal screening performance its worth remembering that screening louvres can be turned upside down to better screen plant machinery when viewed from below. They can be employed as a cover for a building service exhaust system and air-conditioning units.
Weather-resistant louvres: Give good protection against the direct entry of rain, leaves and birds. Although because of their design, they cannot prevent the entry of limited amounts of water under certain conditions. Virtual weather-proofing can only be achieved by the succeeding use of eliminators. Performance or weather louvres offer maximum ventilation and protection against water. These solutions are highly recommended to protect electrical equipment and machinery inside the building.
Rain Defence louvres: Are designed to prevent wind-driven rain entering a building, whilst still allowing efficient passage of air for natural ventilation. When specifying weather louvres we recommend comparing the airflow class and the level of rain defence provided by the louvre.
Facade louvers: Lift the appearance of buildings. They deliver a distinct look to a building's exterior, while providing shade and comfort to the people inside.
Adjustable louvres:
Much like the fixed louvre except that adjustable louvers have operable blades mounted in the frame and can be set to deliver a changeable amount of air depending on the day-to-day weather and climatic conditions.
The design features of the adjustable air inlet louvres in the open position are greater than the fixed louvre type, and through manual or automatic control mechanisms they are capable of being closed. When closed the air supply is completely cut off through this source. In the harsh African climates, adjustable louvres could be regarded as part of the standard equipment for most industrial ventilation systems.
Curvent International is one of the leaders in louvre design and supply.
All of the louvre units are available in the following product material: Galvanised, Aluminium, Zincalume, Powdered Coated and Chromadek material to match the roofing material used, providing maximum corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal.
Units can be designed in sizes suitable for most schemes and can be installed in any type of wall or cladding application. Depending on the application, special sizes and different constructions can be manufactured and made possible on request. Contact one of our louvre experts today on 011 826 5959.