From roof pitch to finish options, framing and more, a successful metal building project takes countless components coming together just right. And, while all elements serve a purpose, some gain more attention than others. One crucial—yet often overlooked—metal building accessory is the louver.
Louvers support proper ventilation and produce healthy indoor conditions
At its most basic, a louver is a framed set of blades affixed to a building in such a way that it allows fresh air to make its way in, while keeping moisture, dirt and the like safely outside. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, however. Though deceptively simple in design, the louver brings big benefits to metal buildings by supporting proper ventilation and encouraging healthy, comfortable indoor conditions.
Air Quality and Indoor Comfort
A metal building’s louvers allow fresh, cool air to flow in, and provide crucial support to the structure’s other ventilation accessories. The added air intake aids the building’s ridge vents in ushering out everything from hot, stale air to fumes and moisture. With these components teaming together, the end result is a comfortable indoor environment that keeps people healthier, thanks to the lower likelihood of allergens, mold and air pollutants finding a place to call home indoors.
Providing Easy Installation and Instant Relief
There are many benefits to metal buildings, and quick construction sits near the top of the list. Such is also true for louvers, which can be easily incorporated during the building process and added after the fact if needed, too. These louvers’ self flashing means companies don’t have to contend with finding just-right trims to complete the job. Simply pop them in, secure them and get on with the rest of the project. The ventilation benefits begin immediately.
Options for Individual Spaces
A custom metal building should be just that: custom. From the beams and paint choices, to the ventilation tools incorporated, every element should serve the building’s specific space and purpose. Louvers come in fixed and adjustable options, and each option offers unique benefits.
Options include, but are not limited to:
• Electric louvers: With motorized operators incorporated into their design, this adjustable option is ideal for spaces with many installed louvers or those with louvers not easily accessible by building personnel.
• Manual louvers: Featuring hand cranks or chain operations, this adjustable option requires physical manipulation for easy opening and closing. Manual options work best in easy-to-reach spaces without too many louvers to contend with.
• Fixed louvers: Engineered to allow fresh air in while keeping dirt, bugs and moisture out with no need for added adjustments. Fixed louvers work well in out-of-reach spaces
• Florida-approved louvers: Available in both fixed and adjustable formats, Florida Approved louvers feature enhanced engineering to ensure they stand strong in extreme weather scenarios. They are aptly named, thanks to the fact that they are approved by the Florida Building Commission. Please note that, while not required, many professionals suggest fully closing adjustable louvers’ blades in the event of extreme wind or rain.
The Right Finishing Touch
Airflow isn’t a louver’s sole purpose in life. With a wide range of colors, shapes and finishes available, louvers can also add to a metal building’s aesthetic appeal. In fact, some metal building manufacturers offer triangular or round architectural louvers focused on upping the design aspect. While the architectural options might look a little different, they are designed to carry out the same ventilation work as well as their more traditional counterparts.
Louvers might not be the flashiest of metal building accessories, but in their understated way they play a key role in keeping spaces healthy and comfortable. The truth is, while you might not put too much thought into this specific ventilation element, you—and your customers—would notice the effects fairly quickly if those louvers went away.
Travis Wendt is president of Houston-based Metallic Products. For more information, visit www.mpvent.com.
