Are you wondering which fixings to use for your louvre blades?
The short answer is that it depends on where the louvres will be attached, and whether they are vertical or horizontal, angled or straight, and operable or fixed.
In this article, we cover the most common types of louver fixings to help you plan your project. We also share some of the issues you may face to help you prepare for and avoid them.
Fixing systems for louvre blades
To help you decide on the right fixing method for the louvres on your project, we’ve outlined the main options below, including:
- Clasp brackets.
- End brackets.
- Frame-fixed.
- Rear-pivot.
If you aren’t sure where to start, our experts are happy to help with your specification process. Let us know your vision and we will do everything we can to bring it to life.
Clasp brackets
With this system, a clasp bracket is riveted onto the back of each louvre fin. The brackets slot into a continuous channel, where pre-drilled holes set the louvre spacings and angle. The angle can be up to 45° in either direction and customised to suit your specifications. This is decided in the design stage and cannot be moved once installed.
With this method, all the mounting brackets and supports are behind the louvres for a frameless look. The louvres can also be fixed horizontally or vertically to suit your architectural design.
- Suitable for the frameless look and angled louvres.
- Up to 45° angle in either direction.
- Horizontal or vertical fins.
- Customisable louvre spacings and angles.
Our clasp fixed louvres are engineered to meet ASNZ standards and are available in a large range of powder-coat colours (including woodgrain).
End brackets
With this system, each louvre blade is fixed with an individual bracket at both ends. Both end brackets are attached to the house or other structure, either vertically or horizontally. This is best suited for larger profiles when the louvres run vertically between the soffit and the ground, or horizontally between wing walls.
The louvre angles and spacings are entirely customisable and have no rails or substructure, achieving a clean frameless look.
- Suitable for larger louvre profiles.
- Frameless look.
- Horizontal or vertical.
- Customisable louvre spacings and angles.
Frame-Fixed
This fixing detail involves an aluminium box frame surrounding the louvres. The size of the frame can be altered and you can increase the frame depth to create more room for windows that open behind the louvres. The louvre profile, angle, and spacings can also be customised to suit the level of sunshade and privacy desired by your client.
Frame-fixed louvres are often chosen to cover a window with privacy louvres. The louvres inside the frame can be fixed, manually operable, or motorised.
- Framed look
- Horizontal or vertical.
- Customisable louvre spacings and angles.
- Can be fixed, manually operable, or motorised.
Rear-Pivot
With a rear-pivot system, the louvres are connected to the pivot structure at the rear of the fins and joined together with a link bar. When adjusted, this ensures all blades move in unison. When the louvres are closed, the support rails are not visible, achieving a sleek and frameless look.
- Adjustable from shut to 115°.
- Frameless look.
- Horizontal or vertical louvres.
- Side rails are not visible when in the shut position.
- Can only be motorised (no manually operable option).
Our rear pivot louvre system is engineered to meet ASNZ standards and is also available in a wide range of powder-coat colours.
A combination of details
In some cases, you may need to specify multiple fixing methods to achieve your objectives.
For example, when louvres need to be attached to a soffit at the top of the louvre, and the house wall below, we recommend using end brackets at the top and clasp brackets at the base.
The best combination of details will depend on the structure, cladding type, engineering requirements, and operability of your louvre system. Ask our team for advice tailored to your project.
Fixed Louvres vs Operable Louvres
Fixed Louvres
In a fixed louvre panel, the louvre angle and centres are decided at the design stage and do not move once it is installed.
Manually Operable Louvres
With manually operable louvres, moving one of the louvre blades with your hand will make all other louvres turn in sync. This is an effective way to improve the adaptability of the space, increasing shade control and ventilation as required.
Motorised Louvres
With motorised louvres, the louvres are operated by a motor that is concealed inside the perimeter frame. You can adjust the louvre blades using a hand-held remote or wall switch to maximise shade control, ventilation, and shelter.
Outdoor Louvres NZ
Our range of louvre blades are available in three blade shapes— the Aurora, the Solaris, and the Caldera. Each shape has multiple sizes, from as little as 88mm wide up to 600mm!
We can give advice and recommendations specific to your project, just upload your plans and ask us today!
Or, if you want to learn more about the specifications and different louvre options, download our full brochure. You’ll find everything you need to know along with plenty of inspiration from projects around New Zealand.