If the building you’re designing requires noise attenuation AND airflow, then acoustic louvres are often the best answer. Whether it’s for a plant room, pump room, machinery room, cooling tower — or something else — acoustic louvres will significantly reduce the level of sound that is emitted from your structure. So, what are the three main things to consider when specifying this type of louvre for your project?

1) Do the acoustic louvres have the right balance of airflow versus sound control?

Acoustic louvres have the difficult task of simultaneously dampening sound waves and enabling airflow. Your louvres should produce a high insertion loss and a low pressure drop — but there are many variables to consider, including proximity to neighbouring buildings, type of equipment within the building, waterproofing requirements and access issues.

For example, louvres that produce a high insertion loss for a low-pitched sound won’t have the same effect on a high-pitched sound, so this needs to be considered in the design process. With so many complexities to take into account, it’s important to purchase your louvres from a company that will help you achieve the ideal balance of minimum noise/maximum airflow.

2) Are the acoustic louvres made from high quality material?

Your acoustic louvres should be made from a robust material such as steel, aluminium or Colorbond. Material selection will depend on a number of issues, including environmental factors. For example, acoustic louvres that are to be used in a corrosive environment will need to be constructed from an appropriate material to give a long service life.

Louvres that have been manufactured using the ‘punching and folding’ technique are extremely robust, have perfect dimensions, and are a good example of excellent quality workmanship. To ensure your acoustic louvres stand the test of time, it’s best to install items that have been designed and made to this high standard.

3) Will the acoustic louvres add value to your building?

You don’t want your louvres to detract from the look of your building. Instead, they should blend in with their surroundings, so the eye is naturally drawn to the structure as a whole rather than the louvres themselves. Acoustic louvres come in a wide range of colours, styles and materials — so you can add value to your building by choosing the perfect acoustic louvres for its aesthetics.

When you’re looking for an industrial louvre specialist, try Lowline. All our acoustic louvre designs are subjected to rigorous independent testing to ensure high quality, and our expert team can help you find the right product for your needs. To find out more about our range of acoustic louvres, call us on 07 3816 5600.