Frequently Asked Questions About Louvers

Q: What should I look for in the specifications that tell me what type of product is required?
A: Most specifications will list the "protocols" that must be abided by. You will find that in most circumstances PA 201-94 (Large Missile Impact Test), PA 202-94 (Uniform Static Air Pressure) and PA 203-94 (Cyclic Wind Loading Test) are specified. If that's the case, quote Greenheck model ESD- 603D. However, be on the lookout for PA 100(A)-95 (Wind-Driven Rain Test). It is not specified nearly as often as the others, but will have a great impact on your cost. If you see PA 100(A)-95, quote Greenheck model ESD-603D/HCD-240.

Q: I know that Greenheck supplies the required anchors to install Dade County louvers for the head and sill,but how do I attach the jambs (sides) to my structure?
A:That's the beauty of Greenheck's design! Our Dade County louvers require absolutely zero attachment at the jambs. The anchorage system designed by Greenheck is required only at the head and the sill. This makes for a very "installer friendly" installation (swift and inexpensive).

Q: Can I get electric or pneumatic actuators to operate the HCD-240 damper that is incorporated in the design of the ESD-603D/HCD-240?
A: Absolutely! As you know, the default standard for Greenheck is to supply a manual quadrant actuator only for this model because the intent of this product is to close the damper in the event of a driving rain or hurricane. If you require an actuator other than our default standard then simply put forth your request and Greenheck will accommodate.

Q: Is the size I'm entering into CAPS nominal or actual?How are these units undersized?
A: The answer to the first question is… neither. At Greenheck, we assume the sizes you are entering into CAPS are rough opening dimensions. Greenheck will undersize the units accordingly, taking into account thermal expansion as well as our head and sill anchor plates (see submittals for undersizing rules).

Q: How fast can I get Greenheck Dade County Louvers?
A: Dade County louvers can now be entered as a standard product. NO SDR or engineering work prior to manufacturing is required! Our current lead-time for mill finish ESD-603D and ESD-603D/HCD-240 is approximately 3 weeks. If painted or anodized, then the lead-time is approximately 4 weeks. Also on the horizon are Quick Build programs for Dade County louvers!

Q: What if my opening is larger then your maximum section size?
A: Greenheck has qualified the largest single section size in the market place (60 1/2 in. W x 120 in. H rough opening). However, there are times when the opening simply must be larger. If it's wider than 60 1/2 in… no problem. Why? Because our anchorage design discussed earlier will allow you to stack as many sections side-by-side to get the job done (the maximum is literally infinite). If your opening height is larger than 120 in., the contractor will have to split the opening with a steel reinforcing member is compliance with our qualified installation.

Q: Can I get a flanged frame on ESD-603D or ESD-603D/HCD-240?
A: We have opted not to allow for a flanged frame to be selected. The problem with a flanged frame is that too often installing contractors feel as though the louver can be installed simply by fastening the flange into the outside structure. This puts too much liability on our lap. It is critical that Miami-Dade louvers are installed only in a manner by which they are qualified.

Q: Does Greenheck manufacture steel louvers in shapes other than rectangular?
A: No, only extruded aluminum stationary louvers can be made into shapes.

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?
A: Yes.

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, except in Quick Build and is available in mill finish at no additional cost.

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 and cost 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: In-house, blendable custom color and painted louvers are available on the Quick Build program. Add 7 days to the lead-time.

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 lead-time for engineering submittal drawings?
A: The current lead-time is approximately 10 working days after the request has been received. We are also able to accommodate our customers when an exceptionally quick turn around is required.