Innovative engineering and architectural ingenuity are key ingredients of a successful metal building project. Even so, other components are just as important. For a structure to best serve the people who use it each day—and maintain a healthy, comfortable interior environment—it must have proper ventilation. That’s where the wall louver comes into play.
A popular element that is both effective and easy to incorporate into metal buildings, the louver boasts a deceptively simple design. At its core, it’s a framed set of blades affixed to a building in a way that allows fresh air to enter the space, while keeping things such as unwanted moisture, dirt and ice outside where they belong. Of course, there’s more to it than that. With a range of options available, each suited to specific environments and building needs, selecting the right wall louver takes some thought.
Step 1: Understand Your Available Options
Although most wall louvers look similar—and perform nearly identical functions—they aren’t all created equal. In fact, the minute details that distinguish one louver from another can make big difference. Here is a general overview of the louver types available to builders today:
- Adjustable Electric Louvers: This option features a motorized operator and is ideal for spaces that either features a number of louvers, or those with louvers that are not easily accessible.
- Adjustable Manual Louvers: This option, which features hand cranks or chain operators, requires physical manipulation to open or close the louver vent. A manual louver typically works best in easy-to-reach spaces without too many louvers, since a person will be responsible for the opening and closing.
- Fixed Louvers: Aptly named fixed louvers feature 45-degree blades that remain firmly in place—no need to open or close them. Despite the fact that such vents are always open, they are engineered in a way that still keeps dirt, bugs and moisture out. These louvers are ideal for out-of-reach spaces.
- Florida Approved Louvers: With both fixed and adjustable varieties available, Florida Approved louvers are built specifically to stand up against the elements in areas affected regularly by high winds and extreme weather. The name comes from the fact that such louvers meet engineering requirements set forth by the Florida Building Commission.
It is important to note that many professionals recommend completely closing an adjustable louver’s blades in the event of extreme wind or rain. Although they are built to withstand such weather, the added precaution provides an extra layer of protection for your metal building.
Step 2: Consider Necessary Customizations
Louver manufacturers typically create their products in bulk, offering a range of sizes they know will meet most metal building companies’ needs. In the event that your metal building design requires something outside the ordinary, however, most manufacturers will be willing to work with you.
The best way to approach the situation is to arm yourself with as much information as you can—project plans, desired specs and, if possible, your ideal timeline. The more information you provide, the better able your manufacturer will be to understand what would be required on their part, and to determine whether they can help. Remember, a custom-built louver will likely cost more than one that comes off the factory floor. In many instances, it makes more overall financial sense to cater a design around the necessary parts, rather than the other way around.
Sizing isn’t the only customization you’ll contend with. Most metal building accessory manufacturers offer a number of color and finish options to ensure your louvers and other elements flow seamlessly with your building’s look and feel. (After all, every metal building project is a team effort!)
Step 3: Get to Work Knowing Your Louvers Support Every Aspect of your Build
We’ve already spoken about the wall louver’s ability to allow fresh air in while making sure that what’s supposed to stay outside really does stay outside. That isn’t the end of its work, however. Here are other ways your louver serves your metal building project:
- Quick and Easy Installation: Many people tout metal buildings for their quick construction times, and accessories such as louvers help make those speedy builds possible. Louvers go in quickly and begin working immediately—and with self flashing, they don’t even require additional trim.
- Support for Your Overall Ventilation System: The air your louvers bring inside helps your building’s ridge vents usher out fumes, moisture, hot air, allergens and the like. In other words, every element works together to help ensure the structure remains comfortable and keeps people healthy.
- Nice Architectural Additions: Louvers aren’t just about air flow. With architectural louvers available in aesthetically appealing shapes, they look pretty great, too. A louver might just be the finishing touch that completes your project.
Often under-appreciated—but always necessary—the louver can be a builder’s best friend. How much thought have you given yours?
Travis Wendt is owner and president of Houston-based Metallic Products Corp. For more information, visit mpvent.com.