NEW RELEASE: The Access Doors and Panels Handbook for Commercial Builders

In the dynamic world of commercial construction, ensuring efficient access to various building components is paramount. Access Doors and Panels, a premier provider of access products, is committed to assisting commercial contractors in addressing these challenges. This handy guide delves into access products, including access doors and panels, roof hatches, skylights, balcony windows, floor hatches, smoke vents, fire extinguisher cabinets, and valve boxes, highlighting their benefits and offering practical insights for contractors.

Access Doors: Versatile Solutions for Seamless Access

Access doors play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of a building's design while providing essential access to concealed components. Contractors benefit from their versatility and ease of installation. Access Doors and Panels offers a wide range of access doors from renowned manufacturers, ensuring quality and reliability.

Top 5 Industry Picks: Commercial Access Door Manufacturers

JL Industries Access Doors: These doors are known for their durability and aesthetic appeal, making them an excellent choice for functional and aesthetic access requirements. JL Industries access products come in various materials, finishes, and sizes, ensuring compatibility with diverse building designs.

Acudor Access Doors: Acudor access doors are engineered for performance and security. They provide easy access to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components while maintaining a clean and discreet appearance. Their fire-rated options are crucial for meeting safety regulations.

Cendrex Access Doors: Cendrex offers specialized access doors that cater to specific needs. Their fire-rated and soundproof access doors contribute to building safety and comfort by preventing the spread of fire and minimizing noise transfer between spaces.

Elmdor Access Doors: Elmdor access doors are designed for durability and functionality. Their wide range of options includes access doors for walls, ceilings, and roofs, catering to various access points in commercial buildings. They also offer reliable acoustic access doors for optimum sound blocking.

Benefits of Access Doors:

• Efficiency: Access doors streamline maintenance and repairs, reducing downtime for contractors and building occupants.
• Aesthetics: With a focus on design, access doors blend seamlessly into the building's architecture, maintaining its visual appeal.
• Security: Access doors can be equipped with various locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized entry, ensuring the building's security.
• Compliance: Fire-rated access doors help meet safety codes and regulations, enhancing the overall safety of the building.

Access Panels: Concealed Access Made Easy

Access panels offer a discreet way to access concealed areas without compromising the building's aesthetics. Contractors appreciate their versatility and ease of use, making them an essential tool in various commercial construction projects.

Top 4 Industry Picks: Commercial Access Panel Manufacturers

Babcock-Davis Access Panels: Babcock-Davis access panels are designed for quick and easy installation with fire-rated, insulated properties. They offer access to walls, ceilings, and floors, accommodating various maintenance requirements without disrupting the building's design.

FF Systems Access Panels: FF Systems access panels prioritize functionality and durability with options for walls and ceilings. Their innovative designs cater to specific access needs, such as plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems.

Karp Access Panels: Karp access panels are known for their precision engineering and sturdy construction. They offer a wide range of standard and custom sizes, ensuring a solution for every access point. Karp carries interior access panels for drywall surfaces, including recessed models.

Wind-Lock Access Panels: Wind-lock offers an attractive alternative to typical access doors with their Stealth Glass-Fiber Reinforced Gypsum (GFRG) access panels in circular and hinged designs.

Benefits of Access Panels:

• Seamless Integration: Access panels seamlessly blend into the surrounding architecture, maintaining the building's visual consistency.
• Accessibility: These panels facilitate easy access to critical components, reducing the time and effort required for maintenance tasks.
• Durability: High-quality materials ensure access panels can withstand repeated use without compromising structural integrity.
• Customization: Access panels come in various sizes, materials, and locking mechanisms, allowing contractors to choose the best fit for their project's requirements.

Roof Hatches: Efficient Roof Access Solutions

Roof hatches provide safe and convenient access to rooftops for maintenance and inspection. Contractors appreciate their sturdiness and weather resistance, ensuring long-term reliability in various weather conditions.

Top 3 Industry Picks: Commercial Roof Hatch Manufacturers

Fakro Roof Hatches: Fakro roof hatches prioritize safety and functionality. Their insulated and weather-resistant designs ensure comfortable and secure rooftop access, contributing to energy efficiency.

Babcock-Davis Roof Hatches: Babcock-Davis roof hatches focus on durability and user-friendly operation. They offer standard and custom sizes, catering to diverse rooftop access requirements.

Bilco Roof Hatches: Bilco roof hatches are engineered for heavy-duty use. Their corrosion-resistant materials and weather seals guarantee protection against the elements while ensuring reliable access.

Benefits of Roof Hatches:

• Safety: Roof hatches provide secure access to rooftops, minimizing risks associated with maintenance and inspections.
• Accessibility: Contractors can efficiently access rooftop equipment, saving time and resources during routine tasks.
• Durability: Roof hatches are built to withstand extreme weather conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability.
• Energy Efficiency: Insulated roof hatches maintain indoor temperature consistency, promoting energy efficiency.

Skylights: Illuminating Interior Spaces

Skylights enhance interior spaces by allowing natural light to penetrate, reducing the need for artificial lighting, and creating a more inviting atmosphere. Contractors appreciate their aesthetic and energy-saving benefits.

Top 2 Industry Picks: Commercial Skylight Manufacturers

Fakro Skylights: Fakro skylights are designed to maximize natural light while preventing heat loss. Their innovative technologies ensure optimal daylighting while maintaining energy efficiency.

Milcor Skylights: Milcor skylights offer a unique design with a domed window, highly durable construction, and fire-rated protection.

It's worth noting that JL Industries and Acudor manufacture domed roof hatches with the combined benefit of a glass window, similar to a skylight for industrial settings. 

Benefits of Skylights:

• Natural Light: Skylights create a well-lit and inviting interior environment, positively impacting occupants' mood and productivity.
• Energy Savings: Reduced reliance on artificial lighting leads to lower energy consumption, contributing to sustainability and cost savings.
• Aesthetics: Skylights add a touch of elegance to commercial spaces, enhancing their overall design and visual appeal.
• Wellness: Increased exposure to natural light has been linked to improved well-being and circadian rhythm regulation.

Balcony Windows: Expanding Outdoor Views

Balcony windows provide a unique way to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. Contractors value their ability to offer unobstructed views, natural ventilation, and seamless access to balconies or terraces.

#1 Industry Pick: Commercial Balcony Window Manufacturer

Fakro Balcony Windows: Fakro balcony windows transform a room into a functional balcony. They offer excellent insulation, weather resistance, and easy operation.

Benefits of Balcony Windows:

• Spatial Expansion: Balcony windows create an illusion of larger living spaces by blurring the boundaries between indoors and outdoors.
• Ventilation: These windows promote natural airflow, allowing occupants to enjoy fresh air while maintaining indoor comfort.
• Scenic Views: Unobstructed outdoor views enhance the aesthetic appeal of interior spaces, contributing to a more pleasant environment.
• Flexibility: Balcony windows provide a versatile solution for enjoying outdoor elements without leaving the comfort of indoor spaces.

Floor Hatches: Subterranean Access Solutions

Floor hatches offer efficient access to underground spaces such as utility rooms, basements, and crawl spaces. Contractors appreciate their durability and practicality in managing underground building components.

Top 5 Industry Picks: Commercial Floor Hatch Manufacturers

Acudor Floor Hatches: Acudor floor hatches are engineered for heavy-duty use. Their sturdy construction and various size options cater to a wide range of underground access needs.

Bilco Floor Hatches: Bilco floor hatches prioritize safety and ease of use. They come with various options, including drainage and ADA-compliant features. 

Babcock Davis Floor Hatches: Babcock Davis pan floor doors are a unique product with a high load capacity (up to 300 PSF), ideal for heavy-duty applications requiring easy access to underground utilities. 

Karp Floor Hatches: Karp floor hatches are designed to withstand heavy use and provide reliable subterranean access. Their rugged construction ensures longevity.

FF Systems Floor Hatches: FF Systems floor access covers provide a heavy-duty, walkable surface that blends with the surrounding flooring constructed from durable steel or stainless steel.

Benefits of Floor Hatches:

• Functional Accessibility: Floor hatches provide efficient access to utility spaces, facilitating maintenance, repairs, and inspections.
• Space Optimization: By utilizing subterranean areas effectively, contractors can maximize usable indoor space, enhancing the building's functionality.
• Longevity: Durable materials and construction ensure that floor hatches withstand heavy use and provide reliable access over time.
• Safety: Floor hatches can be equipped with safety features such as anti-slip surfaces and locking mechanisms, promoting secure access.

Smoke Vents: Enhancing Fire Safety

Smoke vents play a critical role in fire safety by allowing the safe release of smoke and heat from a building during a fire emergency. Contractors value their contribution to occupant safety and building protection.

Top 5 Industry Picks: Commercial Smoke Vent Manufacturers

Acudor Smoke Vents: Acudor smoke vents have a range of single-leaf and double-leaf smoke vents in aluminum and galvanized steel with UL-listed links for peace of mind.

Bilco Smoke Vents: Bilco automatic fire vents come in various fire-resistant metals, including aluminum, aluminum with steel curb, and steel designed to release vent covers upon the melting of a UL-listed 165°F (74°C) fusible link. Bilco smoke vents prioritize quick and effective smoke evacuation. They provide a safe and controlled method for expelling smoke, aiding emergency response efforts.

Milcor Smoke Vents: Milcor heat and smoke vents are engineered to meet fire safety regulations. Their reliable operation helps prevent smoke buildup and allows firefighters better visibility during emergencies.

JL Industries Smoke Vents: The Fahrenheit View Series of JL Industries smoke vents include non-UL listed domed cover smoke vents, as well as a double-leaf model that offers advanced fire protection and is heat-activated, automatically opening the door in the presence of fire and simultaneously eliminating smoke, heat, and toxic gases.

Babcock Davis Smoke Vents: Babcock Davis Quad Door AcousticMAX smoke vents feature four doors that can open independently, providing ventilation and smoke management flexibility. With an STC 50 rating, they also reduce sound transmissions.

It may be interesting to note that Omni Containment Systems HVAC grease duct panels complement smoke vents, especially in commercial kitchens and restaurants where fire safety is paramount. 

Also, keep in mind Invisagrille cold air return covers and supply vents with options for flush, removable, and permanent installations.

Benefits of Smoke Vents:

• Fire Safety: Smoke vents aid in the safe evacuation of smoke and heat during a fire, enhancing the overall safety of the building and its occupants.
• Regulatory Compliance: Smoke vents help meet fire safety codes and regulations, ensuring the building's adherence to industry standards.
• Emergency Response: Smoke vents assist firefighters by improving visibility and reducing the risks associated with smoke inhalation.
• Property Protection: Properly functioning smoke vents prevent extensive smoke damage and contribute to minimizing property loss.

Fire Extinguisher Cabinets: Ensuring Readily Available Fire Equipment

Fire extinguisher cabinets are essential for housing fire-fighting equipment in a secure and easily accessible manner. Contractors value their role in maintaining fire safety readiness within a building.

#1 Industry Pick: Fire Extinguisher Cabinet Manufacturers 

JL Industries Fire Extinguisher Cabinets: JL Industries fire extinguisher cabinets blend functionality with aesthetics. Their various designs cater to different architectural preferences while ensuring fire safety compliance. 

Benefits of Fire Extinguisher Cabinets:

• Accessibility: Fire extinguisher cabinets keep fire-fighting equipment easily accessible, enabling quick response during emergencies.
• Protection: Cabinets shield fire extinguishers from environmental factors that could affect their functionality, ensuring reliable performance.
• Tamper Prevention: Secure cabinets deter unauthorized tampering with fire-fighting equipment, maintaining their readiness for use.
• Aesthetics: Fire extinguisher cabinets can be chosen to complement the building's design, seamlessly integrating into the overall architecture.

Valve Boxes: Safeguarding Mechanical Components

Valve boxes provide protection and accessibility to mechanical components such as water valves and utility connections. Contractors appreciate their role in safeguarding essential building infrastructure.

Top 5 Industry Picks: Valve Box Manufacturers

Acudor Valve Boxes: Acudor valve boxes and cabinets offer different styles, including recessed, surface-mount, and removable flush valve panels with a choice of prime coat and aluminum finishes.

Mifab Valve Boxes: Mifab valve boxes offer durable and corrosion-resistant solutions for housing valves and utilities. Their robust construction ensures long-term protection for mechanical components. Mifab's products allow you to customize the depth.

Elmdor Valve Boxes: Elmdor valve boxes prioritize both functionality and aesthetics. They provide easy access to mechanical components while maintaining a clean, unobtrusive appearance. Elmdor's VB series valve boxes protect valves and controls concealed in the wall. They are fully enclosed and feature rounded safety corners.

Cendrex Valve Boxes: Cendrex valve boxes combine practicality with design. Their customizable options cater to different valve and utility configurations, ensuring optimal protection. Select from models with windows or hidden flanges, depending on their purpose.

Milcor Valve Boxes: For durability and strength, Milcor versatile valve boxes feature stainless steel or steel frames, adding stability - the door panel opens to 175 degrees to make access even more straightforward.

Benefits of Valve Boxes:

• Mechanical Protection: Valve boxes shield mechanical components from environmental factors that could compromise their performance, ensuring reliable functionality.
• Accessibility: These boxes provide convenient access to valves and utilities, simplifying maintenance, repairs, and inspections.
• Durability: Valve boxes are designed to withstand various weather conditions, preserving the integrity of their house's mechanical components.
• Customization: Customizable options allow valve boxes to accommodate different valve sizes and configurations, ensuring a tailored solution.

Did You Know? 

Best Access Doors is the largest supplier or access door solutions in the USA! We now carry a huge selection of their best sellers. Be sure to shop this trusted name for all your commercial projects!

Elevating Commercial Construction with Access Products

In commercial construction, access products are indispensable tools that streamline maintenance, enhance building functionality, and contribute to overall occupant satisfaction.

Access Doors and Panels, in collaboration with reputable manufacturers like JL Industries, Fakro, Cendrex, Acudor, Bilco, Babcock-Davis, FF Systems, Milcor, Elmdor, Karp, and Mifab, offers a comprehensive range of access doors, access panels, roof hatches, skylights, balcony windows, floor hatches, smoke vents, fire extinguisher cabinets, and valve boxes. 

Our expansive portfolio of access products provides contractors with efficient solutions to address access challenges while maintaining the building's design integrity and compliance with safety codes.

Whether it's the discreet access provided by access doors and panels, the convenience of roof hatches and balcony windows, the natural illumination of skylights, or the practicality of floor hatches, smoke vents, fire extinguisher cabinets, and valve boxes, each access product category serves as an essential tool for commercial contractors.

With a focus on efficiency, durability, safety, and aesthetics, Access Doors and Panels is a reliable partner in elevating commercial construction projects to new heights of excellence. As a trusted provider of premium access products, our commitment to innovation and quality ensures contractors can confidently navigate the complexities of modern building design and construction complexities.

Be sure to bookmark this handbook for easy reference. If you have a project you would like to discuss, contact our team of access product experts. We're always happy to help! Reach us at 1-800-609-2917!