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Apprentice answer

Why do multi-section louvers need room for thermal movement

3rd YearRoof Curbs, Louvers & Exterior AirCheck first

Long aluminum louver banks expand and contract. Use the factory splice/expansion detail instead of bolting every section rigidly tight.

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Plain-English answer

A multi-section louver is not one solid chunk. Long aluminum runs need controlled movement at mullion joints, or heat can push the frames into each other and buckle the assembly.

Check the factory splice plates, gutter channels, expansion joint notes, and mullion alignment. The recovery is to disassemble the rigid joint, reset spacing per the submittal, and install sliding splice/gutter parts with flexible sealant where required.

Ask Foreman

The multi-section louver at [location] is buckling at the mullion joints. I checked the splice and it looks locked tight. Do you want it reset with the factory expansion/splice detail?

Verify before acting

Use this as training guidance. Foreman direction, approved drawings, project specs, manufacturer instructions, employer safety policy, and AHJ/code requirements always control the final answer.

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