A louver is a series of slats that can be used to control the lighting and airflow in a building, while also increasing the privacy of the space. They’re commonly found on windows and doors, but they are also used with HVAC systems to keep debris out.

In this article, I’ve outlined what louvers are and how they work. I also covered some of their most common applications to help you decide whether they’re suitable for your home.


What Is a Louver?

Louvers, also known as louvres in other parts of the world, are shutters, window blinds, and window treatments that allow for control over light, ventilation, and visibility through angled horizontal slats. Louver windows and doors can come with the slats installed, or they may be a later addition.

Some types are fixed in place, but there are adjustable louvers available as well, which give homeowners more control over the light and air entering their space. These slats can also be excellent for increased sound attenuation and weather protection.

Louvers are also found in HVAC systems. They allow airflow into the system but block debris and dirt from getting in.

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What Is The Purpose of Louvers?

Louvers are used to control natural light, temperature, and airflow in a building. They can let fresh air in while helping to keep debris, such as allergens, out. With better air control, homeowners and businesses can better control the interior climate, especially if they’re using adjustable louvers.

Louvers are often installed to the façades of restaurants and other public buildings to increase privacy for patrons and guests. You can also use them in homes to prevent sunlight from coming in at certain times of day (like early morning or late afternoon), which can help with temperature control and the building’s energy efficiency.


Different Types of Louvers

Louver systems come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and slanted vents can be made of various materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. They can be combined with other cooling equipment, such as evaporative cooling pads or fans. These are four different types of louvers you can see in your home or business:

Stationary louvers are the most common type of industrial louver. They can be fixed in place or mounted on tracks.

Stationary louvers are affixed to an object as part of its design as sunscreens or shading devices for windows and doors. They don’t have any moving parts; instead, they’re made of metal or plastic and use a curved design to control airflow.

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Louvers with movable parts allow you to alter their position depending on what kind of airflow you want to achieve in a space.

They have hinges that allow them to be opened or closed manually — this makes it easy to regulate temperature levels when necessary.

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Combination louvers have both stationary and adjustable features in one product.

They allow you to adjust the amount of airflow coming through your system while still controlling how much heat gets out. This makes them ideal year-round.

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Air-measuring louvers have closely-spaced vertical blades that prevent water from entering the structure.

Louvers with narrow vertical blades are used primarily in industrial buildings and other establishments where there is a need for ventilation and protection against rain or snow.

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By Application

Different types of louvers are required depending on the building. Each has different functions and applications.

Function

Industrial louvers are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, including rain, wind, and snow. They’re usually made of metal or wood and are installed on top of a building’s exterior wall.

Application

Industrial louvers are often used in warehouses and factories where there’s a lot of heat generated around the area.

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They can also be used in office buildings where there’s less chance of flooding from above ground level due to runoff from nearby rivers or streams nearby, such as those located near rivers or streams.

Function

Commercial louvers are generally smaller than industrial louvers but still large enough to provide adequate ventilation.

Application

Designed for use in high-traffic areas in commercial buildings, such as grocery stores and airports, commercial louvers are often made from metal or plastic to be cleaned quickly and last longer.

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Function

Architectural louvers’ primary purpose is to provide shade, increase privacy, and allow natural light to enter a room or building. They can also create an aesthetically pleasing exterior.

Application

The louvers can be placed over doors, windows, or other openings in structures or facades. They’re usually installed outside the building so that they do not interfere with interior space or function.

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What Is a Louver Vent?

A louver vent helps you control airflow in your home. It can help you reduce energy costs and improve your home’s indoor air quality.

Louvers are usually installed on the outside walls of your home, and they let in fresh air while keeping out warm or cold air, depending on which way they’re opened.

Louver vents come in many different types and sizes, but all work on the same principle: they direct air where you want it to go based on how much pressure is exerted against them.


How Can You Maintain Louvers?

Some louvers have a lifespan of around 20 years, but require regular care and maintenance to make sure they look as good as the day they were installed. Louvers should be cleaned at least every six months. If the building is close to the ocean or an industrial environment, however, they may require more attention due to the salt, grime, and pollution.

To clean most louvers, homeowners should remove debris with a wet sponge and remove any mold growth. This is also a good time to unblock nearby drainage systems. For more stubborn debris and deposits, warm fresh water, a brush, and mild household detergent can be used. Once you’ve finished cleaning, you’ll want to rinse the area with fresh water. You shouldn’t use high-pressure water systems near any motorized louvers.


Louvers can serve a variety of functions and can be found in various locations, from rooftops and attics to windows and gates. To match your unique home’s needs, you can control their size and shape, tilt angle, aperture size, and material type. They can be fantastic for improving a home’s air quality and for improved control over the temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Materials Are Louvers Typically Made From?

Louvers are usually made of metal, wood, glass, or aluminum.


What Are the Downsides of Louvers?

The major downside of louvers is the fact that they are difficult to clean. They have ridges and hard-to-reach places, which can make maintenance time-consuming.


How Long Does a Louver Last?

With proper care and maintenance, a louver should last about 20 years, if not longer.


Editorial Contributors
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Hilary Cairns

Hilary Cairns is a writer with 12 years of professional writing experience. She has covered a diverse set of topics such as custom home building, plumbing, HVAC, energy efficiency, and others. A graduate of SUNY New Paltz with a bachelor's degree in English and a concentration in Creative Writing, she discovered her passion for helping businesses and organizations deliver impactful content that changed lives. Originally from New York, Hilary now calls Florida home (along with 2 cats). When not immersed in her writing work, she enjoys playing video games, reading Stephen King, and researching her (and her friends') genealogy.

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