FAQ Topics

Louvers and Architectural Products

Is there a louver selection tool?

Yes. Select the louver that best fits your requirements from material, blade type, opening size, performance, etc. Click Here

Is there a cross-reference tool?

Yes. Find the United Enertech model by entering the competitor and their model. Click Here

What are the different louver types?

Stationary Louvers – are designed to allow air to pass through while blocking out debris and water in intake and exhaust applications.

Drainable Louvers - are commonly used in areas with heavy rainfall and are similar to stationary louvers, but they are designed to remove water that collects on the blades.

Wind-Driven Rain Louvers – are designed to keep out wind-driven rain. Special blade designs prevent rain from entering the building, even under high wind conditions.

Acoustical Louvers – are designed to reduce noise levels. They are commonly used in areas with high noise pollution, such as factories, generators, airports, or highway tunnels.

Combination Louvers – are designed to provide both intake and exhaust ventilation.

Hurricane Louvers - are designed to withstand high winds and heavy rainfall. They are commonly used in coastal areas prone to hurricanes.

Miami Dade Approved Louver - are designed with exceptional protection against wind-driven rain under severe conditions. Features: AMCA 540 and AMCA 550 Listed for wind-borne debris and high velocity rain. Large missile impact resistant per Miami-Dade TAS-201 test protocol.

Penthouses – are louvers that are designed to cover rooftop equipment. They are commonly used in commercial buildings to conceal HVAC systems.

FEMA Louver – are heavy duty steel louver/grilles designed to protect exterior wall openings against severe circumstances on FEMA 320 or 361 compliant safe rooms and storm shelters.

Equipment Screens – are roof or ground-mounted panels that create a visual barrier and conceal mechanical equipment from sight.

Where do I find United Enertech product warranty?

United Enertech Terms and Conditions of Sale and Product Warranty is highlighted in GREEN on each product models home page on our website.

D-HFA-6 Product Detail with Warranty

What is United Enertech warranty on your louver finishes?

The limited warranty varies upon the finish type. For example, polyester and polyester power has a 7-year warranty, PVDF Fluorocarbon is 10 years, and anodize is 3 to 5 years. Click Here to view details.

Note: 

  • Consult United Enertech for warranty on steel products.
  • Consult United Enertech for 20-year warranty.

What are United Enertech standards colors?

We offer six different powder coatings and 16 Liquid coatings standard colors. Click Here for standard color chart.

What is ‘Mill Finish Aluminum”?

Mill finish is the natural state of aluminum with no mechanical or chemical finishing. Aluminum is naturally resistant to corrosion, but coloration, weathering, and aging will occur over time.

Does United Enertech color match?

Yes, we can match almost any color. Due to the original color age and if it is subject to fading, there may be some differences in the color match.

Can an anodized finish be touched up in the field?

No, there is not a way to repair an anodized finish once in the field. Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the metal surface into a decorative, durable, corrosion-resistant, anodic oxide finish.

What is Louver Free Area?

It's the available open area of a louver with removing the blades, frame, and stiffeners. AMCA publication 500-L prescribes the method for determining louver free area.

Note: Most often, the louver spec calls for 50% free area, but the size of the louver makes a big difference in the free area. For example, a 48” x 48” AMCA tested louver may have a 50% free area, but the same louver in a much smaller size may only have 30% free area and the opposite for larger assemblies could have more than 60% free area.

So, specifying a louver on its 48” x 48” free area size is not recommended.

What is Pressure Drop?

Pressure drop is the difference in airflow resistance (pressure) from one side of a louver to another, typically measured by inches of water gauge at different free area velocities. Higher pressure drop requires more energy to move air through the louver. Therefore, a lower pressure drop is more desirable. There is not a direct correlation between high free area and low pressure drop.

What is AMCA?

AMCA is the Air Movement and Control Association International. The mission of AMCA International is to promote the health and growth of the industries covered by its scope and the members of the association consistent with the interests of the public. AMCA develops industry related test standards for air movement and control products while independently certifying product performance to ensure reliable and accurate product performance. For more information about AMCA please visit www.amca.org.

What is AMCA Listed?

With respect to louver products, the AMCA Listing Program is reserved for the AMCA 540 debris impact test and the AMCA 550 High Velocity Wind Driven Rain test. Unlike the AMCA 500-L test procedures, AMCA 540 and AMCA 550 are “pass/fail” criteria test procedures. By displaying the AMCA Listing label AMCA is certifying that the louver product(s) in question have passed the AMCA 540 and/or AMCA 550 standard. The AMCA 540 and/or 550 standards are requirements for the Hurricane Prone Region as defined by the International Building Code.

What is AMCA 500-L?

AMCA 500-L is the publication that defines louver test procedures and how manufacturers portray performance for louver Air Performance, Water Penetration, Wind Driven Rain, Air Leakage, and Sound Performance.

What is AMCA 500-L Water Penetration?

The AMCA 500-L Water Penetration standard is a static water test for louver products. The test standard simulates rain falling straight down in front of a louver test specimen at a rate of 4 in./hr. A fan attempts to pull water through the louver from a fully enclosed chamber behind the louver. The free area velocity whereby 0.01 oz of water per square foot of louver free area is measurable in the chamber behind the louvers is the Beginning Point of Water Penetration. It is always advisable to size conventional intake application louver comfortably below the Beginning Point of Water Penetration.

What is AMCA 500-L Wind Driven Rain?

The AMCA 500-L Wind Driven Rain standard is a dynamic water test for louver products and is not to be confused with AMCA 550 High Velocity Wind Driven Rain, which is a requirement of the Hurricane Prone Region. The AMCA 500-L Wind Driven Rain test simulates horizontal driving rain by positioning a wind-generating fan that simulates either a 29 MPH or 50 MPH external wind. Between the wind-generating fan and the louver test specimen, water spray nozzles drive either 3 or 8 in. rain/hr. at the louvers (29 MPH/3 in. rain/hr., 50 MPH/8 in. rain/hr.). A fan attempts to pull water through the louver from a fully enclosed chamber behind the louver. The louver is given a letter grade rating at specific escalating inlet velocities, which defines the percentage of water rejection (A = 99%, B = 95% - 98.9%, C = 80% - 94.9%, D = <80%).

What is AMCA 511?

AMCA 511 is the Certified Ratings Program. Relative to louver products, if the louver manufacturer has tested their product(s) in accordance with any or all of the AMCA 500-L test procedures the louver manufacturer may elect to have AMCA certify their performance in accordance with the AMCA 511 Certified Ratings Program and display the AMCA Seal on product literature or the product itself. Keep in mind the AMCA 500-L test procedures are not “pass/fail”. AMCA Certified means that AMCA concurs the product was tested appropriately and that AMCA endorses the displayed product performance.

What is AMCA 540?

AMCA 540 is the Test Method for Louvers Impacted by Wind Borne Debris. The International Building Code and the Florida Building Code dictates that louvers installed within 30 ft. of grade in the Wind-Borne Debris Region of the Hurricane-Prone Region need to comply with AMCA 540. The AMCA 540 standard subjects a louver to the impacts of a 9 lb. 2 x 4 traveling at either 34 MPH (Missile Level D) or 55 MPH (Missile Level E). While Missile Level D is required for most commercial construction, Missile Level E is required for all critical or enhanced facilities and should be specified as such. The louver must show that the 2 x 4 does not pass through the louver and that the louver components maintain connectivity. Complete cosmetic destruction is acceptable.

What is AMCA 550?

AMCA 550 is the Test Method for High Velocity Rain Resistant Louvers and is not to be confused with AMCA 500-L Wind Driven Rain. The International Mechanical Code and Florida Mechanical Code dictates that all intake and exhaust louvers located in the Hurricane Prone need to comply with AMCA 550. The AMCA 550 standard subjects a louver to 35, 70, 90 and 110 MPH external wind while spraying horizontal driving rain at a rate of 8.8 in./hr. The louver must show that no more than 1% of the total sprayed water volume is measurable in the water collection apparatus positioned in the test chamber behind the louver.

Does the performance data include bird screen or insect screen?

No, all test standards for louver performance do not include bird or insect screen. United Enertech has tested the effects of bird screen on our louvers, and depending upon the bird screen size and shape, the performance is different.

Can I order a replacement bird or insect screen?

Yes, we can supply replacement bird or insect screen. Consult customer service for lead time and pricing.

Can you order other deduct sizes besides deduct ¼”?

Yes, United Enertech standard is deduct ¼”. But this can be easily changed when ordering to deduct 3/8” or ½” or actual size.

With flanged frame louvers, is the outside of the flange included in the overall louver dimension?

No, United Enertech louver flange is standard 1 ½” tall. This makes the louver overall dimension 3” wider or taller than the louver size.

What is the maximum single section?

On average, the maximum single section is 120” wide x 84” high. This is based upon ease of shipping. When crating, the shipping size (height) increases by a minimum of 8”. So to use standard shipping we limit the damper height. However, we can build a larger single section upon special request.

Do all multiple sections louver require mullions?

Yes, mullions are required to connect the assemblies together, but you have a choice between standard mullion “visible” or hidden “non-visible”.

What is the difference between “visible’ and “non-visible” mullions?

With visible mullions, you can see the frame of each section of the louver. With non-visible “hidden” mullions (also known as architectural mullions), there is no visible vertical break that can be seen from the front. This makes the louver blades look continuous. A visible mullion shows a vertical breakdown between each section.

Does United Enertech manufacture “FEMA” louvers?

Yes, we manufacture a 5.5” or 8” FEMA 316 Louvers.

Model FEMA-5 FEMA 320 or 361 compliant safe rooms and storm shelters. It has been tested to withstand missile impacts of 15 lbs at 100 mph.

Model FEMA-8 FEMA 361 compliant safe rooms and storm shelters. It has been tested to withstand missile impacts of 300 psf.

Does United Enertech have louvers that meet Miami-Dade or are hurricane rated?

Yes, we have 6 models that meet these requirements.

Model WDV-75 | United Enertech Corporation Miami-Dade County and Florida Building Code compliant, 3" Deep, Vertical Fixed Blade, Wind-Driven Rain / Hurricane Louver.

Model WDV-130 | United Enertech Corporation Miami-Dade 5" deep, Vertical Fixed Blade, Wind-Driven Rain / Hurricane Louver.

Model DCFL-D-4 | United Enertech Corporation Miami-Dade 4" deep extruded aluminum drainable louver that has been tested and approved per Miami-Dade County.

Model DCFL-D-6 | United Enertech Corporation Miami-Dade 6" deep extruded aluminum drainable louver that has been tested and approved per Miami-Dade County.

Model DCSED-5.1 | United Enertech Corporation Miami-Dade 5" deep extruded aluminum drainable louver that has been tested and approved per Miami-Dade County.

Model D-HV-9 | United Enertech Corporation 9" Deep Hurricane Louver with horizontal front blades and vertical rear blades. It meets the standards for High Velocity Hurricane Zones (AMCA 540/550, TAS 201, 202, & 203), and is both Miami-Dade County and Florida Building code approved.

Does United Enertech manufacture louvers for data centers?

Yes, we recommend using the model WDV-130 | United Enertech Corporation. The WDV-130 meets the requirements for the data centers but also meets the wind-driven rain requirements as well.

Does United Enertech manufacture louvers for warehouses?

Yes, we offer a drainable adjustable louver and a drainable combination louver/damper.

Model AFL-D-6 | United Enertech Corporation is a 6" deep extruded aluminum adjustable drainable louver that can be used for exhaust and intake air.

Model CFL-D-6 | United Enertech Corporation is a 6" deep extruded aluminum drainable louver damper combination that can be used for exhaust or intake air.

Does United Enertech manufacture Blast Louvers?

Yes, we have 3 different models that meet Blast Louvers (Anti-Terrorist).

Model BRFL-D-4 | United Enertech Corporation blast tested in accordance with ASTM F2927-12 to withstand a blast of up to 8.97 psi and an impulse of 40 psi-ms.

Model BRSED-5.1 | United Enertech Corporation blast tested in accordance with ASTM F2927-12 to withstand a blast of up to 10.48 psi and an impulse of 64 psi-ms

Model BRFL-D-6.1 | United Enertech Corporation blast tested in accordance with ASTM F2927-12 to withstand a blast of up to 9.12 psi and an impulse of 39 psi-ms.

Does United Enertech manufacture Acoustical Louvers?

Yes, we have six models of Acoustical Louvers to choose from with frame depths from 4” to 12”.

Can United Enertech supply filter racks behind the louvers?

Yes, we can supply filter racks for your louvers, consult customer service for pricing. Note - the filters are supplied by others.

Where are United Enertech louvers manufactured?

Our louvers are manufactured at one of our three facilities in the United States - Chattanooga, TN, Hartford, AL, or Phoenix, AZ.

Does United Enertech manufacture stainless steel Louvers?

Yes, we build a variety of steel louvers (fixed, adjustable, combinations, acoustical, etc.) that can be constructed out of 304 or 316 stainless steel. Consult the sales team at United Enertech to help select the model that best fits your needs.

What options are available on your Louvers?

We offer a variety of bird and insect screens, blank-off panels, security bars, filter racks, front and rear flanges, sleeves, and hinged door sections, extended sill pans, and glazing frames.

Does United Enertech manufacture adjustable Louvers?

Yes, we manufacture a wide variety of adjustable louvers and/or combination louver/dampers.

Can United Enertech manufacture special shape Louvers?

Yes, we build round, arched, oval half moon and other special shaped. View Specialty Louver Shapes