Acoustical Society of America
Acoustic construction

Acoustic louvers

Where air has to cross a wall that is holding noise in, a louver does both jobs — if its free area and its attenuation are balanced properly.

Close view of a metal screen made up of fine mesh in tight horizontal bands, divided by vertical straps.
Fine mesh in close horizontal bands, open enough for air to pass through it.

Also in this branch

An acoustic louver is a bank of absorptive blades: air passes between them while sound is absorbed along the way. The deeper the blades, the more attenuation — and the more resistance to airflow. Get that balance wrong and you either starve the plant of air or let the noise straight out.

Where they are used

  • Generator and plant room walls.
  • Ventilation openings in facades, where outside noise would otherwise enter.
  • Enclosure inlets and outlets.
  • Screens around roof-mounted plant.
  • Cooling tower and chiller compounds.

Specifying one

Airflow requiredSets the free area needed — the starting point for everything else.
Pressure availableHow much resistance the fan can overcome.
Attenuation requiredSets blade depth; deeper blades cost free area.
Opening sizeEnlarging the opening is usually cheaper than deepening the blades.
WeatherDrainage, bird and insect mesh, and finish for exposure.
MaterialGalvanised, aluminium or stainless, with a finish to suit the facade.

What we need to quote

  • Airflow and the pressure the fan can give up.
  • Attenuation required, and what is on the other side.
  • Opening size available, and the depth that can be accommodated.
  • Exposure and finish requirements.
  • Whether the opening also has fire or security requirements.

Tell us the room

Send dimensions and intended use. You get back an indicative acoustic treatment, a systems outline and a budget range.