Maintaining the value of architectural louvres

Colman
Correctly fitted, external louvres should last as long as the building itself — which is clearly important in a building like this.
Co-operation between suppliers, installers and the customer can drive down costs and result in better-engineered and cost-effective solutions says RICHARD WHARTONPlanning and timing are critical for manufacturers and can determine the success of a project. But only too frequently, manufacturers are left out of the loop except when problems arise and they receive the full force of the customer venting their frustrations. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but few take advantage of the learning curve. If contractors, architects, manufacturers and customers work together from the outset and understand what the customer wants, many issues and potential problems can be overcome without incurring extra costs. The phrase of the times is ‘value engineering’ — often bandied around but rarely implemented — to appreciate the benefits and minimise costs. Tight margins and demands for faster turnarounds ensure that manufacturers have little room for manoeuvre and are continually juggling projects. Products relegated to the ranks of ancillary devices such as air distribution are often changed, quantities altered or re-designed to accommodate other changes that have inevitably taken place with the fabric of the building. Architectural louvres Although louvres, grilles and diffusers are relatively standard devices, architectural louvres particularly are a different proposition. Without careful selection and planning they can result in a badly fitting installation with damaged paintwork or, worse, ingress of water that, left unchecked, could seriously compromise safety and the efficient operation of expensive capital equipment. Louvres can be manufactured to suit a wide variety of requirements, internal and external. Mechanical louvres are very much part of a system; architectural louvres on the other hand can incorporate unusual shapes and sizes to mask plant or add to the appeal of a building, thus combining functionality with aesthetic looks. Much thought is given to customers’ performance and aesthetic requirements, but all too frequently projects are up against tight deadlines — requiring products to be manufactured and delivered to site in very short periods. Installations are often handed over to third-party contractors who may lack adequate fitting skills. If correctly fitted, external louvres should last as long as the building itself. Many contractors are familiar with both cladding and louvres and therefore quite capable of carrying out a quality installation. However, others lack awareness and/or the ability to align blades, install filters to prevent ingress of airborne waste and complete the job quickly. Correct alignment is critical for drainage, as well as the appearance of the louvre. Badly fitting blades will allow water to be drawn into the structure that could cause metal deterioration in associated equipment. Paintwork can also be damaged, requiring costly touching up post contract. In addition, lack of installation expertise slows down the job and can hold up projects and cause cumulative site delays that can be costly. A knowledgeable installer goes on site with an understanding of the product and appreciates the importance of squareness and the efficiency of a well-fitted blade. Loose blades rattle and can cause considerable noise, badly fitting access doors are not only a safety hazard but also affect the overall appearance. False economy With shorter lead times becoming the norm, demand for quick turn around of products, particularly in modern building design, is set to increase. Valuable time could be saved if air distribution was given a higher priority rather than classified as ancillary equipment. Playing suppliers off against on another to secure a better deal is often a false economy, as specifications invariably change. Colman has on many occasions found itself quoting eight or nine times for the same project to keep pace with the customer’s changes of mind! When customers change their requirements, they never think of the hidden costs. Co-operation between supplier, installer and customer is so important for a successful and value-for-money project. Well-planned designs and schedules agreed at the outset so that differing trades need only interface when necessary saves time, money and ensures a right first time result. Richard Wharton is general manager of Colman, Oldfields Business Park, Birrell Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs ST4 3ES.
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