How do I calculate the free area of a louver to ensure I meet the engineer's specs?

The structural metal blades of an intake louver block a large percentage of the open wall frame space. Look up the manufacturer's submittal data sheet to find the designated Percent Free Area rating (typically ranging from 45% to 60%).

["The structural metal blades of an intake louver block a large percentage of the open wall frame space. Look up the manufacturer's submittal data sheet to find the designated Percent Free Area rating (typically ranging from 45% to 60%).", '\\text{True Free Area Space} = \\text{Total Rough Opening Area (Width} \\times \\text{Height)} \\times \\text{Percent Free Area Rating}', 'If your calculation drops below the absolute net square footage required by the engineer, the system fan will starve for air and whistle loudly.']

Stop if

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

Steps

• Stop and verify the approved detail, manufacturer instructions, foreman direction, and project specs before touching it.
• The structural metal blades of an intake louver block a large percentage of the open wall frame space. Look up the manufacturer's submittal data sheet to find the designated Percent...
• \text{True Free Area Space} = \text{Total Rough Opening Area (Width} \times \text{Height)} \times \text{Percent Free Area Rating}
• If your calculation drops below the absolute net square footage required by the engineer, the system fan will starve for air and whistle loudly.

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