The Condenser - A Closer Look at Sand Louvers

Is sand infiltration an issue for your project? Learn how sand louvers can help protect your HVAC system in arid climates. The Condenser is short reads on important HVAC topics.

Arid climates and beaches have one thing in common: sand. Gusts of wind can carry sand particles through the openings in your building. Like rain, sand can damage HVAC equipment and reduce the quality of air in the system. Sand louvers minimize sand infiltration.

A beach on a cloudy day

Sand louvers are an excellent choice for projects in coastal regions.

Sand louvers use chevron blades or louver blades with a similar profile to capture sand. These blades are mounted vertically in the louver, so that the captured sand falls off the blades. Once captured, the sand will fall onto the sill.

Sand louvers will have a steeper slope than other louvers. From there, the sand slides out of the louver’s face.

Chevron blades will have the same catches and features found on severe weather louvers. Their curved design allows air through the louver, while catching sand and other large particles on the catch at the peak of the blade.

Sand louvers won’t have drain troughs, or a drain pan. These features would be counterproductive to rejecting sand. Sand particles wouldn't drain out of the louver like water. Instead, the sand would collect in these features, making it easier for more sand to infiltrate the louver.

A sand louver with captured sand in the sill

Sand louvers can also use a special curved blade that is designed for sand. The blade profile resembles a wide U shape. These blades are installed vertically, so that captured sand falls to the sill. Where chevron blades are stacked side by side, the wide-U blades will be staggered across the face of the louver.

The blades overlap across the face of the louver, so that only air can pass through. The outer blades are situated with the convex side facing outward, while inner blades have their concave side facing the front of the louver.

When sand hits the louver, the outer blades will direct the sand particles towards the scoops of the inner blades. This creates a near-perfect barrier for incoming sand.

A sand louver with special wide-U blades

Sand louvers have a unique design to solve a frequent problem for projects in sandy areas. Protect your HVAC system from sand infiltration with the right louvers. And as always, check the louver’s submittal to ensure it meets the needs of your project.

Looking for louvers? Arrow United Industries can help. We build HVAC louvers for a variety of project requirements, including sand infiltration and severe weather. Contact Arrow United today and let's get started on your next project.

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