​Upward vs. Downward Opening: Why Does It Matter When Choosing an Access Door

Have you chosen what type of access door you are getting? If you have, it is time to consider whether you want an upward or downward opening. How an access door opens will matter depending on varying circumstances and purposes. Sometimes, a downward opening can be potentially harmful.

Imagine a fire-rated attic access door pivoting downward on you as you try to climb up for safety. In the same sense, a door that opens upward can also be potentially harmful and can cause inconvenience to anyone trying to pass through.

Why Openings Matter

If you want a convenient, easy opening, you might choose to have one that opens downward, so you do not have to exert effort into pushing it upward. Although, you might still find some disadvantages of using a downward opening depending on the location and size of the access door.

Thinking this through is essential as these types of openings matter, especially in commercial spaces where people will potentially need to have access to it. Here are some things to consider when choosing between an upward or downward opening.

• Safety Measures: Will it pose a risk in the areas you plan to install it? Will it be more convenient and safer? Depending on how much trouble it poses, you should always go for the opening that will not cause possible harm to anyone or your property. Examples would be installing an upward-opening access door at a height that ultimately makes it harder for others to push it open.

• Building Codes: You should also consider the building codes in your area. If there are specific codes that require you to install only downward openings, you should adhere to them. Experts created these building codes to ensure the safety of the inhabitants or tenants of a commercial building, which you, as the building owner, should always follow.

• Emergencies: Consider an emergency scenario when installing a downward or upward opening. Will choosing one be more convenient for people trying to escape a fire? Will it be easier for a maintenance or repair expert to reach the electrical wiring showing some issues? These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself regarding the type of opening your access door will have.

• Purpose: The last thing to consider will be the purpose. What are you installing an access door for? Is it to simply conceal some internal components of your commercial building? Is it to protect your wiring from humidity or moisture? Is it to provide people access to your roof? It would help if you considered these things when choosing how the opening will be.

Advantages of an Upward Opening Access Door

Here are many advantages to installing an upward access panel like the BA-PFU. A fire-rated access hatch that opens downwards can take up too much space, potentially hindering people below. It might not work well during emergencies as it could block a person's access.

Locations That Work Well with Upward Openings

Then it comes to upward openings, you might want to consider placing them in places like the floor or the ground. It can provide easy access to your crawl spaces without considering the possibility of the door hitting the foundation or the environment. It can also be helpful as the door will signal to anyone passing by that it is open, and they can avoid falling into it.

• You can usually find these openings in roofs that open to more significant and empty spaces. It makes it easier for someone to climb up with an upward opening than a downward opening because the fire rated access hatch itself can cause problems. If you have the time, you should inspect the area before installing an upward-opening access door.

Advantages of a Downward Opening Access Door

A downward opening of an access door, like the BA-PFI access door, may seem more familiar to you. It does not only provide people with the convenience of just needing to pull the door open, making it a good choice as a maintenance access door, but it also makes it easier to open from below as you would not have to climb up and push it open.

Locations That Work Well with Downward Openings

• You can install downward-opening access doors in places like ceilings, even as access for your ductwork or HVAC. It will make it easier for you to access your attics with a fire-rated attic access door if you ensure that the door does not drop down on its own, as this can be a potential hazard. It would help if you also considered which entry is safer from all the available ceiling access panel sizes in the market.

The BA-FWC access door can also be a good choice if your attic space isn't enough to support the degree of the door opening. Consider choosing a downward-opening access door if your attic space is smaller than most and will be a tight fit.

Which One Works Best for You?

Depending on what you are looking for, any of these doors can be suitable for your commercial building. The best feature they have in common would be the fire-rating, but you may find the difference in their additional features aside from how they open. Also, consider where you will be installing these access doors and the purpose so you can envision how you will use them in the future.

Order Today!

If you want to know about the best access doors in the market today, you can always rely on the product experts of Best Access Doors. You can give us a call at (800) 483-0823. If you want a quote for the access door you plan to buy, you can also ask for a quote from us. When it comes to access doors, we offer only the best in the business!