---
title: "Short note: Louvered window components"
subject: "Building Technology"
chapter: 6
key: "semester_6/building_technology:louvered-window-components"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/louvered-window-components
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: Louvered window components

Building Technology · Chapter 6: Doors and windows

- Asked in: 2079 Jestha, 4 marks
- Video: [Technical Terms in Windows, Doors & Ventilators | Building Construction](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFyxYwn663Q) — SGK Online Education
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/building_technology/louvered-window-components
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/building_technology/chapter-6

## Question

Write a short note on louvered window components with sketch.

## Short answer

Louvered windows have a frame holding slats at 45 degrees overlapping to shed rain while allowing air and light. Components: frame (head, sill, jambs), stiles grooved for louvres, louvres (timber, glass, aluminium) fixed or movable with 1/3 overlap, rails, operating device (link rod, handle), fittings (hinges, bolts, wire mesh). Used in bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, godowns, factories.

## Answer

A **louvered window** has a frame in which a number of slats (louvres) are fixed at about 45 degrees to the horizontal, so that they overlap and keep rain out while allowing air and some light to pass.

```text
 ELEVATION                    SECTION
 +---------------+         frame |  louvres at 45 deg
 |===============|               | //  //  //
 |===============|  louvres      | //  //  //
 |===============|               |
 +---------------+
```
#### Components
- **Frame:** head, sill and jambs (about 75 x 75 mm), fixed in the wall.
- **Stiles:** vertical members of the sash, grooved to hold the louvres.
- **Louvres (slats):** timber, glass or aluminium strips; timber louvres about 75-100 mm wide and 10-20 mm thick, glass louvres 5-6 mm thick. They are fixed in grooves at 45 degrees with about 1/3 overlap, and may be fixed or movable by a lever.
- **Rails:** top and bottom members of the sash.
- **Operating device:** link rod and handle for movable louvres.
- **Fittings:** hinges, bolts, and wire mesh to keep insects out.

**Uses:** bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, godowns and factories.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. At what angle are the louvres fixed in a louvered window?
   A. 90 degrees
   B. 45 degrees to the horizontal
   C. 30 degrees from vertical
   D. Horizontal (0 degrees)
   Answer: B. Slats at 45 degrees overlap, keeping rain out while letting air and some light pass. (Key point: Louvre angle)

2. Why are the louvres fixed with about 1/3 overlap?
   A. To make the window completely airtight
   B. To increase the view outside
   C. To keep rain out while allowing air through
   D. To make the sash lighter
   Answer: C. Overlapping inclined slats shed rain and still allow ventilation. (Key point: Purpose of overlap)

3. Which component operates movable louvres?
   A. Holdfast
   B. Mullion
   C. Sill drip groove
   D. Link rod and handle
   Answer: D. A link rod with handle tilts the slats together. (Key point: Operating device)

4. Where is a louvered window mainly used?
   A. Bathrooms, toilets, kitchens and godowns
   B. Living rooms needing full view
   C. Skylights on roofs
   D. Revolving entrances
   Answer: A. Louvres give ventilation and privacy, suiting service areas. (Key point: Uses)

## Related in Building Technology

- [Casement, louvered and corner windows](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Acasement-louvered-corner) — Building Technology, chapter 6
- [Door/window components and door types](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Adoor-window-components-types) — Building Technology, chapter 6