Access Panel Basics - From Install to Use
Posted by Access Doors and Panels on 12th Feb 2020
Nowadays, you can find access doors and panels in many buildings. You might not have seen one because they are hidden either in basements, attics or even behind large appliances. Either way, you can say that access doors and panels are necessary because of different reasons. One of those reasons is to protect several assets of your building from getting tampered with.
Access panels and doors are also versatile. Meaning, they can be installed in various places such as floors, walls, and even ceilings. If you have a circuit breaker, you need to install an access panel to ensure no one will easily access it. It is the primary purpose of using an access door. The second purpose is to grant other benefits, such as providing a watertight and airtight seal in certain areas.
The Purpose of Access Panels
Let's try to talk more about how vital access doors and panels are. Every contractor and builder will need an access panel to install interior or exterior parts of the building. It is to enhance the space without being overly intrusive. If you don't have an access panel installed in a building, technicians and other maintenance personnel have no other option left, aside from destroying the surface to get to where they need to work.
Aside from it being a great way to access the critical assets of your building quickly, concealing is also the specialty of access panels. Are you annoyed with the exposed electrical wires and cables in your office building all the time? A simple access panel can help resolve that issue without any problem.
For those buildings that need efficient soundproofing, an access panel can also help you with that. Some buildings often have areas where soundproofing is essential, like recording studios, conference offices, and libraries. Air from outside can seep through small openings of a building, and they can create an annoying sound.
Besides soundproofing, an access panel is essential in places where there's a need for security. An access panel can help secure whatever you need to hide behind the walls, floors, or ceilings. When you step inside a prison, you can see different sizes and variants of access panels everywhere. You might notice that these access panels don't have the usual handles, but they have a new type of lock that can only access by using a screwdriver.
Lastly, access panels also can provide storage and more space when you think there isn't any space while still providing functionality to the area. Now that you know the purpose of access panels, you should know how access panels can provide these features.
Material
An access panel has different variants for specific applications. It's not ideal for installing a large, metal access panel on drywall because this can damage the drywall over time. You have to be aware of the type of access panel you're purchasing for your building. Otherwise, you're bound to encounter issues in the long run.
Let's start with drywall. Drywall is a universal access panel material that can be easily customized to suit its surroundings. The drywall access panel can be insulated to act as a sound barrier as well. It is beneficial for office buildings since most offices have drywalls to use as separators for every employee. Every employee needs their own space to work on nowadays to ensure their job gets done without a hitch.
For plastic access panels, this material is ideal for places where there may be condensation or mold build-up. Molds present in a building are a clear sign of water or moisture seeping through small cracks and openings. To prevent any mold build-up or condensation, you have to go for plastic access panels.
Next up, we have the steel access panels. This access panel is also resistant to molds. Every commercial building has a standard fire safety code that needs to be followed by the contractors. Since plastic or drywall quickly melts when exposed under hot temperatures, the steel access panel can withstand heat for hours while keeping its contents inside safe.
Industry
There are many kinds of industries where access panels are essential to their buildings. Because of this, there are specific access panels installed as well. One sector where you need access panels is the bank. Maximum security is what this industry needs to protect the money of their clients. Robbers can use an unsecured access panel to their advantage, which is why a high-security level access panel is required.
Another industry that needs access to doors and panels are restaurants. Usually, there are gas pipes behind the walls inside the kitchen, and they need maintenance from time to time. For easy access to these gas pipes, restaurant owners need to install access panels for plumbers and other technicians to work on the gas pipes.
The same thing can be said when it comes to studios. There are also electrical cables running through the floor or walls. If there needs to be any electrical maintenance done, it won't take a long time to finish the job. What makes the access panel even better is it also adds soundproofing to the entire room.
Installation is a Piece of Cake!
When installing an access panel, it's as easy as one-two-three. It's even easier for access panels that quickly lock into place. If things get a bit complicated than you've imagined, you can always throw in the towel and hire a specialized contractor who can do the installation. It would be best if you still had your access panels installed correctly. Otherwise, you can't use it to its maximum potential.
When you're planning to enhance a space, create security, or enhance storage space, why not go with an access panel? There's an array of access panels to choose from at Access Doors and Panels. Don't hesitate to check out quality access doors at https://www.accessdoorsandpanels.com/. If you need assistance, our experienced customer service representatives can assist you every step of the way!