All workplaces require an adequate supply of fresh air and this is usually provided through the form of natural ventilation, windows or most effectively louvre doors. The importance of louvre doors can often be overlooked, when in fact they’re an essential solution for a number of different businesses and properties.
They can be found in buildings that require fresh air passage and good air flow, such as toilet blocks, bin stores, kitchens, utility buildings and data centres. As well as aiding ventilation and maintaining cover from rain, steel louvred doors offer no compromise on privacy or security! Here, we’ll take a look their features and benefits they could bring to your property.
Free Air Passage
Air passage is actually regulated and those owning a business or building a property must adhere to these measures. Approved Document F of The Building Regulations 2010 covers ventilation and specifies how much air change is required within different properties and areas. This applies to both new and existing buildings.
Air change is regularly required in buildings in order to control internal temperatures and to introduce clean, oxygen-rich air (in the process removing stale, humid air). The regularity however will vary depending on a number of factors including the type of space, number of people regularly present, machinery/equipment in use and the geographical location.
Document F details the minimum requirements for ventilation to provide comfortable conditions and prevent significant condensation forming. This document refers to air change rates in two common measurements: air changes per hour and litres per second (l/s).
As a guide here’s some common rooms and their minimum continuous extraction rates:
- Kitchen – 13 l/s
- Utility room – 8 l/s
- Bathroom – 8 l/s
To calculate air changes you can use the following formula:
(CFM (cubic feet per minute) x 60) / volume of room
So whether it’s a standard office space, a mechanical boiler room, or a data centre that’s home to a business’ servers and systems, it’s important you get your ventilation, airflow and temperature at the perfect, regulated level.
But don’t worry if you’re unsure on exact specifications or measurements! Local authorities and the HSE will provide sound advice and guidance, and we’re also on hand should you need anything clarifying.
Sizing and style
Louvres can be made to a range of sizes, each of which will impact on cooling levels, ventilation and circulation. Naturally, larger louvre panels allow for an increased airflow but for many buildings and spaces, such levels might simply not be necessary. Again, refer to the appropriate part of regulations and local authorities for further advice and requirements.
Typically, this range of doors is produced in single, double and full height louvres, but we also offer independent wall panels. Wall panel louvres can be a more budget conscious option, yet still provide good ventilation and airflow for smaller rooms.
Meeting Your Requirements
Our louvre doors can be delivered with a range of specifications and features and can be fitted as part of our Xtreme, Xtraguard, Safeguard and Soundguard ranges. As standard, these doors feature 45mm thick door leaves that are manufactured from 1.5mm inner and 1.5mm outer galvanised skins with internal steel strengthening. For added security this can be upgraded to 2mm skins with a solid timber core, providing further security precautions and increasing safety levels.
This door also features four 100mm dog bolt butt hinges, high security mortise lock and anti-jemmy strip for resisting crow bar and cutting attacks. Other specifications include high security cylinders, emergency exit hardware, and 2mm fast fit frame system. There’s also the option of high security locking, as well as a wide range of ironmongery such as door closers, handles and vision panels.
Importantly, our louvre panels are available with anti-vermin, insect and bird mesh, addressing any fears around unwanted entry from small animals and wildlife.
Accreditations
As with all our doors and ironmongery, our range of louvre doors are put through stringent in-house quality procedures and safety checks. All our products are CE Marked, ensuring we have complied with the essential requirements of European health, safety and environmental legislations. We have also been assessed to ISO 9001 standard, proving our ability as a manufacturer to consistently provide products and services that meet the needs of customers and stakeholders.
Third party approval has also been received from LPCB, with the LPS 1175 certification. This specification tests and classifies intruder resistant building components, and includes doors, shutters and applications. Predominantly applying to commercial properties and some domestic premises, this industry recognised accreditation has become a significant part of physical security specification across many sectors.
If you’d like to find out more about our louvre door options and independent wall panels, please get in touch with our experienced and knowledgeable team who will be happy to help with specifications and requirements.
