What is an External Louvre?

An external louvre is a vent cover designed to prevent the entry of rain, debris, and pests into ventilation openings while allowing for adequate airflow. It is commonly used in building ventilation systems to maintain indoor air quality and protect structural integrity.

In the UK house building, residential retrofit, home renovation, and extension sectors, external louvres are essential components of passive ventilation systems. They are often installed in walls, roofs, or soffits to facilitate natural airflow while complying with Building Regulations, particularly Approved Document F (Ventilation) and Approved Document C (Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture).

Synonyms:

• Vent cover
• Air vent grille
• Weatherproof vent

Related Terms:

1. Passive Ventilation: A system that uses natural forces (e.g., wind and thermal buoyancy) to circulate air without mechanical assistance.
2. Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR): A system that extracts stale air and supplies fresh air while recovering heat from the extracted air.
3. Air Permeability: The measure of how much air leaks through a building’s envelope, regulated under Approved Document L (Conservation of fuel and power).
4. Condensation Control: Strategies to manage moisture levels in buildings, often linked to ventilation systems.
5. Building Regulations Part F: The UK regulation that sets standards for ventilation in buildings to ensure adequate air quality.