GB2529553A

GB2529553A - Drained louvres and method of making drained louvres

Info

Publication number: GB2529553A
Application number: GB1513022.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jan Pawel Wojcik
Original assignee: ADVANCED VENTILATION SYSTEMS Ltd
Current assignee: ADVANCED VENTILATION SYSTEMS Ltd
Priority date: 2014-08-06
Filing date: 2015-07-23
Publication date: 2016-02-24
Anticipated expiration: 2035-07-23
Also published as: GB201413937D0; GB201513022D0; GB2529553B

Abstract

A louvre arrangement 201, preferably for a window, in which the outer frame 202 has a rear drainage aperture 230 that provides a flow path for water through the bottom of the frame 232, for discharge into a glazing channel. The frame may have an integral drainage profile or baffle 220 for channelling water away from the louvre via the flow path. The profile may at least partially extend up sides of the frame, and may be on all sides of the frame. The louvre may also include blade support clips 204, and formations 216 for the attachment of a screen or guard 218. The device is intended to prevent rainwater from flowing back through the louvre frame during excessive weather conditions or high wind. In an alternative aspect, a louvre is provided with an outer frame having an integral drainage profile for directing water flow away from the frame.

Description

DRAINED LOUVRES AND METHOD OF MAKING DRAINED LOUVRES

Field

The present invention relates to drained louvres (also spelled louvers) and the provision of drainage for glazed-in' louvre systems, and methods of making and using the same.

Background

Louvres are an arrangement of generally parallel, horizontal slats or blades that may be fixed or adjustable. They are angled to keep out direct light, noise or rain but to permit air. The louvre blades may be incorporated into a frame or be connected to each other in another way, possibly including cords.

Louvres may be provided as secondary covering for an opening, typically on the inside or outside of a window, or may be provided as the sole or main covering for an opening in a building. Usually where the louvre is the main or sole covering for an opening, a fly I insect screen or bird screen will also be provided, typically connected to the side of the louvre arrangement which in use is on the inside relative to the building.

Where the louvre is the main covering for an opening in a building it may be fitted into a frame, typically provided for a window, provided within the building. Such a louvre is a glazed-in louvre, where the louvre frame is fitted into a glazing channel of the frame. The present invention is concerned with these latter louvres that are mounted in a frame that goes into an aperture in a building wall having a glazing channel, much the same way as a window goes into such a frame.

Where such louvres are the main or sole covering for an opening in a building, one of their main purposes is to provide ventilation but limit water penetration.

Nevertheless, some rain penetration is likely to occur, particularly when the rain is accompanied by strong or gusty winds. A build-up of water behind a louvre within a building can have detrimental effects on the building. As such it is important that a drainage path is provided for any rain or other source of moisture which penetrates or otherwise builds up behind the louvre and needs to be removed.

The louvre blades are angled to reduce rain penetration, and hence water also flows S down the louvres themselves, towards the outside of the building. Water dripping off the bottom edge of an angled louvre blade may also be blown into the building. To reduce this, some louvre blades may be provided with a gutter along their lower front edge, to capture water and direct it to ends where there is less likelihood of it being blown into the building.

Where a louvre is provided with a fly / insect or bird screen, water passing through the louvre hits the screen, a secondary effect of which is that some water ingress is prevented by the screen. The water then flows down the screen towards the base of the louvre.

It is known to add a baffle on the inside face, also referred to as the rear face, of the louvre arrangement, to direct water flowing down the inside of the louvre to flow back through the louvre, over the front edge of the lower portion of the outer frame, and out of the building. The baffle is referred to as a drainage profile because of its appearance in cross sectional views of the louvre plus baffle.

The drainage profile is added to the bottom section of the frame of the louvre at the end of construction of the louvre, adding a further stage to the manufacturing process and thus increasing the costs. In addition, water flowing over the front edge of the outer frame flows effectively backwards out of the face of the louvre and can be blown back into the louvre and thus into the building.

WO 2009/044847 discloses a louvre arrangement, in which the bottom of a multicomponent louvre frame is open and allows passage of water out of a building through a downward opening. The louvre cannot be fitted into the glazing channel of a frame.

CN 202645364 discloses a louvre arrangement with a front lip to allow for fitting into an opening, e.g. an opening in a building, such as a window frame, but not the glazing channel of a frame. The bottom of a louvre frame is provided with a series of water leakage holes" which appear to allow water to drain out of the bottom of the frame.

Other louvre arrangements, forming part of the state of the art, are known from GB 2198174, GB 2128666, GB 2092213, 1W 201416358 and US 4984402.

It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative louvre for fitting into a glazing channel, and an object of preferred embodiments to provide an improved louvre or improved method of louvre manufacture.

Summary of the Invention

According to the invention there is provided a louvre for glazed-in fitting, comprising: an outer frame; and a plurality of louvre blades disposed within the frame, the blades optionally being angled with respect to the frame, wherein the frame includes an aperture providing a flow path from the rear side of the frame, through a bottom of the frame for discharge into a glazing channel.

Further according to the invention there is provided a louvre for glazed-in fitting comprising:-an outer frame, and a plurality of louvre blades disposed within the frame, the blades optionally being angled with respect to the frame, wherein the frame has a drainage profile that directs water flow away from the louvre and is integral with the frame.

The invention also provides louvres in which the frame comprises both an aperture providing a flow path from the rear side of the frame, through a bottom of the frame for discharge into a glazing channel and also a drainage profile that directs water flow away from the louvre and is integral with the frame.

Methods of making these louvres constitute further elements of the invention.

Details of the Invention Glazing channels, for example in window frames, are typically provided with drainage systems which allow water to drain out of the bottom of the window frame.

These systems include conduits within the frame and on the front or lower side of the frame, to create a drainage path to allow water to drain out of the frame, typically to the outside of a building. Water can hence flow downwards from the glazing channel.

An embodiment of the invention is a louvre suitable for fitting into a window frame having a glazing channel, and comprising: an outer frame; and a plurality of louvre blades disposed within the frame, the blades optionally being angled with respect to the frame, wherein the frame includes an aperture providing a flow path from the rear side of the frame, through a bottom of the frame for discharge into a glazing channel.

This takes advantage of the glazing channel, allowing water to flow downwards away from the rear, lower portion of the louvre via that existing channel. Suitably, the louvre outer frame comprises a base frame member, respective right hand and left hand side frame members and a top frame member, and wherein the flow path is provided into the glazing channel via the base frame portion. Viewing a cross section of the bottom of the frame in examples, it is seen that water at the rear of the louvre flows into the louvre frame, rather than across the top of the frame member, and downwardly out of the most downwards frame portion.

Across the base frame member there may be several drainage apertures, as individual holes and/or elongated slots. Generally there are a plurality of apertures.

Usually they are spaced apart evenly across the base frame member.

The louvre is especially designed for fitting into a glazing frame in a building which when the louvre is fitted comprises a glazing channel. The term glazing frame refers to the type of frame into which the louvre is fitted, and includes window frames, curtain wall frames and door frames, all having a glazing channel.

In use of embodiments of the invention, flow of water via the flow path is via the bottom of the frame without flowing back through the front face of the louvre frame.

This reduces the risk of blow back of water into the building.

Further in typical use of the louvre, flow of water that has penetrated to the rear of the louvre is down rear surfaces of the louvre and directed by one or more baffles into a base frame member from the rear and to the outside of the building without flowing over the front edge of the base frame member.

The frame can further include formations for attachment of a fly I insect screen or bird guard. These are relatively standard options for most louvres of this type.

The louvre may further include at least two, preferably more, blade support clips for securing the blades within the frame. The blades may be and are preferably in a fixed position, though optionally they can move with respect to the frame. Commonly the blades are at an angle of substantially 45° to the vertical in use.

As will be appreciated, a problem with prior art louvres of this type is the effective lack of a drainage system. Drainage is back through the louvre and out of the front face of the louvre. The lack of a drainage system in art designs allows the possibility of water to be blown back through the louvre and thus into the building. The louvre of the invention has a drainage system that makes use of the internal drainage channels already present within the glazing channel of the glazing frame, e.g window frame. Drainage is through the louvre frame and not out of the front of the louvre.

Also provided in other embodiments of the invention is a louvre for glazed-in fitting comprising:-an outer frame, and a plurality of louvre blades disposed within the frame, the blades optionally being angled with respect to the frame, wherein the frame has a drainage profile that directs water flow away from the louvre and is integral with the frame.

The louvre outer frame typically comprises a base frame member, respective right hand and left hand side frame members and a top frame member, and wherein the integral drainage profile is provided across the base frame member and at least S partially up both the left hand and right hand side frame members.

The drainage profile may extend 10% or more, 20% or more, 40% or more or 60% or more up the right hand and left hand side frame members. This improves its effectiveness at capturing water at the louvre rear and removes the need for prior art use of cover caps to complete fitting of the drainage profile. In particular embodiments, the integral drainage profile is provided on all sides of the frame.

The profile comprises a baffle portion angled with respect to the louvre frame, Generally, the angle of the drainage profile with respect to the plane of the frame is 80 degrees or less (being 80 degrees to the vertical in normal use), 70 degrees or less or 50 degrees or less. In examples the profile is angled at about 60-70 degrees to the vertical when the louvre is in situ.

As for previous embodiments of the invention, the louvre may further include at least two blade support clips for securing the blades within the frame. The blades may be and are preferably in a fixed position, though optionally they can move with respect to the frame. Commonly the blades are at an angle of substantially 45° to the vertical in use.

The integral baffle results in water flow down and out of the louvre, i.e. water flow is directed away from the louvre.

Still further provided by the invention is a louvre that combines the flow path of first embodiments and the integral drainage profile of second embodiments. Hence the invention provides a louvre for glazed-in fitting, comprising:-an outer frame; and a plurality of louvre blades disposed within the frame, the blades optionally being angled with respect to the frame, wherein the frame includes an aperture providing a flow path from the rear side of the frame, through a bottom of the frame for discharge into a glazing channel, and further wherein the frame has a drainage profile that directs water flow away from the louvre via the flow path, which drainage profile is integral with the frame.

The combined louvre is optionally characterised by all features singularly or in combination of the louvres having a flow path into the glazing channel and the louvres having an integral drainage profile.

Method of making louvres are also provided.

A first method of making a louvre according to the invention comprises mounting a plurality of louvre blades in a frame and forming the frame with an aperture providing a flow path from the rear side of the frame, through a bottom of the frame for discharge into a glazing channel.

A second method of making a louvre according to the invention comprises mounting a plurality of louvre blades in a frame and forming the frame with a drainage profile that directs water flow away from the louvre and is integral with the frame, Methods of the invention optionally include steps suitable to provide all features singularly or in combination of the louvres having a flow path into the glazing channel and the louvres having an integral drainage profile.

To help understanding of the invention, specific embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a cross section of a typical louvre arrangement of the prior art; Fig. 2 is a cross section of a typical louvre arrangement of alternative prior art; Fig. 3 is a cross section of a louvre system according to the present invention; Fig. 4 is a cross section of the louvre system of the invention in a standard glazing channel in a building; Fig. 5 is a cross section of the louvre system of the invention in an alternative glazing channel; and Fig. 6 is a cross section of the louvre system of the invention in a curtain wall system.

Referring first to Fig. 1, which shows a known louvre arrangement, the louvre I thereshown includes an outer frame 2 having blade support clips 4, into which are connected an array of blades 6. The blades have a section 8 angled at approximately 45° to its vertical axis when fitted. Although this angle can be set to be between 5 and 85°, the angle of 45° is most commonly used. In some louvre systems (not shown), the angle of the blades may be adjustable.

The frame is made from four lengths 10 of extruded aluminium, welded or otherwise connected together at the corners. Each length comprises an essentially n shaped channel 12, being an inverted n shape in the cross section of the top frame member.

The upper surface 14 of the n 12 of the bottom or base frame member forms the lower, inside edge of the frame.

The frame also includes a pair of projections 16 on the side that will form the inside in use, for holding an 0-ring gasket 17 for sealing and securing a fly! insect screen 18. A bird guard can be separately mounted (not shown). This prevents creatures, such as flies or birds, or general debris from passing through the louvre into the building.

Optionally, attached to the back of the frame along the side that will form the base in use is a drainage profile 20. This is a separate length of metal which is connected to the frame post production, usually by means of screws 21. A silicone seal 22 will also usually be provided around the outer edge of the join between the drainage profile and the frame. A cover cap (not shown) is then added at both ends.

In use the louvre system is fitted to a building, typically by fitting into a glazing channel or window frame having such a channel provided in a building.

In wet weather, rain may be blown into the louvre. Most of the rain will contact the blades and run down the outside surface 23 of the blades, dripping from one blade 6 to another and ultimately onto the front edge 15 of the lower portion of the outer frame 14, from whence it will flow away from the louvre.

However, some of the rain, including some which was dripping from one blade to another, will be blown around the blades to the inside of the building. Some water will hit the fly / insect screen (or bird guard) 18, and be captured thereby. This water and other water penetrating the louvre will then run down the fly I insect screen 18, where it will be guided by the drainage profile 20, to flow though apertures 30 in a section 28 of the frame 2 designed to support the blade support clips 4, and over the front edge 15 of the lower portion of the outer frame 14.

There are two main disadvantages of this arrangement. Firstly, water flowing over the front edge of the frame 14, may be blown back into the louvre arrangement.

Usually this will be prevented from passing into the building by the drainage profile.

However, at particular angles of wind flow, or in extreme conditions, water may pass over the drainage profile into the building.

The second disadvantage is that the drainage profile 20 is a separate element from the frame, as it is required on one section of the frame 2 only, namely the bottom of the frame. It is connected separately to the frame after manufacture and during finishing of the louvre, adding a further stage to the manufacturing process. Cover caps at the ends must also be added. This increases the cost of the louvre, in particular the labour costs.

Fig. 2 shows a similar arrangement to the one described above, but in which the drainage profile 120 is also provided with formations 116 for connection of the fly I insect screen 118. In this arrangement, apertures 130 are provided in the drainage profile 120 itself, for water collected on the fly! insect screen 118 to flow through, so that it can then flow away over the front edge of the outer frame 114.

Fig. 3 shows a louvre arrangement 201 according to the invention. The louvre thereshown comprises an outer frame 202, blade support clips 204 and an array of blades 206, connected to the clips 204 within the frame 202. As described above, a portion 208 of the blades 206 is arranged at an angle of 45°, although a different angle can be used -the angle is not critical to the invention.

The frame 202 is formed from four lengths of aluminium extrusion 210 forming bottom, left hand side, right hand side and top frame members, although other materials, in particular steel, stainless steel, copper, composite materials, or possibly some plastic materials can be and are used. The extrusion is generally n shaped 212, with the top of the n forming the inside edge 214 of the lower portion of the frame, also referred to as the bottom or base frame member. In addition the frame includes a formation 215 for connection of the blade support clips 204.

The extrusion 210 also includes other formations 216 for the connection of an 0-ring gasket 217 for connection of a fly I insect screen (or bird guard) 218. Again, these are not critical to the invention.

The extrusion 210 includes an integral drainage profile 220, angled to extend away from the n-shape 212 of the frame 202. It extends upwards and away from the base frame member. When the four sections of frame are joined together to from the frame, these drainage profile portions 220 form a continuous rim around the inside of the frame, on the side or face that will be on the inside of the louvre in use, angled toward the centre of the frame, also referred to as the rear of the frame (when viewed from the front! outside of the building).

The frame further includes at least one aperture 230 between the formations 216 and the drainage profile 220. In cross section this is shown as a single aperture.

Across the base frame member there may be several drainage apertures, usually evenly spaced apart.

The aperture allows water blown into the louvre and collected on the fly / insect screen 218 to run down and be guided by the drainage profile, into the frame, i.e. into the open portion 232 of the n 212. Water flows downwards into the frame, not back out of the front face of the louvre.

Fig. 4 shows the louvre arrangement of Fig. 3 set within a glazing channel, i.e. in one use.

The louvre arrangement described above, may thus be fitted into a glazing channel 250 provided within a building. The glazing channel is formed when its various components are assembled. The system as shown in Fig. 4 is an externally beaded 260 system in which the louvre is attached to the glazing channel from the outside.

The frame 202 of the louvre is held against a retaining gasket 252 on the inside and a wedge gasket 254 on the outside, by a glazing bead or retaining clip 256 on the outside of the glazing channel 250.

The glazing channel 250 is provided with internal drainage, following the arrow 270 allowing any water ingress into the frame to drain out through a vent 258 on the outside of the drainage channel.

The drainage of the louvre system described with reference to Fig. 3 drains to the frame 204. This in turn drains into the internal drainage 270 of the glazing channel 250.

Thus as shown in Fig. 4, water passing though the louvre blades 206 and captured by the fly! insect screen 218, runs down the fly I insect screen and is guided by the drainage profile 220, through the aperture 230, into the frame 232. From there it flow into the drainage system 270 of the glazing channel 250, where is passes out of the vent 258.

Fig. 5 shows a similar system in which the glazing channel 350 has a drainage vent 358 at its base, for discharge of rain water to the outside of the building following path 370. As before, when a louvre 301 according to the invention is fitted into this glazing channel 350, water passing through the louvre, being captured by the fly I insect screen 318 and running down the screen, is guided by the drainage profile 320, through apertures 30, into the frame 332, whence it passes into the glazing channel 350 and out via its vent 358.

Turning now to Fig. 6, thereshown is a louvre 401 according to the invention and essentially the same as described in Fig. 3, fitted into a curtain wall system. The outer frame 402 is held against a gasket 452 on a transom frame 450, by a pressure plate 454, also separated from the frame 402 by a gasket 456. The gasket 456 may be separate from the pressure plate 454, or may be a part, in particular an integral moulding with the pressure plate 454. Typically the pressure plate will be screwed to the transom frame 450, but may be connected by other means. A cover cap 462 covers the pressure plate, protecting it from damage and the weather and improves the look of the finished item. The area 460 between the pressure plate 456 and the transom frame 450 form a glazing channel 464, which holds the outer frame 402 of thelouvre4Ol.

The glazing channel 464 also includes a drainage route 466, water being able to pass through one of a series of slots 468 in the pressure plate, and through openings in the cover cap 462 to the outside of the building, as shown on arrow 470.

The louvre 401 of the invention is held within the glazing channel 464, and any water passing through the louvre drains through the drainage route 470 of the glazing channel. Thus water passing past blades 406, held by blade clips 404, hits and is captured by a fly / insect screen 418. The water then flows down the fly I insect screen 418, where it is guided by a drainage profile 420 to an aperture 430, which may be one of a series of apertures. Passing through the aperture 430 water passes into the frame 402 of the louvre, and into the drainage route 470 of the glazing channel 464. From there the water can flow out of the building.

For glazed-in louvres the use of the integral drainage system offers several advantages. The drainage route flows to an outlet which is protected from the effects of the wind, at least to some extent, thus lessening the risk of the water being blown back into the building. This also reduces the unsightly effect of water appearing to flow out of the louvre from the inside, in addition to that dripping down downward angled edges of the blades.

In addition, the provision of an integral drainage profile, directing water to flow into the outer frame of the louvre has significant advantages over the standard current system wherein a drainage profile is added to the louvre frame as a final stage in the manufacture. In particular there is a significant labour saving by not having to include the additional manufacturing step of fixing the drainage profile to the bottom edge of the frame, and the sealing of this element to the frame including fitting the cover caps. In addition, having a frame which is uniform results in easier fitting.

Example I -Testing of the Drained Louvres A drained louvre for glazed-in fitting, according to the invention and as shown in figures 3 and 4, was tested for its apparent efficiency in allowing airflow through the louvre whilst restricting water penetration.

Generally, the more efficient a louvre is at allowing the passage of air, the less efficient it will be at restricting the passage of water and vice versa.

Therefore, improved louvres are considered to be those that allow the passage of air whilst restricting the level of water penetration, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Louvre testing was carried out according to the United Kingdom industry standard performance test for weather louvres, described in BS EN 13030:2001.

A one metre squared (1 m2) louvre sample was subjected to simulated wind and rain, in order to test its effectiveness. A variety of air velocities were applied through the louvre and, in each case, the amount of water collected behind the louvre was determined after a given amount of time. Effectiveness was then calculated as the percentage of water rejected by the louvre, when compared to the total water penetration that occurred in the absence of a louvre altogether.

As described in BS EN 13030:2001 effectiveness of the louvre was then divided into specific classes, A, B, C and D, as shown in Table 1, where water penetration was measured in litres per hour per metre squared (l/h.m2).

Table 1

Class -Effectiveness (%) Maximum allowed penetration of simulated rain (l/h.m2) A 100 to 99 075 B 98.9 to 95 3.75 94.9 to 80 15.00 0 Below 80 Greater than 15.00 Two one metre squared louvre samples were tested; the first was a louvre with an applied drainage profile, known in the art, and the second was a louvre of the invention designed for in-glazed fitting with an integrated drainage profile, as per figures 3 and 4. Both were fitted with rear fibreglass insect meshes.

The external air velocity was maintained at 13 metres per second and the simulated rainfali was maintained at 75 litres per hour. Therefore, in order to indicate the effectiveness of the louvres in different weather conditions, the air velocity through the louvre was altered using an internal extractor/ventilation fan.

Table 2 shows the effectiveness of the known louvre with an applied drainage profile at a variety of internal air velocities, whereas Table 3 shows the same for the louvre with an integrated drainage profile.

Table 2 -Prior Art Louvre

Velocity -____ Effectiveness Class 0.00 99.00% A 0.50 98.80% B ___________ 1.00 96.20% B ____________ 1.50 83.50% C 2.00 53.60% 0 Table 3 -Louvre of the Invention Velocity ____________ Effectiveness Class ____ _________ 000 99.80% ____ A __________ 0.50 99.41% A __________ 1.00 96.27% B ___________ 1.50 89.91% C ___ 2.00 71.20% ____ P _____ Comparison of the data in Tables 2 and 3 demonstrates the increased effectiveness of the invention.

At every velocity, the louvre of the invention shows an increase in effectiveness vs the louvre known in the ad. In one instance, i.e. at a velocity of 0.50, the claimed invention was able to secure a class A rating, where the prior art louvre only obtained a class B rating.

At higher velocities, e.g. 2.00, despite the claimed invention remaining in class D, like the louvre of the prior art, an increase in effectiveness of almost 20% was achieved.

Hence, louvres for glazed-in fitting and methods of making the same and uses thereof are provided.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A louvre for glazed-in fitting, comprising:-an outer frame; and a plurality of louvre blades disposed within the frame, the blades optionally being angled with respect to the frame, wherein the frame includes an aperture providing a flow path from the rear side of the frame, through a bottom of the frame for discharge into a glazing channel.
2. A louvre according to claim 1, wherein the louvre outer frame comprises a base frame member, respective right hand and left hand side frame members and a top frame member, and wherein the flow path is provided into the glazing channel via the base frame portion.
3. A louvre according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the louvre is for filling into a window frame in a building which when the louvre is filled comprises a glazing channel.
4. A louvre according to any preceding claim, wherein flow of water via the flow path is via the bottom of the frame without flowing back through the front face of the louvre frame.
5. A louvre according to any preceding claim, wherein in use flow of water that has penetrated to the rear of the louvre is down rear surfaces of the louvre and directed by one or more baffles into a base frame member from the rear and thereafter to the outside of the building without flowing over the front edge of the base frame member.
6. A louvre according to any preceding claim, wherein the frame further includes formations for attachment of a fly / insect screen or bird guard.
7. A louvre according to any preceding claim, wherein the louvre further includes at least two blade support clips for securing the blades within the frame.
8. A louvre according to any preceding claim, wherein the blades are in a fixed position.
9. A louvre according to any preceding claim, comprising blades at an angle of substantially 45° to the vertical in use.
10. A louvre according to any preceding claim in which the angle of the blades with respect to the frame is movable.
11. A louvre for glazed-in fitting comprising:-an outer frame, and a plurality of louvre blades disposed within the frame, the blades optionally being angled with respect to the frame, wherein the frame has a drainage profile that directs water flow away from the louvre and is integral with the frame.
12. A louvre according to claim 11, wherein the louvre outer frame comprises a base frame member, respective right hand and left hand side frame members and a top frame member, and wherein the integral drainage profile is provided across the base frame member and at least partially up both the left hand and right hand side frame members.
13. A louvre according to claims 11 or 12, wherein the drainage profile extends 20% or more up the right hand and left hand side frame members.
14. A louvre according to any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the angle of the drainage profile with respect to the plane of the frame is 60 degrees or less.
15. A louvre according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the blades are in a fixed position.
16. A louvre according to any of claims 11 to 15, comprising blades at an angle of substantially 45° to the vertical in use.
17. A louvre any of claims 11 to 16! wherein the integral drainage profile is provided on all sides of the frame.
18. A louvre according to any of claims ito 10, comprising:-an outer frame; and a plurality of louvre blades disposed within the frame, the blades optionally being angled with respect to the frame, wherein the frame includes an aperture providing a flow path from the rear side of the frame, through a bottom of the frame for discharge into a glazing channel, and further wherein the frame has a drainage profile that directs water flow away from the louvre via the flow path, which drainage profile is integral with the frame.
19. A louvre according to claim 18, wherein the louvre outer frame comprises a base frame member, respective right hand and left hand side frame members and a top frame member, and wherein the integral drainage profile is provided across the base frame member and at least partially up both the left hand and right hand side frame members.
20. A louvre according to claims 18 or 19, wherein the drainage profile extends 20% or more up the right hand and left hand side frame members.
21. A louvre according to any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the angle of the drainage profile with respect to the plane of the frame is 60 degrees or less.
22. A louvre according to any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the blades are in a fixed position.
23. A louvre according to any of claims 18 to 22, comprising blades at an angle of substantially 45° to the vertical in use.
24. A louvre any of claims 18 to 23, wherein the integral drainage profile is provided on all sides of the frame.
25. A method of making a louvre according to any of claims 1 to 10, comprising mounting a plurality of louvre blades in a frame and forming the frame with an aperture providing a flow path from the rear side of the frame, through a bottom of the frame for discharge into a glazing channel.
26. A method of making a louvre according to any of claims 11 to 17, comprising mounting a plurality of louvre blades in a frame and forming the frame with a drainage profile that directs water flow away from the louvre and is integral with the frame.
27. A louvre substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 3-6.