BY AMANDA E.

McKEW

h v a c r
designer tips
TM

Louvers
✔ DRAWING CHECKLIST: 1
⁄2 in. birdscreen
Louver plenum insulate all
exposed parts with 2 in. rigid
YES N/A board insulation (also
■ ■ Louver sizes (gross area & free area) noted on drawing. “D”
insulate unused louver area)

Coordinate location with: See note

■ ■ Plumbing vents;
Access door half height of
■ ■ Generator exhaust pipe; and duct, 12 in. by 12 in. minimum
■ ■ Boiler chimney stack. (unless shown otherwise on plans)
Solder bottom joint
■ ■ Access (air restriction) around louver? & up 12 in.
■ ■ Direction of air flow (arrow). Pitch to outside
■ ■ Reference to applicable detail indicated on drawing. Caulk
DN Seal and caulk
all around
all around
Note: When “D” is over 24 in., provide 3⁄4 in. drain
at 5 ft, 0 in. centers (if depth into paper is greater
than 5 ft, 0 in.), 6 in. from louver with trap
✔ DESIGN CHECKLIST:
YES N/A
■ ■ Coordinate location & size with architect.
■ ■ Coordinate air intake louvers clear of exhaust louver and
exhaust duct discharge.
■ ■ Coordinate air intake louver location with discharge air
from cooling towers.
■ ■ Coordinate air intake louver location at grade with
motor vehicles.
■ ■ Coordinate air intake louver locations with trash
dumpster.
■ ■ Structural data (framing) coordinated with structural
engineer. If you any comments, suggestions, or questions
■ ■ Rule of thumb for intake louvers greater than 7,000 cfm regarding this new designer check list, contact
and greater– size at 400 fpm. Amanda McKew, amckew@RDKimball.com.
■ ■ Rule of thumb for exhaust louvers greater than 5,000
cfm and greater– size at 500 fpm.
■ ■ Consider agency guidelines for louvers (healthcare, etc.).
■ ■ Use stormproof louver blades when necessary.

✔ VALUE ENGINEERING TIPS:

YES N/A
■ ■ Consider exhaust discharge duct with rain cap, in lieu of
larger area louver.
■ ■ Consider backdraft damper/louver in lieu of louver and
motorized damper.

34 Engineered Systems February 2000