June 26, 2021
The news is out! Ruskin has received a patent for their unique blade design on the XP500WD aluminum louver.
The stationary, wind-driven rain louver provides both FEMA impact protection tested to standard 361 for impact protection and Class A wind-driven rain protection that is AMCA tested. What makes this blade design special? It catches water and channels it away from the louver, providing increased protection against wind-driven rain. This makes the XP500WD a unique (and smart!) choice for areas prone to extreme weather.
According to a recent HVACInformed.com article, Ruskin's louver product manager Joe Ruckold said, “It fills two roles in one while cutting costs and reducing space requirements, because it offers buildings a high level of wind-driven rain protection while also meeting the impact standards required in these extreme-weather zones. Before Ruskin developed the XP500WD, a traditional FEMA and secondary wind-driven rain louver were needed, which drove up overall building costs and installation time.”
Ruskin's product overview for the XP500WD shows that the XP500WD Stationary Wind-Driven Rain Aluminum Louver has a 5 1/2” deep frame with a double drainable sight proof blade design specifically built to meet the ICC500 (2014) impact requirements for tornado shelters.
The XP500WD will save builders and designers significant money and installation time, compared to installing a traditional FEMA louver and a secondary wind-driven rain louver.
// about the author
Kelly Patterson
Kelly Patterson is a lifelong learner and the marketing director at the Hoffman family of companies. There is nothing she likes more than talking about commercial HVAC systems and extraordinary customer service.
