Helpful Access Door Construction Requirements You Should Follow

For your upcoming construction projects, we would like to get you more familiar with helpful access door requirements. Do you want to add a bit of functionality and purpose to your wall, floor or ceiling? Did you know that access doors and panels can perfectly do the job of adding functionality and purpose to any space? 

Access doors and panels can enhance your existing space into either storage or an access point. Whether you’re a client or a contractor, there are a few considerations that you should keep in mind to help you determine the exact panel to get the job of purchasing an access door or panel done.

What Access Door Material Should I Use?

The material made of the panel is one of the things that you should keep in mind when installing an access panel or door. Why is this so? That’s because with the existence of many materials used for wall or ceiling-- from drywall to plaster to aluminum and steel – it is essential to have a panel that is compatible with the material. 

Moreover, the panel should also be able to withstand any exposure to climate, heat, or even wind. When it comes to the installation of access panels, there are two places where a panel can be installed – the interior or exterior of a space.

When it comes to knowing the kind of access door or panel that you should install, keeping this in mind is essential. Now, you’ll probably be asking if a client or contractor should always be sure of what kind of panel to go with? Well, the answer to that would be a no, not necessarily. 

Companies such as Best Access Doors can provide customers guided assistance on finding that perfect panel. The truth is, both contractor and client must decide what the purpose of the access panel is, whether they are looking for an access panel that will be installed either in the interior or exterior. Furthermore, you also have to ask if it is meant to insulate, soundproof or act as a security panel because these are all considerations that must be thought of not only before installation, but also before the purchase.

Access Doors - For Wall, Floor, Ceiling or Roof?

Access panels are building solutions not only for enhancing a space, but they can also be versatile when it comes to the installation location. Actually, access panels can be versatile-- from access panels that are installed against a wall or floor to creating storage, to the ceiling or roof access panels designed to conceal imperfections or wires and pipes. Contractors would often suggest access panels to a client as solutions.

That’s why it is important to understand where the panel will be installed. It will allow a contractor to make the best recommendation for the type of panel to use. Enhancing space and allowing a client to have the versatility that they seek can be achieved some access doors such as flushed, recessed, drywall or aluminum, or access panels of certain materials. 

Unfortunately, it is so often that access panels are not considered as a building solution because some contractors, builders, and clients aren’t aware of their benefits or the fact that they can be installed in more places than just a floor or wall.

Standard vs. Customized Measurements in Construction

Here at Best Access Doors, our clients can find an array of access panels that are either of standard measurement or access panels that can be customized to suit the client’s needs. Moreover, when it comes to access panel measurements, it is not only essential for clients to find suppliers that can provide a panel that will suit their needs but they also need to be sure of the panel measurements. 

The measurements of the opening must be precise to ensure that the panel they purchase can fit within the hole. For more access panels, the size can vary from 6” by 6” to 48” by 72”. It is also crucial to consider the supplier since there are some that can be used as a walk-through door.

Additional Access Door Features

You should also bear in mind that with access panels, there are also those that are of the standard functionality. Take a BA-F2DF aluminum frame drywall inlay access panel for walls for instance. There is nothing that enhances the drywall panel, and the chances that the panel was installed to create access to wires or pipes are most likely. 

However, for panels that are made of materials other than drywall, some may offer a special coating that prevents them from rusting, molding or possibly enhance the overall functionality of the panel.

Some of the access panels that are typically designed with a special coating to enhance their functional purpose are HVAC, fire-rated or exterior access panels. For example, a fire-rated panel can withstand high heat exposure because of the insulation in the panel. 

The same also applies to HVAC and exterior panels, since there is a chance of moisture or condensation build-up which could lead to mold. Fortunately though, with a special coating for these panels, there is a higher chance that this won’t happen.

There are also additional features that can make an access panel unique from typical building solutions and these are latches and locks. You can find security access panels that vary in level of security, from high to medium at Best Access Doors. For some, add-on features will typically increase the cost of an access panel but this is not the case with access panels.

Access Panels That Will Suit Your Needs

Determining precisely the needs of a client and a contractor-- from material to size and added features-- will ensure what kind of panel to go with. Although there are many panels that typically overlap in their functionality, sometimes, what really distinguishes one panel over another is client preference. 

For your next project and the next time a client or contractor is in the market for an access panel, you might want to consider these and you will surely be able to find the right panel.

Wrapping Up

When it comes to installing access doors and panels in your construction projects, there are so many options that you can choose from, no matter the need or purpose. Any contractor, builder, or client should find their access door needs by reading this article. 

However, one must be able to ask the right questions: Am I looking for a panel that will be subtle to anybody’s eyes and can be concealed with just a splash of paint? Or maybe I’m looking for a high-security panel? Or perhaps a panel that will stay flushed while still able to maintain a professional and clean appeal?

Regardless of what your construction goal is, whether as a contractor, a builder, or maybe as a client-- access doors are a builders’ solution that can surely enhance and create functionality with ease and within a reasonable budget. So, for the next time that you are looking to upgrade, renovate, or update, don’t forget to consider the benefits of having an access door and panel installed.

View our inventory of access panels or speak with our product experts today!