About Our Louvre Window Vents
We stock 21 louvre window vents from Elite, Vitavia, and Palram Canopia, with prices starting from £49 for an automatic opener up to £239 for a 10-blade Elite vent with aluminium blades. Every vent replaces a single glass pane in your greenhouse sidewall. Pair one with an automatic vent opener and your greenhouse temperature stays regulated all summer without you lifting a finger.
Louvre vents work on the chimney effect. Cool air enters through the low side vents while hot air rises and escapes through roof vents above. This cross-flow keeps temperatures even and prevents the scorching spikes that damage tomatoes and peppers in midsummer. We recommend at least two louvre vents per 8ft greenhouse, more for larger structures. Browse our full greenhouse ventilation range for roof vents, autovent openers, and shade screens.
If you're fitting out a new greenhouse, pair louvre vents with greenhouse staging for summer growing, and add greenhouse insulation and a greenhouse heater for winter protection.
Why We Chose This Range
"We've been fitting louvre vents for over 16 years, and Elite and Vitavia are the two brands that keep working season after season. The Elite vents have a heavier frame and tighter blade seal — they hold up better on exposed sites where wind drives rain sideways. Vitavia vents are lighter and easier to retrofit into an existing greenhouse. We added the Palram Canopia vent because customers kept asking for a louvre option for their Palram models. Every vent here is one we'd fit in our own greenhouses."
— Matt, Founder of Greenhouse StoresLouvre Vent Comparison: Which One Do You Need?
| Vent Type | Blades | Best For | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vitavia 5-Blade | 5 aluminium | Vitavia, Halls, and most standard greenhouses | £60 |
| Elite 5-Blade Frame Only | None (use existing glass) | Replacing a broken frame while keeping your glass panes | £83 |
| Elite 5-Blade with Blades | 5 (glass, poly, or aluminium) | Elite greenhouses and anyone wanting a complete unit | £119 |
| Elite 5-Blade Toughened Glass ⭐ Matt's Pick | 5 toughened glass | Best all-round choice — safe, clear, lets light through | £119 |
| Elite 10-Blade (Titan) | 10 (glass, poly, or aluminium) | Elite Titan greenhouses — double-height panel | £119 |
| Palram Canopia | Included | Palram Canopia greenhouses only | £129 |
|
Matt's Pick: Best All-Round Louvre VentProduct: Elite Silver 5 Blade Louvre Vent — Toughened Glass Best For: Most greenhouses — standard sidewall panel replacement Why I Recommend It: Toughened glass blades let maximum light through and won't shatter dangerously. Aluminium blades block light; polycarbonate yellows over time. Glass stays clear for decades. Price: £119 |
Types of Louvre Vent We Stock
10-Blade Louvre Vents (Titan)
Double-height vents designed for the Elite Titan greenhouse range. The Titan uses taller panels than standard Elite models, so a standard 5-blade vent won't fit. Available in silver or green with all three blade materials. Frame-only options from £119.
Automatic Louvre Openers
Wax-cylinder openers that open and close your louvre vent automatically as the temperature changes. No electricity needed. The Vitavia opener fits Vitavia vents (£49), and the Elite opener fits Elite vents (£59). We fit these on every greenhouse we install — the single best upgrade for hands-free ventilation.
Blade Material Options
Elite vents let you choose your blade material. Toughened glass gives maximum light transmission and won't shatter dangerously. Polycarbonate is lightweight and virtually unbreakable. Aluminium is the most durable but blocks light when closed. You can also buy the frame only and use your existing glazing.
💡 Quick Guide: For most gardeners, a 5-blade louvre vent with toughened glass blades is the best choice. It fits standard greenhouse panels, lets light through, and is safe around children. Add an automatic opener to control temperature without daily trips to the greenhouse. If you have an Elite Titan, you need the 10-blade version — standard vents are too short.
🔧 Matt's Installation Tip: Getting the Seal Right
When fitting a louvre vent, the frame replaces one pane of glass in your greenhouse sidewall. The most common mistake we see is leaving gaps between the frame and the glazing bars. Run a bead of silicone along the outside edge of the frame after fitting — this stops rain driving in during storms. On exposed sites, fit the louvre on the side sheltered from the prevailing wind. Hot air still escapes upward through your roof vents, and the louvre draws fresh air in from the sheltered side without blowing a gale through your seedlings.
Louvre vents start from £60 for a Vitavia 5-blade, through to £239 for an Elite 10-blade with aluminium blades. Frame-only options start from £83 if you already have glass panes the right size. Add a greenhouse thermometer to monitor how well your ventilation is working — aim for 25°C maximum on sunny days.
Frequently asked questions
What size louvre vent do I need for my greenhouse?
Most greenhouses need the standard 5-blade louvre vent. This replaces a single glass pane in your sidewall, typically 610mm x 610mm. The 10-blade version is only for Elite Titan greenhouses, which have double-height panels. Check your existing glass pane dimensions before ordering.
Will a louvre vent fit my greenhouse brand?
Vitavia vents fit Vitavia and Halls; Elite vents fit Elite models. The Palram Canopia vent is designed specifically for Palram greenhouses. Each brand uses slightly different glazing bar widths, so cross-brand fitting isn't recommended. If you're unsure which brand your greenhouse is, check the label on the ridge bar or call us on 0800 098 8877.
Should I choose toughened glass, polycarbonate, or aluminium blades?
Toughened glass blades are the best choice for most greenhouses. They let maximum light through, won't yellow with UV exposure, and shatter safely into small pieces if broken. Polycarbonate is lighter but clouds over time. Aluminium is the most durable option but blocks light completely when closed.
Do I need an automatic louvre opener?
An auto opener is the most worthwhile greenhouse accessory you can buy. It uses a wax cylinder that expands with heat, opening the louvre blades when the temperature rises above roughly 15°C. No batteries or wiring needed. Prices start from £49 for a Vitavia opener. Without one, you need to manually open and close the vent every day during the growing season.
How many louvre vents does my greenhouse need?
Fit at least one louvre vent per 8ft of greenhouse length. A 6x8ft greenhouse needs one; a 6x12ft needs two. Position them on opposite sides to create cross-ventilation with your roof vents. For large or south-facing greenhouses, add an extra vent. Pair with insulation in winter to seal them up.
Can I fit a louvre vent myself?
Fitting takes around 30 minutes with basic tools. Remove one glass pane from the sidewall, slide the louvre frame into the glazing bars, and secure with the clips provided. No drilling or cutting required. The auto opener bolts directly onto the frame. If your greenhouse uses putty glazing rather than clip glazing, you may need to clean the channel first.
What is the difference between a louvre vent and a roof vent?
Louvre vents fit in the sidewall; roof vents sit along the ridge. Both are essential for proper airflow. Cool air enters through the low louvre vents and rises as it warms, escaping through the roof vents above. This chimney effect keeps temperatures stable. Using just one type of vent on its own is far less effective than using both together.
Need Help Choosing the Right Louvre Vent?
Call our team free on 0800 098 8877 — we'll match the right vent and blade material to your greenhouse model.