Louvres

Operable Louvres

Aluminium Operable Louvres

Features

Overview

Each 88mm blade sits on pivot caps at both ends inside a routed frame, and a control bar fixed into the blade ends links them together. Move the bar and every blade rotates the same amount at the same time, from fully open to fully closed. There is one adjustment for the whole panel rather than a blade-by-blade job.

Where It Fits

Built to Perform

Sizes & Options

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Complete System

Once every blade is in place, the Control Bar fixes into each blade end, linking the full run so one adjustment rotates every blade together. The bottom rail comes in two sizes to suit different frame widths, and an H Section is available for larger openings, giving the system room to scale without changing how it operates.

The Control Bar

Profiles

Suite

Shutter - Blade
88mm

KELB

Shutter
Operable H Section

KELOH

Shutter - Operable Rail
Adjustable

KELORAM

Shutter - Operable Rail
Top

KELOR

Shutter - Operable Rail
Mid

KELORM

Shutter - Operable Rail
Side

KELOS

Shutter - Operable Track
Bottom

KELOTB

Shutter - Operable Rail (SML)
Bottom

KELORAFS

Shutter - Operable Rail (LRG)
Bottom

KELORAFL

Shutter
Operable Control Bar

KELOC

Shutter - Operable Track
Top

KELOTT

Shutter - Blade - 88mm

KELB

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Specification

Product Details

Material

Tempered Extruded Aluminium Alloy.
*See individual profile specification sheets for exact alloy and temper.

Country of Origin

Australia
Manufactured in Australia and supplied to the UK market.

Length

6500mm

Finish

Sublimated wood grain surface over a powder coated base

Availability

Lead times can vary between 2–4 weeks, depending on the time of year. Contact us for an accurate estimate.
Made to Order - 8-20 weeks.

Warranty Life

Backed by a standard 15 year warranty and up to 25 years on selected finishes.
See our warranty page for the terms.

Maintenance

Periodic washing with a soft broom and water, using a pH-neutral detergent

Sustainability

Recyclable Aluminium
Non-Chromate Pre-Treatment
VOC free Powder Coat

Performance Requirements

Testing Design Standards

CWCT Standards

Fire Standards

Certified A2-s1,d0 to BS EN 13501-1

Performance Standards

BS EN 755 Aluminium Alloy Extrusions

BS EN 12206 Powder Organic Coatings

FAQs

How do Knotwood Operable Louvres work?

Operable Louvres use 88mm aluminium blades mounted in a framed system and linked by a control bar. Tilting the control bar simultaneously adjusts the angle of all blades, so the light, airflow and privacy passing through the panel are controlled together rather than blade by blade.

What is the difference between Operable Louvres and Fixed Louvres?

Operable Louvres have adjustable blades that rotate to vary airflow, light and privacy on demand. Fixed Louvres have permanently set blades and cannot be adjusted once installed. Operable Louvres suit conditions that change through the day or season; Fixed Louvres suit a consistent, low-maintenance privacy and shade requirement. Both use the same 88mm blade, so the two can run on the same elevation with an identical blade line.

Are Operable Louvres manual or motorised?

Manual, via the control bar, as standard. For motorisation on larger or hard-to-reach installations, contact Knotwood’s technical team to discuss compatible solutions for the project.

What structural preparation does installation require?

The opening needs an additional frame for the louvre assembly to fix into. The frame is assembled first, sized to the opening, then fixed into the prepared structural opening using fixing plates or approved concealed fixing methods.

How are Operable Louvres assembled?

Seven steps. The bottom and adjustable rails are set to match the frame width, the side and top rails complete the frame, and a mid rail fixes in if the panel needs one. The frame is then fixed into the opening. Each blade takes a pivot cap at both ends, blades are installed from the top down with each one checked for free rotation before the next goes in, and the control bar fixes into the blade ends last.

Why is each blade checked before the next one goes in?

Because a blade that binds is much easier to correct in a part-filled frame than a full one. Confirming free rotation as you go means any alignment problem is found at the blade that caused it, rather than at the end when the control bar will not move.

How much airflow do Operable Louvres provide compared with a fixed screen?

Fully open, the blades allow maximum airflow through the opening. Tilted to a mid position, airflow is partially restricted while privacy is maintained. Fully closed, airflow is significantly reduced. That range is the difference against a fixed screen, which holds one setting permanently.

What maintenance do Operable Louvres require?

Periodic washing with water and a pH-neutral detergent. Because this system has moving parts, the pivot mechanism and control bar should also be checked periodically to confirm the blades still rotate freely. The system carries a 15 year limited warranty.

What are the blade pivots made from?

Each blade rotates on a plastic louvre plug fitted into both ends before installation. It is the one non-aluminium component in the assembly, and it is why the periodic check on free rotation is part of the maintenance rather than optional.

What is the reaction to fire classification of Operable Louvres?

Operable Louvres are extruded aluminium, classified A2-s1,d0 to BS EN 13501-1. Under Approved Document B, A2-s1,d0 is a material of limited combustibility, which is the classification required for external wall construction on relevant buildings under Regulation 7(2). The plastic pivot plug in each blade end is a component within the assembly rather than a surface material, so send us the building height and the wall construction and we will provide the classification report reference for your specification.

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Aluminium Operable Louvres

Features

Take a Closer Look

Profiles

Customisation

Operable

Orientation

Downloads

Specification

Product Details

Performance Requirements

FAQs

How do Knotwood Operable Louvres work?

What is the difference between Operable Louvres and Fixed Louvres?

Are Operable Louvres manual or motorised?

What structural preparation does installation require?

How are Operable Louvres assembled?

Why is each blade checked before the next one goes in?

How much airflow do Operable Louvres provide compared with a fixed screen?

What maintenance do Operable Louvres require?

What are the blade pivots made from?

What is the reaction to fire classification of Operable Louvres?

Why Knotwood?

Free Estimations & Support

Huge Range of Woodgrain Finishes

CPDs & Educational Support

More on Louvres

16 Years of Building Beautiful Forever

Practical, Welcoming, and Built to Last

Realistic Colour Combination Effect

Need More Help?

Want some samples?

Speak with a Knotwood Expert

Need more technical info?

More Louvres Solutions

Fixed Louvres