The Big Three Metals for Louvers and Dampers

There are three types of metal that make up most louvers and dampers. Learn the difference between the big three and the benefits of each on the Newsstand.

Louvers and Dampers Built to Last

Louvers are permanent fixtures in a building’s envelope, only replaced when they are damaged or destroyed. They are an important part of architectural designs, built to endure elements like rainfall, high winds, and sunlight, for many years.  Dampers are installed indoors, but they open and close many times a day. They need to pass air from point to point until it reaches its destination.

These assemblies need to be built to last. That is why many louvers and dampers are built from durable metals like extruded aluminum and galvanized steel. In this article, we will look at the three big metals used most often in building louvers and dampers. 

Looking to add louvers to your project? At Airline Louvers, we build stationary louvers to meet your HVAC requirements, from standard ventilation to severe weather protection. Contact Airline Louvers today. We make it easy to find the right louvers.

Metal #1 - Extruded Aluminum

Extruded aluminum is common for louvers and control dampers. Aluminum is a reliable, lightweight metal that can be formed into the right shape, using the extrusion method.

Creating Aluminum Extrusions 

Extrusions involve pushing metal through a die of the desired cross section. Think of it like pushing toothpaste through the spout of its tube, except that the spout takes on a specific shape instead of a circle. The aluminum extrusion takes on the desired shape of the cross section as it passes through the die. It keeps that shape forever. This process requires immense force. Manufacturers can keep dies for the individual parts of the louver or damper and extrude the necessary parts to assemble each product.

Aluminum is a resilient and corrosion resistant metal.

The Benefits of Extruded Aluminum

Aluminum is also the only metal of the big three that can reliably accept most finish types, including anodizing. Anodizing creates an oxidized layer that fills in the micropores along the metal's surface and further protects the louver from corrosion. These micropores also make it easier for powder paints to adhere to the metal. Extruded aluminum products will be lighter than steel. They are sturdy enough to handle tough applications. Hurricane-rated louvers are often built from extruded aluminum and can withstand impacts from windborne debris.

Learn more about impact testing for hurricane louvers in "AMCA 540 and 550: Tougher Standards for Hurricane Louvers".

Metal #2 - Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel is a durable metal commonly used in control dampers and life safety dampers. It can also be used in louvers that need more structural resilience. This metal has an added layer of protection than standard steel.

The Galvanization Process

Galvanization is the process of adding a layer of zinc to the metal’s surface. While intact, this zinc coating protects the underlying steel from corrosive substances and prevents rusting. Galvanized steel is an excellent choice for outdoor louvers and dampers. Manufacturers can use various press methods to form the necessary shapes for louvers and dampers. Therefore, many galvanized steel products are commonly referred to as "formed steel" products.

The Benefits of USING Galvanized Steel

These products can perform the same tasks as their aluminum counterparts, with the increased toughness of steel. However, the final assembly will weigh more. Galvanized steel louvers and dampers will require additional support when installed. Galvanized steel is an excellent option for tough applications, but there is another option for steel.

Metal #3 - Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is considered the toughest option for standard applications. Most galvanized steel louvers and dampers will have the option to use stainless steel, at a higher cost. In fact, manufacturers often use similar press methods for forming stainless steel components.

Types of Stainless Steel

Type 304 is the most common alloy for stainless steel, consisting of iron, chromium, and nickel. The resulting alloy is more resilient and more resistant to corrosion, making it the toughest of the three metals. Type 304 is also less thermally conductive than other forms of steel, which makes it an excellent choice for louvers in hot places or for dampers that regularly handle warm air. In many cases, formed steel products can be built with type 316 stainless steel for added resilience.

The Benefits of Using Stainless Steel

Stainless steel louvers and dampers will be among the toughest units in your HVAC system. They will also be heavier than galvanized steel and extruded aluminum assemblies. These units will require extra support.

The Big Three and Your HVAC System

The big three metals – extruded aluminum, galvanized steel, and stainless steel – are used to build louvers and dampers for many applications. Heavier materials, like rolled steel, are used for heavy-duty applications such as industrial dampers and FEMA-approved louvers. You have options when it comes to louvers and dampers. It’s important to understand those options.

For more on louvers and dampers, check out these other Newsstand articles:

• Blades with a Purpose - For Louvers and Dampers
• Important Terms for Louvers and Dampers
• Louvers by the Numbers
• Round Dampers for Spiral Ducts

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