Benefits of Aluminum Louvers

Aluminum louvers are inserts installed in interior or exterior doors that are meant to promote the freer circulation of air. These louvers, also called door vents, are often used to retrofit existing doors to enhance ventilation within a commercial, industrial or even residential structure. While many materials may be used to make door vents, aluminum louvers are considered a superior choice in many settings.

When aluminum louvers are installed, the primary benefit is the enhanced ventilation or circulation provided. This is necessary primarily due to advances in construction techniques. While today’s construction is most certainly more energy efficient, there are drawbacks to near-airtight designs.

In the frenzy to create ways to keep cooled or heated air inside a structure, designers forgot the need to also provide for adequate ventilation. The end result of tighter seals, better insulation and improved doors and windows is a circumstance in which indoor air may only infrequently be exchanged for fresher, cleaner air from the outdoors. Even when this occurs, the amount of time an air exchange is likely to take place might be dramatically limited. Door vents help solve this concern.

When aluminum louvers are selected, these benefits are likely to result from their installation:

• Improved ventilation and circulation – Aluminum louvers installed on exterior doors allow for an ongoing, but controlled exchange of interior air with fresh air from outside. Similar louvers used on interior doors promote better air circulation throughout a building.

• Improved air quality – One of the more serious drawbacks to airtight building designs is that fact that stale and sometimes contaminated indoor air is trapped inside. When aluminum louvers are installed, chemical fumes, cooking odors, cigarette smoke and other potential hazards can be safely vented outdoors while fresh air is allowed in.

• Reliable performance – Aluminum louvers are often preferred because this material is easy to maintain and is highly resistant to rust and corrosion. Although favored for its lightweight nature, some aluminum louvers are built to be durable enough they rightfully earn storm-grade ratings for use on exterior doors, as well.

Aluminum louvers provide a safe, effective and efficient workaround to provide better air ventilation and circulation within buildings. This material is often the best choice because of the quality and durability offered.

Blog Source URL: https://www.amazingdoors.us/blog/benefits-of-aluminum-louvers/

   

Tips for Choosing Aluminum Access Hatches

Aluminum access hatches are designed to provide safe, easy entry from the top floor of a building to its uppermost exterior. These specially designed inserts, however, must be chosen with care to ensure a proper fit, functionality that lasts and compliance with any applicable building codes.

Aluminum access hatches are suitable for use in any situation where the fire rating of galvanized steel isn’t required by code. Aluminum access hatches are preferred when allowed because they are easier to maintain and resist corrosion and rust better than the alternatives.

When selecting aluminum access hatches, be sure to keep these tips in mind:

• Understand the size requirements – Aluminum roof access hatches are available in a diversity of sizes to fit varying needs. To make sure the right size is selected, it’s important to consider structural elements of the building, such as space provided between any beams or trusses that are necessary for maintaining the roof’s integrity. Also consider the materials that will likely need to pass through an access hatch. Since these hatches are often put into place to allow for easier equipment maintenance, this consideration can be important when selecting the size of the opening.

• Know the codes for the building – Again, aluminum access hatches make an excellent choice in many circumstances, but fire-rated materials may be required by local building codes. If there’s any doubt, check with a local building department before selecting an aluminum access hatch.

• Determine who will handle the installation – It is important to make sure access hatches are installed safely. Failing to do so may create structural issues with the roof. In addition, improper installation may compromise the watertight fit these hatches are meant to provide. It is often best to hire a professional contractor to tackle the job.

• Consider whether safety railings are needed – Many aluminum access hatch models come equipped with safety railings. This additional feature may not always be necessary, but it can cut down on the risk of slip-and-fall injuries as people enter the roof area or leave it.

Aluminum access hatches provide an excellent solution for enabling faster access to the outside. Be sure to choose the desired model with care before moving ahead with a purchase. A well-selected hatch should provide years of reliable and safe access without compromising roof integrity in the process. 

Blog Source URL: https://www.amazingdoors.us/blog/tips-for-choosing-aluminum-access-hatches/

Why Does One Require Roof Access Hatches?

Roof access hatches are upgrades that can be added to most homes and buildings, depending on the style of roofing they have. While most commonly used in commercial and industrial settings, some homeowners may find these portals are quite useful for them, as well. 

Roof access hatches are designed to provide easy entry from the upper level of a building to the exterior roof. While they are similar to standard attic access hatches cut into ceilings, the designs of roof hatches are quite unique. Since they are partially exposed to the weather on the topside, these structural additions tend to be made to withstand the elements while also providing some security features to ensure undesired entry is not gained from the outside.

There are many reasons why builders choose to install roof access hatches during the initial construction phase on a property. These hatches may also be added to existing construction. Here are just some of the reasons why roof access hatches might be required:

• Building maintenance – It is quite common for larger commercial, residential and industrial properties to have roof access hatches included in their designs. By providing a way for workers to gain access to the roof directly through the uppermost floor, these hatches add convenience for routine maintenance. Gaining access to the roof area might be required for routine cleaning, to access HVAC equipment installed on the roof and for other reasons.

• To enhance safety in an evacuation – In some evacuations, it is safer to go up before going down. When this is the case, roof access hatches enable workers or residents to access the roof before using exterior fire escapes, for example.

• To enhance safety when access is required – By enabling ladders to be used from within a building’s interior to access the roof, hatches provide greater safety for people. Some designs even include safety bars to make the ascension even safer.

• To transform a roof into a usable area – In some settings, flat roofs lend themselves well to serving as usable spaces for recreation. Roof access hatches can serve as the entry point for these areas, depending on the apparatus selected.

Roof access hatches serve many purposes. When fast, safe access is required on a routine basis, these hatches provide the perfect solution. 

Blog Source URL: https://www.amazingdoors.us/blog/why-does-one-require-roof-access-hatches/