Registers & Grilles · Registers & Grilles
Exterior weather louver grille connection
Exterior wall
ConnectionSleeve/plenum
SupportStructure-supported sleeve
Before you start
- Confirm louver or grille model, sleeve, flashing, sill slope, drainage path, wind-driven-rain detail, birdscreen, and plenum connection.
- Inspect the exterior opening, membrane, sill, and frame.
- Verify duct and plenum loads are carried by structure, not the louver.
- Coordinate weather and air seals separately.
Tools and materials
Exterior louver or grille, sleeve, flashing, plenum or duct connection, structural supports, weather sealant, air sealant, drainage components, level, and access hardware.
Lay it out
- Set opening, sill, and drainage elevations.
- Coordinate flashing and exterior finish.
- Keep birdscreen and damper access available.
Set and support it
- Support sleeve and plenum from structure.
- Protect drainage paths.
- Keep the louver free of duct load.
Make the connection
- 1
Install the sleeve and flashing.
- 2
Set the louver or grille square.
- 3
Slope or drain the sill as detailed.
- 4
Connect and support the plenum or duct.
- 5
Complete weather-side seal.
- 6
Complete air-side seal.
- 7
Verify drainage and service access.
Check the install
- Water drains outward.
- Perimeter is weather-tight.
- Air seal is continuous.
- Louver carries no duct weight.
- Birdscreen and dampers remain accessible.
Common mistakes
- Sealing the sill so water cannot drain.
- Hanging the plenum from the louver.
- Using one bead of sealant as both weather and air barrier.
- Blocking birdscreen access.
Stop and ask
Stop if waterproofing, wind-driven-rain, flashing, drainage, or independent support details are missing.