Louvres
The assurance of protected and preserved architectural heritage
Most bell towers in France are fitted with louvres to preserve the condition of the bell tower. Usually made of oak, they are designed to meet the constraints of the building. Fully customised in our workshops, they are essential for maintaining a lasting architectural heritage.
Effective protection
Louvres are a set of downward facing slats fitted to bell towers.
Their primary function is to protect the installation from water infiltration during bad weather, considerably increasing the lifespan of the belfry frame and its mechanical equipment.
Also known as abat-son (in French literally drop-sound), they must not muffle the sound, but let through as much as possible.
Louvres manufactured in France in the Bodet workshops
All the louvres are manufactured in our workshops, mainly from oak wood. Our carpenters can make an exact copy of your damaged or worn louvres to preserve your historical heritage.
Other woods can be used depending on the specific nature of the site.
Composition of a Bodet louvre
- - According to tradition, it is made of oak. The slats are fitted to an oak frame, cut with grooves angled downwards 30°, for effective protection against bad weather.
- - This frame is then attached to the bell tower windows.
- - Usually, the upper part of a bell tower is tapered. It is covered by a round wooden arch made using a template to match the shape of the building.
- - Several treatments are available: primer and wood stain, lime, carbonyl or primer and paint.
Respecting Bell Craftsmanship
Louvres are manufactured to order according to the constraints of your bell tower, to match the curved openings of the bell tower.
We mainly use oak, a noble wood, to respect and give value to your architectural heritage.
Oak is a very solid wood, robust over time. It is an ecological material with highly beneficial mechanical characteristics such as high resistance to damp environments and high density.
Protections against birds
Bodet Campanaire proposes galvanised steel mesh and nets to prevent birds from entering the bell tower. Birds, mainly pigeons, enter bell towers through the embrasures or windows.
Dead birds and droppings rapidly collect in the installation and the acidity of the droppings damages floors and accessories.
An incorrectly or badly maintained bell tower will look abandoned after less than six months.