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SECTION 08 90 00
LOUVERS AND VENTS

SPEC WRITER NOTE: Delete between // //

if not applicable to project. Also delete
any other item or paragraph not applicable
in the section and renumber the
paragraphs.

PART 1 - GENERAL
1.1 DESCRIPTION:
A. This section specifies fixed and operable wall louvers, door louvers and
wall vents.
1.2 RELATED WORK:
A. Louvers in Steel Doors: Section 08 11 13, HOLLOW METAL DOORS AND FRAMES.
B. Color of finish: Section 09 06 00, SCHEDULE FOR FINISHES.
C. Louvers in lead lined wood doors: Section 13 49 00, RADIATION
PROTECTION.
1.3 SUBMITTALS:
A. Submit in accordance with Section 01 33 23, SHOP DRAWINGS, PRODUCT DATA,
AND SAMPLES.
B. Shop Drawings:
1. Each type, showing material, finish, size of members, // operating
devices, // method of assembly, and installation and anchorage
details.
C. Manufacturer's Literature and Data:
1. Each type of louver and vent.
D. Color samples.
1.4 APPLICABLE PUBLICATIONS:
A. The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the
extent referenced. The publications are referenced in the text by the
basic designation only.
B. The Master Painters Institute (MPI):
Approved Product List – Updated Monthly
C. ASTM International (ASTM):
A240/A240M-14...........Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel
Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure Vessels and
for General Applications
A653/A653M-13...........Steel Sheet Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-
Iron Alloy Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot Dip
Process

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A1008/A1008M-13.........Steel, Sheet, Carbon, Cold Rolled, Structural,

and High Strength Low-Alloy with Improved
Formability
B209-14.................Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy, Sheet and Plate
B209M-14................Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy, Sheet and Plate
(Metric)
B221-14.................Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods,
Wire, Shapes, and Tubes
B221M-13................Aluminum and Aluminum Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods,
Wire, Shapes, and Tubes (Metric)
D1187/D1187M-97(R2011)..Asphalt-Base Emulsions for Use as Protective
Coatings for Metal
D. National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers (NAAMM):
AMP 500-06..............Metal Finishes Manual
E. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
90A-15..................Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating
Systems
G. American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA):
2605-13.................High Performance Organic Coatings on
Architectural Extrusions and Panels
H. Air Movement and Control Association, Inc. (AMCA):
500-L-07................Testing Louvers
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Make material
requirements agree with applicable
requirements specified in the referenced
Applicable Publications. Update and
specify in both only that, which applies
to the project.

2.1 MATERIALS:
A. Aluminum, Extruded: ASTM B221M (B221).
B. Stainless Steel: ASTM A240/A240M, Type 302B.
C. Galvanized Steel Sheet: ASTM A653/A653M; G90 min.
D. Carbon Steel and Sheet: ASTM A1008/A1008M (interior use louvers only).
E. Aluminum, Plate and Sheet: ASTM B209M (B209); alloy 3003 or 5005 with
temper as required for forming.
F. Fasteners: Fasteners for securing louvers and wall vents to adjoining
construction, except as otherwise specified or indicated in construction

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documents, to be toggle or expansion bolts of size and type as required

for each specific type of installation and service condition.
1. Where type, size, or spacing of fasteners is not shown or specified,
submit shop drawings showing proposed fasteners, and method of
installation.
2. Fasteners for louvers, louver frames, and wire guards to be of
stainless steel or aluminum with same finish as louvers.
3. Fasteners for louvers, louver frames and wire guards within mental
health areas to be non-removable/tamper-proof type.
G. Inorganic Zinc Primer: MPI No. 19.
H. Bituminous Coating: ASTM D1187/D1187M; cold applied asphalt mastic
emulsion.
SPEC WRITER NOTES:
1. Louvers in acid fume areas such as
battery rooms, and chlorinate rooms are
to be of stainless steel. Verify
existence of such spaces with
Mechanical and Electrical Engineers.
2. Specify all louvers required or shown,
including those shown in connection
with mechanical work.

2.2 EXTERIOR WALL LOUVERS:

A. General:
1. Provide // fixed // // and operable // type louvers of size and
design shown.
2. Heads, sills and jamb sections are to have formed caulking slots or
be designed to retain caulking. Head sections are to have exterior
drip lip, and sill sections an integral water stop.
3. Furnish louvers with sill extension or separate sill as shown.
4. Frame is to be mechanically fastened or welded construction with
welds dressed smooth and flush.
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Percent free area, free
area velocity, pressure drop and amount of
water passage for insertion in following
paragraph is to be obtained from
Mechanical Engineer.

B. Performance Characteristics:
1. Weather louvers are to have a minimum of // // percent free area
and to pass // // mm/s (// // fpm) free area velocity at a
pressure drop not exceeding // // mm (// // inch) water gage and
carry not more than // // g (// // ounces) of water per

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square meter (// // square foot) of free area for 15 minutes when

tested per AMCA Standard 500-L.
2. Louvers are to bear AMCA certified rating seals for air performance
and water penetration ratings.
C. Aluminum Louvers:
SPEC WRITER NOTE: Consult Mechanical
Engineer to determine if standard or
drainable type blades are required.

1. General: Frames, blades, // sills // and mullions (sliding

interlocking type); 2 mm (0.078-inch) thick extruded 6063-T5 or –T52
aluminum. Blades to be // standard // // drainable // type and have
reinforcing bosses.
2. Louvers, fixed: Make frame sizes 13 mm (1/2-inch) smaller than
openings. Single louvers frames are not to exceed 1676 mm (66 inches)
wide. When openings exceed 1676 mm (66 inches), provide twin louvers
separated by mullion members.
3. Louvers are to withstand the effects or gravity loads and the
following wind loads and stresses within limits and under conditions
indicated without permanent deformation of louver components, noise
or metal fatigue caused by louver-blade rattle or flutter, or
permanent damage to fasteners and anchors.
a. Wind load acting inward or outward of not less than 1436
//______// Pa (30 //______// lb. per sq. ft.).
4. Louvers, operable: Louver frame opening sizes, single louver sizes
and mullion requirements are to be as specified for fixed louvers.
a. Blades: Attach blades to frame with aluminum pivot pins through
nylon bearings. Fasten each blade to stainless steel operation
arms that are connected to minimum 3 mm (1/8-inch) thick stainless
steel operating // bar // // handle // arranged for simultaneous
operation of blades.
b. //Spring/chain operation: Exposed operator activated by spring
attached to operating // bar // // handle // and mounted on
frame.// //Control of louver to be by pull chain of required length
to be operable from floor. Provide pulleys and brackets as
required.//
//c. Hand crank operation: Hand crank operator activated by case
hardened gears concealed in aluminum housing. Operators are to be

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removable and located at jambs. Provide one right-handed operator for

each louver. //
//d. Motor operation: Motor operated by approved electric motor. Motors
are to be removable and located at jambs of louver. Connect motor
operator lever arm to operating bar by means of stainless steel
connecting rod. //
//e. Automatic operation: Louvers are to be complete with //
weights, // // pull chain, // // chain holder and
brackets, // // cables, // // sheaves, // // spring, // // 70 degrees
C (160 degrees F) fusible link, // and other related items meeting
requirements of NFPA 90A. Provide non-ferrous bearings and spindles
of replaceable type. // Control of louver to be by pull chain of
required length to be operable from floor. // Louvers are to close
automatically in case of fire. //
D. Stainless Steel Louvers: Form stainless steel louvers using 1.6 mm
(0.063-inch) thick sheet for frames, blades, sills and mullions.
1. Provide louver with fixed 45 degree // standard // // drainable //
blades with water baffle. Make overall frame size 13 mm (1/2-inch)
less than opening, unless otherwise indicated in construction
documents.
2. Single louver sections are not to exceed 1676 mm (66 inches) in
width. For openings larger than 1676 mm (66 inches) wide, provide
multiple sections not larger than 1676 mm (66 inches) wide separated
by mullions.
E. Formed Steel Louvers: Form // galvanized // louvers using 1.5 mm
(0.059-inch) thick sheet for frames, blades, sills and mullions.
1. Provide louver with fixed 45 degree // standard // // drainable //
blades with water baffle. Make overall frame size 13 mm (1/2-inch)
less than opening, unless otherwise indicated in construction
documents.
2. Single louver sections are not to exceed 1676 mm (66 inches) in
width. For openings larger than 1676 mm (66 inches) wide, provide
multiple sections not larger than 1676 mm (66 inches) side separated
by mullions.
2.3 CLOSURE ANGLES AND CLOSURE PLATES:
A. Fabricate from 2 mm (0.078-inch) thick stainless steel or aluminum.
B. Provide continuous closure angles and closure plates on inside head,
jambs and sill of exterior wall louvers.

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C. Secure angles and plates to louver frames with screws, and to masonry or
concrete with fasteners as indicated in construction documents.
2.4 WIRE GUARDS:
A. Provide wire guards on outside of all exterior louvers, except on
exhaust air louvers.
B. Fabricate frames from // 2 mm (0.078-inch) thick extruded or sheet
aluminum // // 1.5 mm (0.059-inch) thick stainless steel // designed to
retain wire mesh.
C. Wire mesh to be woven from not less than // 1.6 mm (0.063-inch) diameter
aluminum wire // // 1.3 mm (0.05-inch) diameter stainless steel wire //
in 13 mm (1/2-inch) square mesh.
D. Miter corners and join by concealed corner clips or locks extending not
less than 57 mm (2-1/4 inches) into rails and stiles. Equip wire guards
over 1219 mm (4 feet) in height with a mid-rail constructed as specified
for frame components.
E. Fasten frames to outside of louvers with aluminum or stainless steel
devices of same finish as louvers designed to allow removal and
replacement without damage to the wire guard or the louver.
2.5 BLANK-OFF PANELS:
A. Uninsulated panels attached with clips or screws as follows: Panel
finish is to be // same finish applied to louvers // // same finish
type applied to louvers but black color //.
1. Aluminum sheet for aluminum louvers, 1.27 mm (0.050 inch) minimum
thickness.
2. Galvanized-steel sheet for galvanized-steel louvers, 1.02 mm (0.040
inch) minimum.
3. Stainless-steel sheet for stainless-steel louvers, not less than
0.95 mm (0.038 inch) minimum.
B. Insulated laminated panels consisting of an insulating core surfaced on
back and front with metal sheets and attached to back of louver with
clips on screws and gasketed or sealant sealed perimeter. Panel finish
is to be // same finish applied to louvers // //same type of finish
applied to louvers but black color //.
1. Thickness: // 25 mm (1 inch) // // 50 mm (2 inches) // .
2. Aluminum sheet for aluminum louver 0.81 mm (0.032 inch) minimum.
3. Galvanized-steel sheet for galvanized-steel louver 0.71 mm (0.028
inch) minimum.

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4. Stainless-steel sheet for stainless-steel louvers 0.79 mm (0.031

inch) minimum.
5. Insulating Core: // Rigid, glass-fiber-board insulation // //
extruded-polystyrene foam //.
2.6 EXTERIOR DOOR LOUVERS:
A. Fabricate of 1.6 mm (0.063-inch) thick extruded aluminum. Miter frames
at corners and join by concealed corner brackets. Louvers are to be
weather resistant type.
B. Equip louvers on outside with wire guards, except omit wire guards for
louvers in doors located completely below enclosed areaways.
2.7 INTERIOR DOOR LOUVERS:
A. Fabricate louvers for interior doors // and partitions of // // 1.2 mm
(0.0472-inch) thick steel // // 1.6 mm (0.063-inch) thick extruded
aluminum //.
B. Make louvers sight-proof type with stationary blades, // except where
light-proof louvers are required //.
//C. Lightproof louvers are to have stationary blades and be designed to
exclude passage of light but permit free ventilation. //
2.8 WALL VENTS:
A. Fabricate exterior wall vents from either 4.7 mm (0.185-inch) thick
aluminum plate or 6 mm (1/4-inch) thick cast iron, perforated in diamond
lattice pattern, with not over 19 mm (3/4-inch) openings.
B. Vents are to have aluminum screen frame with aluminum alloy insect
screening mounted on back of vent by means of 19 mm x 5 mm (3/4-inch by
3/16-inch) top and bottom bars screwed to grille.
C. Vent Frames in Masonry: Fabricate of 45 mm x 30 mm x 5 mm (1-3/4 inch by
1-1/4 inch by 3/16-inch) steel angles bolted with 6 mm (1/4-inch)
diameter expansion bolts at jambs.
2.9 AIR INTAKE VENTS:
A. Fabricate exterior louvered wall ventilators for fresh air intake for
air conditioning units from extruded aluminum, ASTM B221M (B221). Form
with integral horizontal louvers and frame, with drip extending beyond
face of wall and integral water stops.
//B. Provide aluminum closures where shown for inside face of dummy
vents.//
C. Provide 0.8 mm (0.032-inch) thick aluminum sleeves // in cavity walls //
// where indicated in construction documents //.

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2.10 BRICK VENTS:

A. Vents are to be of size shown formed of approximately 3 mm (0.125 inch)
thick cast aluminum, or 3 mm (0.118 inch) extruded aluminum.
B. Provide vents complete with aluminum screen frame with corrosion
resistant insect screening mounted on back of vent.
C. Provide vents with required anchors.
SPEC WRITE NOTE: If more than one finish
is used on project, precede finish spec
with "Finish for (list items):"

2.11 FINISH:
A. In accordance with NAAMM Metal Finishes Manual: AMP 500-505
B. Aluminum Louvers // Air Intake Vents // // Wire Guards // // Blank Off
Panels //:
1. Anodized finish
//a. AA-M1X, Mill finish, as fabricated.//
//b. AA-M10C22A41, Chemically etched medium matte, with clear anodic
coating, Class I Architectural, 0.17 mm (0.7 mils) thick.//
//c. AA-M10C22A42, Chemically etched medium matte, with integrally
colored anodic coating, Class I Architectural, 0.17 mm (0.7 mils)
thick.//
//d. AA-M10C22A44, Chemically etched medium matte, with
electronically deposited metallic compound, Class I Architectural,
0.17 mm (0.7 mils) thick color anodic coating. Dyes will not be
accepted.//
2. Organic Finish: AAMA 2605 (Fluorocarbon coating) with total dry film
thickness of not less than 0.03 mm (1.2 mil), color as indicated in
Section 09 06 00, SCHEDULE FOR FINISHES.
C. Aluminum // Wall Vents // // and Brick Vents //: Sand blasted satin
finish.
D. Stainless Steel: Mechanical finish No. 4 in accordance with NAAMM Metal
Finishes Manual.
E. Galvanized Sheet Steel: Two-coat baked-enamel or powder-coat finish
consisting of prime coat and thermosetting topcoat, with a minimum dry
film thickness of 0.05 mm (2 mils).
1. Paint interior surfaces of lightproof louvers with two (2) additional
finish shop coats of baked-on flat black enamel.
//2. Finish painting of exposed surfaces of shop primed louvers is
specified in Section 09 91 00, PAINTING. //

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//3. Manufacturer finished louvers // and blank-off panels // are to

have color as indicated in Section 09 06 00, SCHEDULE FOR
FINISHES. //
F. Steel: Surfaces of steel work, for which no other finish is specified,
are to be cleaned free from scale, rust, oil and grease, and then given
a light colored prime paint after fabrication, except ferrous metals
concealed in finished work. Paint all contact surfaces of assembled work
(except welded contact surfaces) with an additional shop coat of similar
paint.
2.12 PROTECTION:
A. Provide protection for aluminum against galvanic action wherever
dissimilar materials are in contact, by painting the contact surfaces of
the dissimilar material with a heavy coat of bituminous coating
(complete coverage), or by separating the contact surfaces with a
performed synthetic rubber tape having pressure sensitive adhesive
coating on one side.
B. Isolate the aluminum from plaster, concrete and masonry by coating
aluminum with zinc-chromate primer.
C. Protect finished surfaces from damage during fabrication, erection, and
after completion of the work. Strippable plastic coating on // colored
anodized // // organic // finish is not approved.
PART 3 - EXECUTION
3.1 INSTALLATION:
A. Set work accurately, in alignment and where indicated in construction
documents. Install plumb, level, free of rack and twist, and set
parallel or perpendicular as required to line and plane of surface.
B. Furnish setting drawings and instructions for installation of anchors
and for the positioning of items having anchors to be built into masonry
construction. Provide temporary bracing for such items until masonry is
set.
C. Provide anchoring devices and fasteners as shown and as necessary for
securing louvers // and vents // to building construction as specified.
Power actuated drive pins may be used, except for removal items and
where members would be deformed or substrate damaged by their use.
D. Set wall louvers // and vents // in masonry walls during progress of the
work. If wall louvers // and vents // are not delivered to job in time
for installation in prepared openings, make provision for later
installation. Set in cast-in-place concrete in prepared openings.

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3.2 CLEANING AND ADJUSTING:

A. After installation, all exposed prefinished and plated items and all
items fabricated from stainless steel and aluminum are to be cleaned as
recommended by the manufacturer and protected from damage until
completion of the project.
B. All movable parts, including hardware, are to be cleaned and adjusted to
operate as designed without binding or deformation of the members, so as
to be centered in the opening of frame, and where applicable, to have
all contact surfaces fit tight and even without forcing or warping the
components.
C. Restore louvers and vents damaged during installation and construction
so no evidence remains of corrective work. If results of restoration are
unsuccessful, as determined by Contracting Officer Representative (COR)
damaged units and replace with new units.
- - - E N D - - -

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