IM 725 (1-02)
7
Installing Louvers
Typical Installation Methods
If the fresh air opening has not yet been made, see figures 5 through
12 for the recommended locations and the job-specific plans for the
exact location. Follow local codes.
Cut the wall opening so that it is slightly larger than the louver being
installed. For dimensions, see Table 1. If the opening is already there,
measure to be sure there is a minimum of 3/8" (9mm) clearance around
all sides. For masonry installations, a lintel must be installed above all
louvers.
In thick wall applications, the portion of the wall between the louver
and the unit is the outside air plenum. Line this plenum area with 3/8"
(9 mm) mortar or other suitable material. In some applications, the job
specifications require a metal sleeve connection between the louver
and the unit. If using such a sleeve, properly caulk it to ensure a
weather-tight seal. This is critical in preventing freeze-ups, cold
drafts, and air infiltration. Be sure the wall is smooth, square, and
provides a suitable mating surface.
See figure 13. Before setting the louver, construct a sloping, sealed
cement mortar base to drain unwanted moisture to the outside. Be sure
the mortar base is 1" (25mm) thick at the unit and tapers toward the
louver. The mortar at the unit also acts as a backing against which the
open cell gasket of the unit itself can seal. This is critical in preventing
water leaks and air leaks under the unit. Be sure the sealed cement
mortar base is smooth and flush with the interior wall.
If it is not possible to construct a sloping mortar base, then field-
supplied flashing is required. See figure 14. The flashing should
terminate flush with the exterior of the building. Place a bead of caulk
under the flashing to prevent moisture from wicking back to the unit.
Do not caulk the joint between the louver and the flashing. This joint
is designed to let unwanted moisture escape.
Personal injury hazard. Avoid contact with
sharp edges
.
See figures 5 through 12. Before setting the louver, be sure the drain
lip or weep holes are at the bottom, and the bird screen is towards the
unit. See figures 3 and 4. Place a heavy bead of caulk along the top and
the two vertical sides of the louver, leaving the bottom uncaulked so
that if moisture gets into the area between the louver and the unit, it can
drain to the outside, unrestricted.
If the louver is supplied with flanges, (see figure 4) place an additional
bead of caulk on the inside of the top and side flanges that come in
contact with the building facade. Do not caulk the bottom flange. Place
the louver in the opening and push it tight against the supplied
building, fastening it to the exterior of the building using fasteners (by
others) appropriate to the installation. Seal the top and sides with a
waterproof caulk to make it weather-tight. Do not caulk the bottom of
the louver; doing so might trap unwanted moisture behind the flange.
(See figure 16)
If the louver is supplied with no flanges, (see figure 3) place the louver
in the opening so that it is recessed a minimum 1/16" (2mm) beyond
the building facade or as directed in the architectural plans. If specified
in the plans, secure the louver in the wall using mechanical fasteners
(supplied by others) appropriate to the installation. (See figure 15 for
suggested fastening). With the louver solidly in place, run a bead of
caulk around the perimeter of the louver to seal it weather-tight. Do not
plug the weep holes (horizontal louver) or the drip line (vertical
louver). This might restrict the flow of unwanted moisture to the
outside (see figure 16)
See figure 14. If flashing was used instead of the sloping mortar base,
caulk the flashing where it meets the inside of the opening between the
louver and the unit. This helps prevent moisture from getting under the
flashing and into the room.
CAUTION
!
Louver
No
Caulk
Unit Gasket
Wall
Unit
1" (25mm)
Floor
Caulk
(By
Others)
Flashing
(By
Others)
Figure 14 - Typical Louver Installation with Flashing
Unit Gasket
Sealed Cement
Mortar;
Pitch Away
From Unit
Floor
Wall
Unit
Louver
No
Caulk
1" (25mm)
Figure 13 - Typical Louver Installation with Sloping Sealed Cement Mortar
Base
Table 1 - Recommended Wall Openings For Wall Louvers (for figures 18 - 20)
R e c o m m e n d e d
Maximum Number of
VentiMatic
Wall Openings
VentiMatic Shutters
Shutter(s)
B
C
For Wall Louvers
Which Can Be Mounted Air Capacity
On Standard Louver
M a x i m u m
L e n g t h
H e i g h t 24" Shutter 36" Shutter
c f m
L / s
2 4 "
2 7 "
24
5
⁄
8
"
10
7
⁄
8
"
(610)
(659)
(613)
(267)
1
0
5 0 0
2 3 6
3 6 "
3 9 "
36
5
⁄
8
"
10
7
⁄
8
"
(914)
(991)
(918)
(267)
0
1
7 5 0
3 5 4
4 8 "
5 1 "
48
5
⁄
8
"
10
7
⁄
8
"
(1219) (1295) (1222)
(267)
2
0
1000
4 7 2
6 0 "
6 3 "
60
5
⁄
8
"
10
7
⁄
8
"
(1524) (1600) (1527)
(267)
1
1
1250
5 9 0
7 2 "
7 5 "
72
5
⁄
8
"
19
7
⁄
8
"
(1829) (1905) (1832)
(495)
0
2
1500
7 0 8