Lowering the Pressure of H1 Energy Efficiency Changes with Ventüer Ventilation Louvres

Misunderstanding the pressure drop of a ventilation louvre, or using “free area” values to size louvre panels, can result in ventilation systems that are noisy, inefficient or simply don’t provide the required airflow rates. At worst, it can cause a project to fall foul of the Building Code. This is especially true following the changes contained within the H1 Energy Efficiency Verification Method H1/VM3.

Louvre pressure drop (or pressure loss) must be one of the key design considerations when selecting and sizing ventilation louvres. The pressure drop itself is the pressure differential from one side of the louvre to the opposite side. This is usually expressed in Pascals (Pa) and occurs when frictional forces, caused by the resistance to flow, act on the air flowing through the open area of the louvre.

Knowing the actual pressure loss of a ventilation louvre allows us to accurately estimate how much air will pass through it based on a given fan performance, or — in the case of natural ventilation systems — at a given wind speed.

A common misconception is the assumption the greater the free area (also known as open area), the more air moves through. This is not always the case however, and you can learn more about the science and correlation between louvre free area and pressure loss on the Ventüer website website here.

This is why the H1 Energy Efficiency Verification Method H1/VM3 purposefully expresses the requirements for louvre pressure drop in Pascals as follows:

a) Single stage louvres - 30 Pa
b) Two stage louvres - 60 Pa
c) Acoustic louvres - 50 Pa
d) Other non-weatherproof louvres - 30 Pa

The only way to be sure of meeting the new regulations is to seek information on the louvre based on test results from testing against BS/EN:13030 or AS/NZS 4740:2000. This standard sets out the guidelines for testing and classification of all weather and performance louvres, including certification of the pressure loss across a broad spectrum of airflow rates for both intake and exhaust flow directions.

All Ventüer ventilation louvres are fully tested to BS/EN:13030, and the data is presented in an easy-to-use calculator publicly available on our website. Copies of the test reports are also available upon request.

Many of the Ventüer louvres, particularly the high-performing multi-stage systems, have significantly lower pressure loss than other products available to the NZ market. This is thanks to a rigorous product development process, which uses CFD modelling and simulations to fine-tune the louvre blade profiles and details before the dies are cut and the aluminium sections extruded.

A louvre system with a certified low pressure loss comes with three advantages over a non-tested system or system with high pressure loss.

1) Compliance with H1/VM3 is easily demonstrated.
2) There is reduced load on the HVAC system and fans, increasing energy efficiency and lowering noise levels.
3) The louvre panels can be made smaller, thus being less visibly obtrusive and offering greater flexibility in positioning on the facade.

Still Confused?

The team at Ventüer appreciate that there is a lot to take in when it comes to the subject of louvre pressure loss, and you may have read through this article and still not consider yourself an expert on the topic!

Never fear — Ventüer are here to help. If you would like assistance with ventilation louvre selection, sizing or compliance demonstration, please feel free to reach out at [email protected] or (09) 973 3616.

VL-VF2 Vertical Blade Louvre

Ventüer

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The Ventüer VL-VF2 is an ultra-high performing two-stage vertical weather louvre that provides almost 100% rain defence under even extreme weather conditions.

Designed for use as an air intake or exhaust louvre in situations where exposure to high levels of wind and rain are expected, and where water carry over is required to be minimal
Also suitable for use as a natural ventilation device providing passive air flow to internal spaces
Constructed from extruded aluminium and suitable for salt-spray zones and other corrosive environments when powdercoated appropriately
Compatible with all common structure and cladding types, including precast concrete, metal cladding, fibre cement sheet and unitised curtainwall systems
Ancillaries such as bird mesh, insect mesh, dust filters, mechanical dampers and plenums can be supplied fitted to the rear face

When sized correctly, the VL-VF2 louvre system complies with the requirements for natural ventilation of buildings under the New Zealand Building Code clause G4
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature, shop drawings and site-specific engineering the VL-VF2 louvre system complies with the requirements for structure under the New Zealand Building Code clause B1
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature and shop drawings the VL-VF2 louvre system complies with the requirements around external moisture as outline in New Zealand Building Code clause E2

VL-50PL "Invisible" Louvre

Ventüer

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The Ventüer VL-50PL louvre system incorporates a horizontal drainable louvre blade set behind a perforated aluminium facing panel.

Self-draining blade profile suitable for tall louvre panels
Designed for use as an air intake or exhaust louvre in situations where exposure to moderate levels of wind and rain are expected, and where some water carry over is acceptable
Ideal for natural ventilation of carpark buildings, plant rooms and basements where some water ingress will not damage interior linings or equipment
Constructed from extruded aluminium and suitable for salt-spray zones and other corrosive environments when powdercoated appropriately
Compatible with all common structure and cladding types, including precast concrete, metal cladding, fibre cement sheet and unitised curtainwall systems
Ancillaries such as bird mesh, insect mesh, dust filters, mechanical dampers and plenums can be supplied fitted to the rear face

When sized correctly, the VL-50PL louvre system complies with the requirements for natural ventilation of buildings under the New Zealand Building Code clause G4
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature, shop drawings and site-specific engineering the VL-50PL louvre system complies with the requirements for structure under the New Zealand Building Code clause B1
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature and shop drawings the VL-50PL louvre system complies with the requirements around external moisture as outline in New Zealand Building Code clause E2

VL-77EX Exhaust Louvre

Ventüer

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The Ventüer VL-77EX aluminium louvre system is designed specifically for exhaust situations and provides a low pressure drop allowing maximum airflow with minimum mechanical assistance.

Designed for use as an exhaust louvre in situations where exposure to moderate levels of wind and rain are expected, and where some water carry over is acceptable
Aerodynamic blade profile which result very low pressure loss and minimal load on mechanical plant
Constructed from extruded aluminium and suitable for salt-spray zones and other corrosive environments when powdercoated appropriately
Compatible with all common structure and cladding types, including precast concrete, metal cladding, fibre cement sheet and unitised curtainwall systems
Ancillaries such as bird mesh, insect mesh, dust filters, mechanical dampers and plenums can be supplied fitted to the rear face

When sized correctly, the VL-77EX louvre system complies with the requirements for natural ventilation of buildings under the New Zealand Building Code clause G4
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature, shop drawings and site-specific engineering the VL-77EX louvre system complies with the requirements for structure under the New Zealand Building Code clause B1
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature and shop drawings the VL-77EX louvre system complies with the requirements around external moisture as outline in New Zealand Building Code clause E2

VL-3SD Triple Bank Drainable Ventilation Louvre

Ventüer

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The Ventüer VL-3SD louvre system is a high performing three-stage weather louvre that provides ultimate protection from wind driven rain.

Designed for use as an air intake or exhaust louvre in situations where exposure to high levels of wind and rain are expected, and where water carry over is required to be minimal
Also suitable for use as a natural ventilation device providing passive air flow to internal spaces
Self-draining via rear blade profiles and concealed mullions, suitable for tall louvre panels
No size limitations. Panels can be modulised and assembled on site to and dimension, with the clip-fixed front blade profile providing a continuous appearance
Constructed from extruded aluminium and suitable for salt-spray zones and other corrosive environments when powdercoated appropriately
Compatible with all common structure and cladding types, including precast concrete, metal cladding, fibre cement sheet and unitised curtainwall systems
Ancillaries such as bird mesh, insect mesh, dust filters, mechanical dampers and plenums can be supplied fitted to the rear face

When sized correctly, the VL-3SD louvre system complies with the requirements for natural ventilation of buildings under the New Zealand Building Code clause G4
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature, shop drawings and site-specific engineering the VL-3SD louvre system complies with the requirements for structure under the New Zealand Building Code clause B1
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature and shop drawings the VL-3SD louvre system complies with the requirements around external moisture as outline in New Zealand Building Code clause E2

VL-2SD Double Bank Drainable Ventilation Louvre

Ventüer

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Best in its class, the Ventüer VL-2SD is a high performing two-stage weather louvre that provides optimum rain defence.

Best in its class, the Ventüer VL-2SD is a high performing two-stage weather louvre that provides optimum rain defence
High resistance to wind driven rain, suitable for high wind zones and exposed locations
Self-draining via rear blade profiles and concealed mullions, suitable for tall louvre panels
No size limitations. Panels can be modulised and assembled on site to and dimension, with the clip-fixed front blade profile providing a continuous appearance
The extruded aluminium louvre blades are supported on a two-piece pressure equalised mullion system, and bordered by a 150mm frame that ejects captured water to the front of the panel
Like the VL-3SD triple bank system, it can be combined with the VL-50CM louvre system to provide cost savings in inactive (blanked off) areas, and can also be fitted with bird mesh, insect mesh or dust filters
Available in a wide range of standard powdercoat colours, the VL-2SD is manufactured to order and can be fabricated in a wide range of sizes
Independently tested and certified to BS/EN:13030

When sized correctly, the VL-2SD louvre system complies with the requirements for natural ventilation of buildings under the New Zealand Building Code clause G4
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature, shop drawings and site-specific engineering the VL-2SD louvre system complies with the requirements for structure under the New Zealand Building Code clause B1
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature and shop drawings the VL-2SD louvre system complies with the requirements around external moisture as outline in New Zealand Building Code clause E2

VL-100S Twin Weatherstop Ventilation Louvre

Ventüer

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The Ventüer VL-100S aluminium louvre system is a single bank double weather stop ventilation louvre.

Designed for use as an air intake or exhaust louvre in situations where exposure to moderate levels of wind and rain are expected, and where some water carry over is acceptable
Good airflow characteristics, resulting in high ventilation rates
Ideal for natural ventilation of carpark buildings, plant rooms and basements where some water ingress will not damage interior linings or equipment
Constructed from extruded aluminium and suitable for salt-spray zones and other corrosive environments when powdercoated appropriately
Compatible with all common structure and cladding types, including precast concrete, metal cladding, fibre cement sheet and unitised curtainwall systems
Ancillaries such as bird mesh, insect mesh, dust filters, mechanical dampers and plenums can be supplied fitted to the rear face

When sized correctly, the VL-100S louvre system complies with the requirements for natural ventilation of buildings under the New Zealand Building Code clause G4
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature, shop drawings and site-specific engineering the VL-100S louvre system complies with the requirements for structure under the New Zealand Building Code clause B1
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature and shop drawings the VL-100S louvre system complies with the requirements around external moisture as outline in New Zealand Building Code clause E2

VL-100CM 100mm Screening Louvre

Ventüer

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The Ventüer VL-100CM aluminium louvre system is a clip-fixed screening louvre that can be attached directly to structural columns or set within a 150mm channel perimeter frame.

Designed for use as a screening louvre, as a decorative facade element or as a visual screen around mechanical plant enclosures
Excellent airflow characteristics, allowing maximum ventilation to mechanical equipment
No size limitations — the clip-fixed front blade profile provides a continuous appearance
Constructed from extruded aluminium and suitable for salt-spray zones and other corrosive environments when powdercoated appropriately
Typically fixed directly to primary building structure such as walls or columns

When sized correctly, the VL-100CM louvre system complies with the requirements for natural ventilation of buildings under the New Zealand Building Code clause G4
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature, shop drawings and site-specific engineering the VL-100CM louvre system complies with the requirements for structure under the New Zealand Building Code clause B1
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature and shop drawings the VL-100CM louvre system complies with the requirements around external moisture as outline in New Zealand Building Code clause E2

AL-600W Acoustic Louvre

Ventüer

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A high performing acoustic attenuator, the Ventüer AL-600 louvre system is 600mm deep and is designed for situations where maximum noise reduction is required.

Designed for use as an acoustic louvre in situations such as plant enclosures and industrial environments where maximum acoustic attenuation is required
Fitted with an extruded aluminium front blade profile providing a higher level of weather resistance than traditional flat blade acoustic louvre profiles
600mm deep, providing maximum acoustic attenuation
Constructed from aluminium and suitable for salt-spray zones and other corrosive environments when powdercoated appropriately
Compatible with all common structure and cladding types, including precast concrete, metal cladding, fibre cement sheet and unitised curtainwall systems
Ancillaries such as bird mesh, insect mesh, dust filters, mechanical dampers and plenums can be supplied fitted to the rear face

When sized correctly, the AL- 600W louvre system complies with the requirements for natural ventilation of buildings under the New Zealand Building Code clause G4
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature, shop drawings and site-specific engineering the AL -600W louvre system complies with the requirements for structure under the New Zealand Building Code clause B1
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature and shop drawings the AL-600W louvre system complies with the requirements around external moisture as outline in New Zealand Building Code clause E2

AL-450W Acoustic Louvre

Ventüer

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The Ventüer AL-450 louvre system is a 450mm deep, high performing acoustic louvre ideal for installations where high levels of noise reduction are required.

Designed for use as an acoustic louvre in situations such as plant enclosures and industrial environments where a high level of attenuation is required
Fitted with an extruded aluminium front blade profile providing a higher level of weather resistance than traditional flat blade acoustic louvre profiles
450mm deep, providing high level of noise reduction
Constructed from aluminium and suitable for salt-spray zones and other corrosive environments when powdercoated appropriately
Compatible with all common structure and cladding types, including precast concrete, metal cladding, fibre cement sheet and unitised curtainwall systems
Ancillaries such as bird mesh, insect mesh, dust filters, mechanical dampers and plenums can be supplied fitted to the rear face

When sized correctly, the AL-450W louvre system complies with the requirements for natural ventilation of buildings under the New Zealand Building Code clause G4
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature, shop drawings and site-specific engineering the AL-450W louvre system complies with the requirements for structure under the New Zealand Building Code clause B1
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature and shop drawings the AL-450W louvre system complies with the requirements around external moisture as outline in New Zealand Building Code clause E2

AL-300W Acoustic Louvre

Ventüer

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At 300mm deep, the Ventüer AL-300 louvre system is a mid-range acoustic attenuator suitable for use in situations where medium levels of noise reduction are required.

300mm deep, providing medium level of noise reduction
Compatible with all common structure and cladding types, including precast concrete, metal cladding, fibre cement sheet and unitised curtainwall systems
Aluminium construction, available in any standard powdercoat colour or anodising
Can be fitted with ancillaries such as bird mesh, insect mesh, dust filters, mechanical dampers and plenums

When sized correctly, the AL-300W louvre system complies with the requirements for natural ventilation of buildings under the New Zealand Building Code clause G4
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature, shop drawings and site-specific engineering the AL -300W louvre system complies with the requirements for structure under the New Zealand Building Code clause B1
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature and shop drawings the AL -300W louvre system complies with the requirements around external moisture as outline in New Zealand Building Code clause E2

VL-55S Slimline Ventilation Louvre

Ventüer

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The Ventüer VL-55S aluminium louvre system is a slim single bank ventilation louvre ideal for small grilles, exhaust vents, louvred doors and mechanical screening.

Slimline single bank louvre designed for small grilles and louvred doors where exposure to moderate levels of wind and rain are expected, and where some water carry over is acceptable
Slim blade profile enables the construction of small louvre grilles and door inserts
High resistance to vandalism and damage thanks to sturdy construction
Constructed from extruded aluminium and suitable for salt-spray zones and other corrosive environments when powdercoated appropriately
Compatible with all common structure and cladding types, including precast concrete, metal cladding, fibre cement sheet and unitised curtainwall systems
Ancillaries such as bird mesh, insect mesh, dust filters, mechanical dampers and plenums can be supplied fitted to the rear face

When sized correctly, the VL-55S louvre system complies with the requirements for natural ventilation of buildings under the New Zealand Building Code clause G4
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature, shop drawings and site-specific engineering the VL-55S louvre system complies with the requirements for structure under the New Zealand Building Code clause B1
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature and shop drawings the VL-55S louvre system complies with the requirements around external moisture as outline in New Zealand Building Code clause E2

VL-50CM 50mm Screening Louvre

Ventüer

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The Ventüer VL-50CM aluminium louvre system is a 50mm screening louvre that shares the same frame and concealed mullion system as are used by the high performing VL-2SD & VL-3SD products.

Designed for use as a screening louvre, as a decorative facade element or as a visual screen around mechanical plant enclosures
Excellent airflow characteristics, allowing maximum ventilation to mechanical equipment
No size limitations — the clip-fixed front blade profile provides a continuous appearance
Constructed from extruded aluminium and suitable for salt-spray zones and other corrosive environments when powdercoated appropriately
When viewed externally, the VL-50CM is visually identical to the multistage VL-2SD and VL-3SD louvre systems and can be used in conjunction with these products where areas of the louvres are inactive and have sealed blanking fitted to the rear

When sized correctly, the VL-50CM louvre system complies with the requirements for natural ventilation of buildings under the New Zealand Building Code clause G4
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature, shop drawings and site-specific engineering the VL-50CM louvre system complies with the requirements for structure under the New Zealand Building Code clause B1
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature and shop drawings the VL-50CM louvre system complies with the requirements around external moisture as outline in New Zealand Building Code clause E2

AL-100W Acoustic Louvre

Ventüer

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The Ventüer AL-100W louvre system is a slimline acoustic attenuator ideal for situations where space is restricted and high levels of sound absorption are not required.

Designed for use as an acoustic louvre in situations where space is limited, and where high attenuation rates are not required
Fitted with an extruded aluminium front blade profile providing a higher level of weather resistance than traditional flat blade acoustic louvre profiles
Shallow profile (100mm deep), suitable for use in restricted spaces or for fitting to hinged doors
Constructed from aluminium and suitable for salt-spray zones and other corrosive environments when powdercoated appropriately
Compatible with all common structure and cladding types, including precast concrete, metal cladding, fibre cement sheet and unitised curtainwall systems
Ancillaries such as bird mesh, insect mesh, dust filters, mechanical dampers and plenums can be supplied fitted to the rear face

When sized correctly, the AL-100W louvre system complies with the requirements for natural ventilation of buildings under the New Zealand Building Code clause G4
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature, shop drawings and site-specific engineering the AL-100W louvre system complies with the requirements for structure under the New Zealand Building Code clause B1
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature and shop drawings the AL-100W louvre system complies with the requirements around external moisture as outline in New Zealand Building Code clause E2

Ventüer VL-104D Drainable Single Bank Louvre

Ventüer

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The Ventüer VL-104D aluminium louvre system is a single bank drainable ventilation louvre ideal for situations where rain defence is important whilst maintaining a low pressure drop.

Self-draining blade profile suitable for tall louvre panels
Designed for use as an air intake or exhaust louvre in situations where exposure to moderate levels of wind and rain are expected, and where some water carry over is acceptable
Ideal for natural ventilation of carpark buildings, plant rooms and basements where some water ingress will not damage interior linings or equipment
Constructed from extruded aluminium and suitable for salt-spray zones and other corrosive environments when powdercoated appropriately
Compatible with all common structure and cladding types, including precast concrete, metal cladding, fibre cement sheet and unitised curtainwall systems
Ancillaries such as bird mesh, insect mesh, dust filters, mechanical dampers and plenums can be supplied fitted to the rear face

When sized correctly, the VL-104D louvre system complies with the requirements for natural ventilation of buildings under the New Zealand Building Code clause G4
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature, shop drawings and site-specific engineering the VL-104D louvre system complies with the requirements for structure under the New Zealand Building Code clause B1
When installed in accordance with Ventüer technical literature and shop drawings the VL-104D louvre system complies with the requirements around external moisture as outline in New Zealand Building Code clause E2

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