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Apprentice Q&A · #384

Why can a normal transfer louver fail an architectural light-leak check?

3rd YearGREEN · Standard CorrectionAcoustic Transfer Louver Light Leak

Short answer

Airflow may be correct but the louver style may not meet the room privacy/acoustic need. Use the approved sight-proof/acoustic transfer louver type.

Field answer

A straight-blade transfer louver can move air but still allow line-of-sight light through the wall. In conference rooms, projector rooms, studios, or privacy spaces, that can be a finish rejection even if airflow is fine.

Confirm the architectural/acoustic requirement, net free area, and wall rating. The likely fix is a chevron, sight-proof, or acoustic transfer louver assembly that blocks line-of-sight while keeping the required air path.

What to check first

Do not do this

Do not assume airflow approval means the louver will pass architectural privacy or light-leak requirements.

Why it matters

Wrong louver style can pass air but still fail owner/architect punch.

Ask foreman

The transfer louver at [location] passes light straight through into the room. Airflow may be okay, but it looks like the wrong blade style. Do you want a sight-proof/acoustic louver submittal checked?

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Related Field Rescue route

Open routeBack to Q&A

Final direction belongs to the foreman, approved drawings/specs, manufacturer instructions, pressure/material schedule, employer policy, and AHJ/code requirements.