Basics and Fine Points of Commercial-Building Louvers

Basics and Fine Points of Commercial-Building Louvers
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Learning Objectives Louver: Types and Functions
Introducing AMCA International Louver Testing and Certification How to Specify AMCA-Certified Louvers [MB] 12/22/2015 Note: Will need to check/modify this slide when the PPT is complete.

What exactly is a louver?
...Per AMCA publication 501 A louver is a device comprising of a blade or blades that permit the flow of air but inhibits the entrance of water or other elements [MB] 1/7/2016 Edited slide to match new definition in the revised edition of AMCA 501. Note: Would be great to insert a good high rez color image of a louver on this slide. [ak] 2/14/2016 Added images of louvers and reformatted text

Louver “Parts Breakdown”
Head Frame The outermost structure of a louver assembly comprising the head, sill, and jambs joined together to support the blades. Head The upper or highest horizontal frame member of a louver. Sill The bottom or lowest horizontal frame member of a louver. Jamb The vertical frame member on the sides of a louver Blade A bar, slat, or vane in a louver assembly usually mounted within a frame. Frame Blade Jamb [MB] 1/7/2016 – new slide Note: Would be great to insert an exploded view of a generic louver line dwg. [ak] 2/14/2016 – added image with callouts Materials used in louver construction may vary depending on the type of louver, type of installation and the finish desired. Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel, can even have Wood, Copper, etc… Sill

Louver Types & Blade Styles
Fixed Blade (Stationary) Adjustable Blade Combination Blade Types Architectural (Non-drainable) J or K Blade Drainable Blade Single or Dual Drain [MB] 1/7/2016 – new slide 3 main types of Louvers - Adjustable/combination louvers are used to save space in place of a separate damper and louver. - Blades within the adjustable louver rotate within the frame. - Combination louvers utilize a front fixed blade and a adjustable rear blade built into the same frame. 2 main types of Blades Note: Images from AMCA 501

Louver Types & Blade Styles
Fixed Blade (Stationary) Adjustable Blade Combination Blade Types Architectural (Non-drainable) J or K Blade Drainable Blade Single or Dual Drain Stationary Adjustable Combination [ak] 2/14/2016 same as previous slide, but with color images 3 main types of Louvers - Adjustable/combination louvers are used to save space in place of a separate damper and louver. - Blades within the adjustable louver rotate within the frame. - Combination louvers utilize a front fixed blade and a adjustable rear blade built into the same frame. 2 main types of Blades Note: Images from AMCA 501 J Blade K Blade Drainable Blade

Specialty Louver Types
Sightproof Louvers Y Blade Z Blade V Blade Wind-Driven Rain Louvers Horizontal Blade Vertical Blade Acoustical Louvers J Blade Airfoil Blade [MB] 1/7/2016 – new slide [ak] 2/14/2016 added drawings for WDR louvers There are other types of louvers for special applications - Sightproof louvers are typically stationary blade type louvers. - Wind-Driven Rain louvers typically feature drainable horizontal or vertical blades - Acoustical Louvers typically incorporate acoustical insulation Note: Images from AMCA 501. There is no generic image of an WDR louver in 501.

Louver Design Features
Frame Types Channel Flange Interior Flange Exterior Flange Glazing Adapter Mullion Types Architectural Recessed Visible [MB] 1/7/2016 – new slide [ak] 2/14/2016 added optional mullion type renderings 3 main Frames styles 3 types of Mullions Note: Images from AMCA 501 Architectural Mullion Recessed Mullion Visible Mullion

Louver Installations Where are louvers typically installed?
Exterior Wall Interior Wall Curtain Wall Roof (Penthouse) Ductwork [MB] 1/7/2016 – new slide Great looking louvers with amazing performance mean nothing if they are not properly installed. Note: Not sure where image was taken from, might’ve been a Nailor image, but possibly came from elsewhere.

Louver Installation Methods
[MB] 1/7/2016 – new slide Note: Images taken from AMCA 501.

Louver “Evolution” “Z” or “J” Non-Drainable Blade Louver
Good airflow; very little rain defense “K” Non-Drainable Blade Louver Old “stormproof”; average airflow; very little rain defense Drainable Louvers Good airflow; some rain defense Wind Driven Rain Louvers Good airflow on vertical blade; moderate airflow on horizontal blade; stops most wind driven rain “Hurricane” Resistant Louvers Florida Code Compliant Louvers Moderate airflow; most stringent tests; severe storm conditions; missile impact resistance [MB] 1/7/2016 – minor text edits, moved slide As louver designs evolve, more blades styles mean broader application to specific functions. Years ago, one blade shape was utilized for each application i.e., intake, exhaust, screen, rain defense, architectural appearance , etc. The key in selecting the correct louver is to determine what we want the louver to do, early on in the design process. In order to assist in that process, we will address each louver “family” and review the most typical or appropriate application, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of each. Additionally, we must remain focused on our 5 selection criteria: Air volume, rain defense, structural integrity, noise and aesthetics. The final form or shape of the louver is often a compromise based upon all the design performance criteria and the aesthetic value.

Louver Design Considerations
When designing louvers, consideration should be given to the following criteria: Air Performance (Pressure Drop) Water Penetration (Rain defense) Sand Rejection Structural Integrity Noise Aesthetics [MB] 1/7/2016 – minor text edits We shall look at all five considerations to determine which type of louver suits the given building type.

Air Performance Airflow/Volume Pressure Drop Free Area Velocity
The measurement of the rate of airflow that passes through a louver (measured in cfm/m3s) Pressure Drop The resistance to airflow across an open louver (stated in inches of water/kpa) Free Area Velocity Rate of airflow that passes through the free area of a louver (expressed in fpm/ms). [MB] 1/7/2016 – edited slide title All three factors depend on the other. Airflow is the amount of air needed to perform the air handling functions in the building. Pressure Drop can increase or decrease with airflow depending on the louver design. Free Area Velocity varies as louver construction varies. Closely spaced louver blades generally have lower free areas and thus higher free area velocity for a given cfm airflow.

Louver Sizing Criteria: ASHRAE Recommendations
2012 ASHRAE HVAC Systems & Equipment: Intake: 7,000 cfm and greater = 400 fpm Less than 7,000 cfm = see Fig.14 Exhaust 5,000 cfm and greater = 500 fpm Less than 5,000 cfm = see Fig.14 [MB] 1/7/2016 – new slide Not much is written on the design criteria for Louvers in ASHRAE’s publications. The from design velocity for intake louvers is lower because of water penetration concerns. Note: Images taken 2012 ASHRAE HVAC Systems & Equipment publication 2009 ASHRAE Fundamentals: 4.7: Outside Air Intakes: selected louver should offer minimum pressure loss, preferably not more that 0.10” w.g.

Rain Defense (Water Penetration)
AMCA 500-L The louver test standard Water Penetration Test The velocity at which .01 ounces of water passed through the louver Wind-Driven Rain Test Test standard with wind pressure applied to face of louver AMCA 550 High Velocity Wind-Driven Rain Test Wind-Driven Rain test at 35, 70, 90 and 110 m.p.h. Effectiveness Class Classification of louver performance [MB] 1/7/2016 – minor text edits AMCA 500-L is the current louver test standard that includes Water Penetration and Wind Driven Rain test criteria. Water Penetration Test refers to the test method that uses “Still Air.” Wind Driven Rain Tests are new to the USA. They are loosely based on European test standards generated by HEVAC. Effectiveness Class is the new water penetration classification used for Wind Driven Rain.

Rain Defense RAIN WIND Prevents Damage
Mechanical Rooms, Generators, Production Plants, Electrical switchgear areas… Protects interior finishes & contents. Exhibition Halls, Warehousing, Museums… [MB] 1/7/2016 – minor text edits Water causes damage and the louvers can help prevent it on expensive buildings and equipment like Generators, Production Plants and electrical switchgear areas. Protection must also be provided for building interior finishes and contents in Exhibition Halls, Warehousing, museums etc...

Water Infiltration [ak] 2/14/2016 – Inserted new slide with water infiltration images. Shows what happens when you don’t specify and install the correct louver for the application.

AMCA Test Figure 5.6 [MB] 1/7/2016 – new slide

AMCA 500-L Water Penetration Test
[ak] 2/14/2016 New Slide

Louver Still Air Test [ak] – 2/14/2016 Inserted image of water penetration test

AMCA Test Figure 5.11 [MB] 1/7/2016 – new slide

AMCA 500-L Wind-Driven Rain Test
[ak] – 2/14/2016 New Slide

Louver - Wind-Driven Rain Test
[ak] – 2/14/2016 Inserted image of Wind-Driven Rain Test

Sand Rejection AMCA 500-L test procedure
Test procedure and certification launched January 13, 2016 Test includes pressure-drop (air performance) Sand particles ranging from X to X Primarily a concern for Middle East region Could be applicable in construction near beaches and other sandy regions worldwide [MB] 1/7/2016 – moved slide, minor text edits

Sand Louver Application
[MB] 12/23/2015 – moved slide [ak] – 2/14/2016 – added images

Structural Integrity Windloads:
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) formula Hidden or Visible supports Effective Wind Speed (mph) Louver panel size Blade Span (Span tables) Intermediate bracing Impact Testing: AMCA Standard 540 The ASCE formula takes into account the basic wind speed (mph), importance factor, exposure factor, height above ground and any louvers within 10' from corners. Roughly 10% of projects have this requirement. The louver support system affects the appearance and the performance of the louver. Wind speeds can be determined by local authorities or by local codes.

Louver – AMCA 540 Impact Test
[ak] – 2/14/2016 Inserted image of impact test

Noise Sound Transmission Loss Sound Transmission Classification (STC)
ASTM E90-99 Sound Transmission Classification (STC) ASTM E413-87 Free Field Noise Reduction ASTM E Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements. The STC rating is calculated in accordance with ASTM test method E413-87(1999) Standard Classification for Rating Sound Insulation. Free Field Noise Reduction is specified in decibels and represents the louvers sound reduction in open area.

Aesthetics Specialty Shape Finish Types
Performance - AMCA performance not valid unless specific shapes tested Finish Types To match building construction elements Primer, Baked Enamel, Powder Coat, Fluoropolymer and Anodize finishes most common [MB] 1/7/2016 – minor text edits The louver aesthetics are a critical design element in the building construction. Care must be taken not to compromise louver performance for the sake of aesthetics. A balanced approach is required when considering any louver shape. The finish type is matched to the building construction elements. Many varieties and options are available in the industry.

Aesthetic Examples

Introducing AMCA International
With all of the design flexibility of a louver, testing to real world conditions becomes a very key task. Louvers must not only look good, but they must perform in various elements of nature. So what organization makes sure that the louvers work as required?

AMCA International AMCA International www.amca.org
Not for profit manufacturers association incepted in 1917 More than 355 member companies worldwide Administers AMCA Certified Ratings Program Has a worldwide network of testing laboratories. Publishes rating test standards, handbooks and application guides AMCA Organization The Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA International) is a not-for-profit, international association of the world’s manufacturers of air system equipment –– primarily, but not limited to fans, louvers, dampers, air curtains, airflow measurement stations, acoustic attenuators, and other system components for industrial, commercial, and residential markets. One of its most significant activities is to serve as an independent third-party that verifies manufacturer’s performance of products within AMCA International’s scope. AMCA International is the administrator of the Certified Ratings Program, which is supported by a state-of-the-art testing laboratory. AMCA International publishes and distributes standards, general publications, brochures, and application guides to use in the selection, evaluation, and trouble-shooting of air system components. AMCA International regularly conducts various seminars and training programs in support of its member companies and industries. A complete description of the various services and programs performed by AMCA International is available on its website at

What is the AMCA Certified Ratings Program?
How AMCA’s third-party verification works: Companies send products to AMCA for testing AMCA tests products for parameters specified AMCA checks its data against manufacturer literature The AMCA CRP was developed in response to a need for validated product performance ratings Buyers, specifiers, and users of air movement and control devices needed to know they were getting what they paid for. AMCA created the CRP to provide third-party verification of manufacturer data, and it 1. Companies send products to the AMCA laboratory for testing, requesting certification for performance parameters 2. AMCA tests products for parameters specified by the manufacturer 3. AMCA checks its test data against the data the manufacturer provided to verify it is the same, within a certain tolerance Only after the product has been tested and the manufacturer’s cataloged ratings have been approved can manufacturers display the AMCA seal for the parameters tested.

After certification, the product Is licensed to bear AMCA’s seal Is listed in AMCA’s online database After certification, The product is licensed to bear AMCA’s seal for the performance specified and tested The product can be listed in AMCA’s online database of certified products, which specifiers may visit to find products they can count on

It helps the promote the health, growth, and integrity of the industry by Promoting fair competition Ensuring product performance Providing a way for manufacturers to promote products beyond just their word The CRP fulfills AMCA’s mission by doing the following Promotes fair competition by leveling the playing field Assures buyers, users and specifiers that manufacturer’s published performance ratings are reliable and accurate Gives manufacturers a way to prove their product is as good as they say it is Lets them place an easily identifiable seal on their product Allows them to point to a third party’s (AMCA’s) database of certified products

Some background on the program Over 50 years old Over 3,000 certified products 21 types of products certified 3,350 certified products 240 AMCA members participate in program Testing in independent labs Some background on the program It has been around for over 50 years There are over 3,000 certified products There are 21 types of products that AMCA certifies AMCA has certified 3,350 products There are 240 AMCA members that participate in program AMCA has a program to accredit labs that operate independently, providing more options to potential CRP participants

AMCA Certified Ratings Program
Still growing after 60 years

What DOESN’T This Seal Mean?
What is the AMCA Seal? What DOESN’T This Seal Mean? ≠ “Tested in accordance with AMCA Standard 500-L”

What DOESN’T This Seal Mean?
What is the AMCA Seal? What DOESN’T This Seal Mean? ≠

AMCA International How do you know the product you specified is licensed by AMCA International? Visit AMCA website ― and click on Certified and Listed Products; select Search for Licensed Products from dropdown menu Check the manufacturer’s catalogs Look for AMCA International’s Certified Ratings Seal on the product (seals are optional) Contact AMCA International’s Certified Ratings Program Department ― How do you know a product you specified is licensed by AMCA International? There are basically four ways to determine if a product is participating in AMCA International’s Certified Ratings Program. They are: Visit AMCA International’s website at and click on Licensed Products. The products are displayed by manufacturers or companies and by product type. Check the manufacturer’s catalog. All catalogs containing certified ratings are submitted to AMCA International’s technical staff for approval before publication. Look for the Certified Ratings Seal on the product. Contact AMCA International’s Certified Ratings Program Department by phone (847) or fax (847) or

AMCA International Free white papers on AMCA Certified Ratings Program: Introducing the AMCA Certified Ratings Program Guideline Specifications for AMCA-Certified Products How to Assure AMCA-Certified Products are Installed Introduction to Intake and Exhaust Louvers All free at

Louver Testing and Certification
AMCA Louver test methods. There are two distinct methods. Water Penetration at “Still Air” conditions and Wind Driven Rain. Each method carries its own certification.

AMCA Standard 500-L Tests and Certifies the following:
Free Air Velocity through Louver Pressure Drop Beginning Point of Water Penetration Water Rejecting Effectiveness Discharge Loss Leakage (for operable louvers) Sand rejection The louver tests for 500-L include the following: Free Air Velocity Pressure Drop Beginning Point of Water Penetration Water Rejecting Effectiveness Discharge Loss And Leakage (for operable louvers - combination and moveable types)

Standard 511 CRP Manual for Louvers
AMCA CRP seals for one or more licenses; licenses can be combined into one seal: Water Penetration, Air Performance Air Leakage Air Performance, Wind Driven Rain Wind Driven Rain Water Penetration, Air Performance, Wind Driven Rain Wind Driven Sand (new!) AMCA certified seals are available for the many different tests and should be present on the manufacturer’s literature.

Specification Differences
Standard fixed: (spec language) Drainable: (spec language) Wind-driven rain: (spec language)

How to Specify AMCA-Certified Louvers

How Should AMCA-Certified Products Be Specified?
AMCA publications provide guidance or outline the rules of the AMCA Certified Ratings Program. Consider the following exemplary language for your specification “Louvers will be licensed to bear the AMCA Certified Ratings Program seal for wind-driven rain resistance in compliance with AMCA Publication 511” Or sand rejection, air performance, sound performance, etc. Because AMCA publications may contain the requirements needed for a product to be certified, it is encouraged to reference them in a specification. Here are some examples of language that can be used in a spec. Publications that relate to the AMCA Certified Ratings Program can be identified by their designation, which will end in “11” or “12”

How Do I Specify AMCA-Certified Products?
“Licensed to bear the AMCA seal” vs “tested in accordance with” an AMCA standard… Which is the correct language to use? “LICENSED TO BEAR THE AMCA SEAL” “TESTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN AMCA STANDARD” *ANIMATION—advancing shows checkmark on correct answer*

AMCA PUBLICATIONS AMCA publications provide guidance or outline the rules of the AMCA Certified Ratings Program. They should be referenced in a spec. Consider the following exemplary language for your specification: “Fans shall comply with AMCA Publication 11 to bear the AMCA Certified Ratings Program seal for air performance and sound performance” “Louvers will be licensed to bear the AMCA Certified Ratings Program seal for wind driven sand resistance in compliance with AMCA Publication 11” Because AMCA publications may contain the requirements needed for a product to be certified, it is encouraged to reference them in a specification. Here are some examples of language that can be used in a spec. Publications that relate to the AMCA Certified Ratings Program can be identified by their designation, which will end in “11” or “12”

Language to avoid: “Fans shall have the AMCA Certified Ratings Program seal for air performance and sound performance” “Louvers will be tested in accordance with AMCA Standard 500-L” The wording in first bullet should be avoided because a manufacturer can certify a product but choose not to append the seal. It only needs to be AMCA-licensed to bear the seal. The wording in the second bullet, as we discussed earlier, does not actually require the product be certified.

To ensure certified products are specified, the writer of the spec should Select an AMCA-certified product type Find products via AMCA’s online certified program search Make sure to mention the certified performance parameters needed Other things that will make sure AMCA products are specified: Making sure the specifier looks at AMCA’s scope to see that the product called for can actually be AMCA-certified Making sure the product is listed in AMCA’s database on their website And if, for instance, the building calls for a fan that needs to pass a certain criteria for sound, the specifier should be sure the fan chosen from AMCA’s database has been certified specifically for sound performance.

Louver Presentation Summary
Today we discussed… Louver types, definitions and terms to familiarize ourselves with the subject matter. Value of organizations like AMCA International and AMCA Certified Ratings Program. How to specify louvers and AMCA-certified louvers Today, we discussed … Louver definitions and terms to familiarize ourselves with the subject matter. Then we discussed the value of organizations like AMCA International: The leader in Air Movement Test Standards. Our main focus was on old and new louver test methods and how louvers have evolved to keep up with the tests. Wind Driven Rain/Storm Resistant louvers provide better rain defense than any other louver on the market.

More AMCA Resources AMCA 500-L test standard
AMCA 501 application guide AMCA 511 certified ratings manual AMCA International as an Information Source AMCA International maintains a comprehensive collection of publications containing topics of interest to anyone with an interest in air system components. Included in AMCA International’s publications are standards, application guides, certification programs, videos, and CD programs. All of these can be ordered through AMCA International’s website at

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