BSRIA claims the guide will help system designers and specifiers achieve optimum performance

BSRIA, a consultancy, test, instruments and research organisation, has announced the launch of Weather Louvre Specification Guide. Explaining that a weather louvre is a grille fixed over an opening, designed to let air through whilst restricting the entry of rain, it added that it is designed to perform both functions simultaneously and its suitability for a particular application is determined by how effectively it achieved these functions in combination. Subtleties of blade profile and pitch (distance between blades) were among the design features that affected performance, the announcement added.

BSRIA claimed that that the guide has been compiled to help system designers and specifiers of weather louvres to achieve optimum performance. It pointed out that failure to understand and clearly express the performance requirement at the design or procurement stage increased the risk of the product not being fit to function efficiently, resulting in unwanted water penetration or wasted energy, both of which represented unnecessary cost. Improved efficiency of louvre design not only saved money, but could also assist with building regulations compliance and contribute to an improved energy rating for a building.

According to BSRIA, the guide explains:

• How to understand weather louvre requirements
• How to minimise whole-life costs through system design and louvre selection
• Which terms to use to ensure that performance data are consistently stated when sourcing products from suppliers
• How to minimise risks associated with overstated performance claims

The announcement added that Weather Louvre Specification Guide (BG 36/2012) was available to order for £20 or £10 to BSRIA members at http://www.bsria.co.uk/goto/louvre-spec. Free pdf version is available to all. Alternatively, those interested could email the bookshop at bookshop@bsria.co.uk or call 01344 465529.