How do Architectural Louvers Improve Your Building Profile?

As an architect, you know that aesthetics play a bigger role in the construction business today than ever before. More and more progressive communities these days object to the exposure of mechanical equipment — HVAC units, cooling towers, transformers, etc. — and furthermore require them to be screened from public view. At the same time, the screening used to mask said items, in most cases, must permit a certain degree of ventilation. For that reason, architects and engineers tend to favor screening where the infill’s composed 100% of architectural louvers.

Architectural louvers are a series of slats or blades, usually fabricated using aluminum, typically installed at an angle to visually obscure what lies on the other side while, at the same time, permitting air to pass through. As mentioned before, this is important, as mechanical equipment, with its various moving parts and electrical circuitry, tends to release heat, moisture, and vapors, which must be allowed to escape. Architectural screens also help regulate temperature in a confined space, thereby helping prevent equipment from overheating, and provide a physical barrier to keep out unauthorized personnel.

Of course, that’s the functionality part of louvers. What about the aesthetics, since communities nowadays also want you to mask out equipment without compromising your building profile?

Architectural louvers enhance building aesthetics

Here at PalmSHIELD — the nation’s top contractor for custom-made architectural and equipment screening — we design and manufacture a variety of panel styles, and we build each one from scratch, according to the specific spatial, ventilation, and visibility needs of the individual client. When you contact our sales team, they can help advise you on which style will aesthetically accommodate your installation site. We consider:

• Louver style and installation angle. Depending on the style you choose, PalmSHIELD’s louvers can be installed horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. Horizontal is the most common style, as it tends to blend smoothly into most building profiles. When you hire PalmSHIELD, we will determine the appropriate angle at which your louvers will be installed. For instance, if you need panels to obscure rooftop equipment, the louvers will be angled so as to keep the items obscured from street view.
• Brand identity. Schools, gymnasiums, entertainment complexes, bowling alleys, etc. often feature elaborate architecture designed to attract customers. In other cases, they have mascots or logos which are part of their brand identity. In these scenarios, generic gray louvers aren’t the top choice. Fortunately, PalmSHIELD’s installers are trained to handle powder coating technology. This means we can custom color your louvers. Simply tell us what color you want, and we’ll color your louvers and the surrounding framework as needed.
• Seamless integration. Louvered screening blends smoothly in with most building profiles. As a result, they are able to hide unsightly mechanical items from street view without detracting from your building profile.

But most of all, hiding HVAC units and other equipment makes your building more visually appealing. If you manage a restaurant or a store, massive gray fixtures with mechanical parts, fume-venting ducts, electrical circuitry, etc. makes your establishment less appealing to customers. In point of fact, they make the building look ugly and unsafe. Thus, people are less likely to give you their business. PalmSHIELD’s architectural louvers, on the other hand, are visually elegant, blend into your infrastructure, and make more more appealing to passersby.

What are the long-term benefits of louvered screens?

When you fit your building profile with architectural louvers, you’ll gain main long-term benefits from your investment:

• Protection from vandalism. Imagine the bills that would result from regular damage to your mechanical equipment. Unprotected, your HVAC units, cooling towers, etc. become vulnerable to vandals as well as wild animals. Screening also functions as a physical barrier, and here at PalmSHIELD, all our screening options come with optional gates (which will likewise be designed to match the louver style and color of your choice).
• Enhanced curb appeal. As we mentioned above, hiding equipment enhances the appearance of a safe, well-designed building. This is fundamental for retail outlets, especially. Strip malls, restaurants, shopping centers, etc. must have architectural screens.
• Increased property value. One of these days, your property will probably change ownership. Potential buyers are more likely to acquire property that doesn’t require expensive add-ons. They’re more likely to buy property that already has architectural screening in place, rather than go to the trouble and expense of finding a contractor and installing it after the purchase. You can potentially get more money, too!

Ready to talk about architectural screening for your property? Have questions about louvers that were not answered in this article? PalmSHIELD’s sales team is ready to talk your project and address any concerns you have. Call or email to get a free quote today!