Door louvers, those square or rectangular inserts in utility and research rooms and closet doors in a commercial or industrial facility, contribute toward the comfort and security of those rooms. The louvers allow for airflow even when the door is closed so that the spaces don't become too stuffy; even if the rooms don't typically have occupants (e.g., storage closet), the louvers prevent extreme temperatures in those rooms relative to the rest of the facility, and they reduce the stale odor that can build up in any closed-off space. The options you choose for the louvers customize the inserts to best suit your facility.
Remember to Add a Screen
Whether the insert is going into an interior or exterior door, make sure there is a screen attached to the louvers. These screens can be added to an insert if there's a model of insert that you prefer that just doesn't happen to have a screen, or they can come already attached to other models. The screens not only keep out bugs but also prevent too much transfer of dust between the rooms. The screens may not keep out all dust, of course, but they can block some. This does mean you need to clean the screens occasionally.
Adjustable or Not?
Some louvers are adjustable, which allows you to increase or decrease the airflow depending on circumstances. Maybe the air conditioner is on in a lab, and the hallway outside the lab is warmer than lab occupants would like; adjustable louvers would let those occupants close off the vent in the door to prevent the cool air in the lab from flowing out. Louvers that you can close also add to privacy if there's a confidential conversation taking place.
Blade Configuration
The blades in the vents may look the same on the outside, but they have different internal configurations. These configurations contribute to comfort, fire safety, and vent strength. Some blades allow for maximum airflow, while others spread the airflow to avoid having a high-intensity flow between spaces. Fusible blades are special blades that close and fuse in intense heat, such as when there's a fire, to prevent the spread of flames and smoke. Others can block light or increase the vent strength to reduce vandalism.
The types of blades and vents that work best will vary for each door in your facility. The purpose and location of the doors will determine which type is best, and a supply company that specializes in industrial or commercial fixtures should have samples of each blade and vent type. For more information about louvers for doors, contact a local supplier.
