How much does a louvre system cost?

Louvres are ventilation products that allow air into a building or structure, but prevent rain and dirt from damaging machinery.

But louvres can also protect neighbours from noise and light spill – say, from multi-storey car parks. And, of course, as some louvres form an integral part of the building façade, it’s important they look good too.

All of this is a roundabout way of saying that when it comes to working out how much a louvre system is going to cost, it depends.

There are as many different types of louvre as there are different airflow and protection requirements, so for an accurate costing it’s important to talk to a louvre specialist.

In the meantime, here are some pointers.

• A standard ventilation louvre system with blades spaced at 100mm is likely to be the most cost-effective. Here, we’re talking about single blades – although in reality they’ll have a z-shaped profile.
• Decrease the spacing between the blades (say, to 75mm or 50mm) and you’ll get better protection from the elements. But more blades means more material, more fixings and more installation costs.
• And remember, more blades will also reduce the airflow - which may not be what you want.
• More advanced ‘chevron’ louvres offer better weather protection. This comes at a cost – typically, a chevron-profile will require nearly twice as much material as a standard z-shaped profile.
• At the top-end, you have high-performance weather louvres. For example, Maple have developed a best-in-class system that uses an innovative aerodynamic blade profile to maximise airflow AND prevent water ingress.
• The unique clip-on design means it can be easily changed from a single-bank to a double-bank system. Class A performance, however, comes at a cost.

There are other considerations too.

Materials

Most louvre systems are manufactured in aluminium. It’s cost-effective and long-lasting. And because it’s a relatively lightweight material, it’s easier to install. Steel is expensive but it may be a price worth paying if security is paramount.

Coatings

Most architects and specifiers will choose powder-coating or more expensive anodising for aesthetic reasons, or to protect aluminium against corrosion in exposed marine locations.

Other features

As well as protecting important machinery from the elements, some louvre systems may also incorporate insect mesh or blanking panels. Acoustic louvres also incorporate insulation.

What next?

Talk to a specialist about your requirements, and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction and give you an accurate cost.