Equipment Screen Louvers: Recommendations and Cautions

November 26, 2023

Equipment screens conceal rooftop mechanical units and ground-level infrastructure like transformers and HVAC equipment from public view. Well-designed screens incorporate architectural louvers to maintain proper ventilation.

Properly Angle Louvers for Concealment

Invert blades to prevent visibility of roof equipment from below. Using chevron shaped blades can help eliminate sight lines from multiple angles including higher adjacent buildings. Adjust louver angles and sight lines for optimal screening from expected viewing angles. Here are best practices and mistakes to avoid when specifying louvers for equipment concealment:

Do:

• Size louvers for adequate airflow - At least 50% free area recommended. Going too small restricts ventilation.

• Keep screens simple and cost-effective – Speak with your GC to determine if assembled or knock down systems are preferred.

• Include rear service access - Hinged panels or removable sections prevent maintenance issues.

• Select durable finishes - Sculptured screens need resilient coatings like PVDF.

• Review noise reduction needs - Consider acoustical louvers if critical.

Don't:

• Forget to consult with supplier to determine span vs wind loads.

• Forget to detail mitered or box corners.

• Be afraid to mix louver types - Combining different types adds uniqueness to an otherwise “static” appearance.

• Neglect special site conditions - Coastal or corrosive locales need stainless steel or marine grade paint.

Properly designed equipment screens simply conceal infrastructure without restricting ventilation. Partner with experienced manufacturers to develop solutions balancing aesthetics, performance, and budgets. Avoid common mistakes that create functional issues requiring later correction at added cost.