Frequently Asked Questions About Louvers

Q: What is the difference between face velocity and free area velocity?
A: Face velocity is the total CFM divided by the total area square footage used. Free area velocity is the CFM divided by the square footage of the free area. (Free area velocity is the industry standard.)

Q: Is an exterior bird screen available and would it alter the cost?
A: Yes, exterior bird screen is available. Our standard bird screen is manufactured as a mill finished product. Greenheck can also provide screens with a finish to match a painted or anodized louver. (quotation required)

Q: Is a louvered penthouse with drainable blades and mitered corners available?
A: Yes, but mitered corners aren't necessary. Where would the water drain? We recommend box corners on the drainable blade penthouses.

Q: What is the best way to spec sizes of Greenheck louvers?
A: Always specify as width x height. The width will be the dimension that runs parallel to the blade.

Q: What is Greenheck's standard manufacturing procedure for assembling louvers?
A: Greenheck uses stainless steel mechanical fasteners to assemble louvers. Welded construction is available as an alternative. (A quotation for welded construction would be needed.)

Q: Does Greenheck have any models that tested 100% effective at stopping the penetration of wind driven rain?
A: Yes, louver models EVH-602 and EVH-801 have tested at 100% effective per the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA) test method.

Q: What is the most common position for a bird and/or insect screen to be mounted?
A: On the internal (rear) side of the louver. External (face) mounting is an available option.

Q: What is the most common position for a flange to be mounted on a louver?
A: Around the external (face) perimeter of the louver. Internal (rear) perimeter flanges are also available. Internal flange louvers would be treated as a special design request, so additional lead time is required.

Q: Does custom color matching cost any extra?
A: No, Greenheck will provide custom color matching at no extra charge. However, product will not be scheduled until the customer has approved the color match. Note: Custom color or painted louvers are not available on the Quick Build program.

Q: What are the finish warranties for Greenheck louvers?
A: When supplied on aluminum louvers, baked enamel finishes carry a 1-year warranty. Acroflur (modified Kynar) finish carries a 5 year warranty and Kynar 500 finish is warranted for 10 years. As an industry standard, finishes supplied on fabricated steel louvers do not carry any warranties.

Q: Can I get a 20-year warranty on Kynar paint on aluminum.
A: In most instances, yes. However, due to the many variables (color, product, product use and location) consult the factory.

Q: Can you identify a "Brand X Model XYZ" louver?
A: Most often, yes we can. Competitive louver product information is available from any louver Product Specialist. We also have the capability to search the Internet for additional information.

Q: What is the standard flange dimension?
A: Unless specified differently, our louver mounting flanges are supplied 1-1/2" wide.

Q: What is the difference between a "J" style louver blade and a "K" style?
A: "K" style blades incorporate an additional offset, or "rain hook" in each blade which is intended to provide additional protection against water penetration. The actual performance of the two styles is very similar.

Q: What is the average lead-time for engineering submittal drawings?
A: The current lead-time is approximately 7 working days after the request has been received. We are also able to accommodate our customers when an exceptionally quick turn around is required.

Q: Can Greenheck provide louvers with a flange size of other than 1-1/2"?
A: Yes, but anything other than 1-1/2" will require a quotation.