Ordering louvres should be one of the more straightforward parts of a project. In reality, small details can quickly become delays if they aren’t resolved before fabrication begins.

Which dimensions are final? Is the drawing showing the structural opening or the frame size? Has the required airflow been confirmed? Does the specified RAL colour include the finish? Who is supplying the support steel and flashings?

They’re all reasonable questions, but if they’re left unanswered they can affect fabrication, installation and the overall programme.

At CS Fabrication, we work with contractors every day to resolve these details before fabrication begins. We review drawings, confirm specifications and fabricate Renson aluminium louvre systems in Ireland, helping keep projects moving while reducing the risk of costly changes later.

Check the Specified Louvre Against the Latest Design

A Renson louvre specified during the tender stage is a good starting point, but it shouldn’t move into fabrication without a final review.

Designs evolve. Openings change size, mechanical requirements are updated and additional features such as mesh or acoustic treatment may be introduced. Even a small change to the wall build-up can influence the most suitable louvre arrangement.

Before placing the order, compare the specified louvre with the latest architectural, mechanical and façade drawings to make sure everything is still aligned.

Make Every Dimension Clear

One of the most common causes of installation issues is assuming everyone is referring to the same dimension.

For example, a drawing showing 1200 mm × 1000 mm could refer to the structural opening, the external frame size, the clear opening or the visible blade area.

The approved drawings should clearly identify the frame size, frame depth, blade direction, position within the wall and any installation tolerances.

For continuous louvre screens, setting out becomes even more important. Corners, returns, support positions and panel joints all need careful coordination, particularly where blade lines continue across several elevations.

Where site measurements are required, it’s also worth agreeing who is responsible for taking, checking and approving them before fabrication starts.

Confirm the Mechanical Requirements

It’s easy to focus on the opening size, but ventilation performance depends on much more than that.

Before the order is finalised, the mechanical engineer should confirm the required airflow, whether the louvre is serving as an intake or exhaust, and the maximum acceptable pressure drop.

Free area is an important part of the specification, but it should always be considered alongside the overall performance requirements of the louvre. Mesh, acoustic treatments, supporting members and other accessories can all affect the finished performance.

Different Renson louvre profiles are designed to balance airflow, weather protection, acoustic performance and security in different ways, so it’s important that the selected profile matches the intended application.

If any of the mechanical information is still outstanding, it’s far better to resolve it before fabrication begins.

Coordinate the Surrounding Construction

A correctly fabricated louvre can still create problems if the surrounding construction hasn’t been properly coordinated.

The final drawings should clearly show where the frame sits within the wall, what it fixes back to and how it connects with the surrounding façade.

It’s also worth agreeing who is responsible for each part of the package. Brackets, flashings, fixings and perimeter sealing often sit between different trades, so clarifying these details early helps avoid confusion during installation.

We can also fabricate associated aluminium flashings, cappings, trims and formed pressings as part of the overall package, helping ensure a consistent finish across the project.

Plan for Access from the Start

Plant rooms and service enclosures almost always require future access for maintenance, inspection or equipment replacement.

Doors, removable panels and larger access openings should therefore be included before the blade layout and support arrangement are finalised.

Adding an access door later can interrupt blade alignment, alter structural supports and affect the appearance of the finished screen.

The project team should also consider future plant replacement, not just routine maintenance, when deciding on opening sizes and access arrangements.

A RAL Number Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story

Specifying a RAL colour is only one part of the finish.

The sheen level, texture and coating system should also be agreed, particularly where the louvres need to match curtain walling, cladding or other architectural metalwork.

Where colour matching is important, reviewing a physical sample provides a much more reliable reference than a RAL number alone.

We offer in-house powder coating in a full range of RAL colours and finishes, allowing the coating process to be managed alongside fabrication for greater consistency.

Check the Purchase Order Against the Approved Drawings

Once the design has been finalised, the purchase order should be checked against the approved drawings before the package is released for fabrication.

Take the time to confirm profile references, dimensions, quantities, finishes, access requirements and delivery phases. It’s equally important to ensure the drawing revision referenced on the order is the latest approved version.

Even small changes can have a knock-on effect. A revised opening size may alter material quantities, a different mesh can affect airflow and a change in finish may influence production scheduling.

Resolving these details before fabrication begins helps avoid unnecessary delays later.

Think About the Installation Programme

Large louvre packages are rarely installed all at once.

Delivery often follows the construction programme, whether that’s by elevation, floor, plant area or cladding sequence. Some components may also be needed earlier so adjacent façade works can continue.

Sharing the proposed installation programme early allows us to plan production, packaging and deliveries around the construction sequence.

Our Dublin manufacturing facility includes 16,000 square feet of production space, multiple manufacturing lines, two powder coating booths and dedicated quality control, allowing us to support projects of varying sizes.

Why Contractors Choose CS Fabrication

Contractors need clear communication, accurate fabrication and reliable deliveries to keep projects moving.

Working exclusively with Renson aluminium louvre systems, our team reviews the approved drawings, confirms the agreed specification and fabricates each system to suit the project requirements.

Because fabrication, powder coating and quality control are managed within our Dublin facility, we can coordinate production more efficiently, support shorter lead times and provide quicker delivery, while giving contractors a single point of contact throughout the process.

Whether you’re a main contractor, façade contractor, cladding contractor or part of the procurement team, our aim is to make ordering straightforward from technical review through to delivery.

Ready to Discuss Your Project?

If you’re preparing a louvre package, send us your latest drawings, louvre schedule, mechanical requirements and finish specification.

We’ll review the information, identify any outstanding technical queries and provide pricing based on the agreed specification.

Call 01 912 5324 or send us your drawings through our online quotation form.