Wires, pipes and storage fit in tight spaces, but you can use access doors to reach them. Access door suppliers know that the type of access door you need depends on the location and the purpose of the access door. Some access doors are best for indoor use, while other access doors are made of heavy-duty materials that can withstand the elements of the outdoors.

When looking for an access panel, consider the amount of space you have and the depth of the area where you will install the access door. Then, it’s time to find an access door distributor. Purchase access doors from reliable access door distributors to ensure you receive top quality products when you:

1. Use access doors to reach tight spaces in the wall.

2. Use exterior access panels to reach the roof.

3. Use basement access doors to access the basement.

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Find access doors appropriate for your wall space

You may need an access door in your wall to access electrical work, plumbing or a small storage area. No matter your reason for needing information about access doors, you can find what you need.

I recommend: Each type of access door works best in a different location. Access Doors Direct offers technical data sheets on a variety of access doors so you can find the one that best fits your wall. If you want a fire rated access door in your wall, PlumberSurplus.com has insulated and non-insulated options.

Gain access to your roof with an exterior access panel

Reaching the roof can be a tough task, especially if the design of the roof doesn't allow for easy access. However, installing a roof hatch in your attic or ceiling will allow easy access to your roof. When choosing a roof match, make sure it can withstand the weather in your area, because the roof often feels the brunt of all seasons.

I recommend: Harbor City Supply has a variety of roof hatches that you can use as access doors to reach your roof. All are heavy-duty aluminum or steel for long-lasting durability. Read the specs at Larsen’s Manufacturing to make sure the exterior access panels you choose are weather resistant.

Access your ducts with duct access doors

Duct access doors allow you entry into your duct work. Some businesses may have air conditioning equipment, fire dampers, filters and coils in their duct work. If you need to replace or service any of these parts, you need access to your ducts.

I recommend: Acudor has measurements and diagrams so you can determine which type of duct access door works best for your space. Nailor Industries has flat, square or round duct access doors so you can use the door that best fits the shape of your ducts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Industrial access doors provide the same amount of access as a regular access control panel, but the heavy-duty materials stand up to the rigorous environment of your factory or warehouse. Many access doors for construction are great options to use as an industrial access door.

Access doors come in a variety of styles and sizes to fit your every business need. Whether you are looking to hide plumbing, drywall, your electrical, computer, Internet cables, phone lines or security system, finding the right industrial access doors is important for the aesthetics of the project.

The benefits of access doors are that they offer you concealed frames & latches. They also give you continuous surface, so they blend easily with the wall surroundings.

To find the right access doors for you:

1. Determine what size and quantity you have in mind.

2. Find an access doors for construction specialist in your area or online.

3. Opt for a specialist or contractor to install your new product if you don't have prior installation experience. There's no sense in messing up a product when you can easily hire a professional to do it right (the first time) for you.

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Compare access door suppliers on price and quality

Start your shopping for your access doors online. You can easily price compare or send away for company catalogs.

I recommend: Karp Associates, Inc. offers you their line of flush mounted access doors. Williams Brothers Corporation of America is another access door distributor. They offer fire rated access doors, general purpose access doors, doors to cover drywall or plaster, acoustical access doors, security access doors, and special use access panels. Acudor Products Inc. offers flush non-rated, plastic, fire rated, security, recessed and aluminum access doors. Doormart USA sells a wide variety of flush, recessed, fire-rated, security and specialty access doors.

Find access door distributors to fit your specific need

You can find any number of providers of access doors for construction to fit your any need.

I recommend: PlumberSurplus.com offers commercial access doors in conjunction with the hiding of home or office plumbing. The selection at Access Doors Direct is unbelievable. They also have 20 years experience and a low price guarantee. Milcor sells metal flush access doors.

Use an access-doors-specific search engine

Skip generic search engines like Google, and instead, start with an industry specific search engine to start you on your quest for access doors.

I recommend: 4specs has multiple brand listings for access doors. AECinfo.com not only gives you multiple listings on access doors, but they also let you know if the company listed offers a brochure, has CAD drawings, has specs and/or has a website. ARCAT offers you similar information specifically geared towards architects, spec writers, engineers and contractors. Their information includes a list of access door and access panel manufacturers, their product information, specs and CAD details.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider a door hatch safety net when installing access doors for your fall-through prevention.

Access doors are an essential part of both residential and industrial buildings. These doors provide access to electrical control panels, wires, ducts, and even basements and attics in many residential structures. Access doors for construction come in many sizes as well.

The size and shape of the access door depends on what it accesses. Most can be installed flush to the wall, so you can easily limit access with security locks. Commercial access doors are often installed by contractors. For those whose job it is to install the doors, access doors installation education and training can be found through:

1. Detailed drawings and instructions direct from the access door supplier.

2. Videos that walk you through the installation process.

3. Workshops, training sessions and seminars that provide hands-on training.

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Find installation instructions from access door suppliers

Written instructions almost always come with the access door. However, the supplier will almost always provide instructions online for any model it sells. This comes in handy for troubleshooting and repair issues, when the manual may be long gone.

I recommend: Nystrom provides written instruction sheets for each of its access door models. Elmdor / Stoneman Manufacturing provides many diagrams and installation manuals for its access door and flashing products. Instructions can be viewed online or downloaded.

Watch videos from access door distributors for tips on installation

Many manufacturers and distributors provide short videos on the company website or make them available on DVD. These videos take you through the installation process step by step, so they're especially useful if you've never installed a particular brand of door before. There are also videos that provide general instructions on installing any type of access door.

I recommend: Graspr Instructional Video Network has a video on how to choose an access door for plumbing fixtures, and how to install it correctly. Along with written instructions, Flame Gard USA also provides an installation video to show you the process.

Learn more about access panel installation through workshops and seminars

Manufacturers who work specifically with one type of product, such as security systems, often hold small seminars and training sessions on how to properly install their equipment in commercial and residential buildings. You can also learn about the latest products through organizations that hold educational workshops at trade shows.

I recommend: Napco Security Company provides training seminars on its full line of products, including access doors and other access solutions for security panels. The Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association holds annual meetings and educational sessions at various trade shows throughout the year.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember to consult an electrician when installing an access control panel for electrical equipment. This can help to ensure you install the panel safely, and that it works properly.

Access doors can be made of various materials, from wood to man-made materials. They allow access to various areas and are designed for many different purposes. Some can be fireproof.

Key words can help you pick out pick out an access door for your building or residence. As all access doors are not the same, it helps to be prepared with knowledge of access doors when you seek to pick one out.

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Fire rated door

For an access door to receive a fire rating, it must undergo rigorous testing to determine how long it can withstand fire. The company that does the testing is generally the Underwriters Laboratory.

I recommend: KL Security lists the requirements for fire rated doors. Larsen's has a selection of fireproof access doors.

Plumbing access door

A plumbing access door is designed to work with drywall. They can be installed after the drywall. Because the doors have flanges with pre-punched holes, the installation is easy. Plumbing access doors can be made of plastic.

I recommend: Grainger has plumbing access doors.

Floor hatches

Floor hatches are another kind of access door that is designed to be installed in a floor. These hatches can be used for interior and exterior applications. Some are designed to prevent water penetration while others are not, so make sure you buy the proper door for your application. The floor hatch styles are angle frame, recessed, channel frame, and also those with removable covers.

I recommend: Acudor has a selection of floor hatches with information on each of their products.

Roof hatches

Roof hatches are access doors that allow for access to the roof of a building. These access doors are characterized by heavy-duty locks and gaskets that are weather resistant, hinges that are concealed to be safe from exposure to water, and protected, heavy-duty springs. Some roof hatches can be painted.

I recommend: Williams Brothers Corporation has several types of roof hatches available as well as helpful information on their site.

Access panels

Access panels are a less heavy-duty access door. These also have flanges and come in various sizes. They're designed to be installed after other construction is complete. They are mainly made of plastic.

I recommend: Access Panel has access panels in various sizes.

Double access door

The BBQ enthusiast can appreciate this item and include it in any renovation project. Double access doors, especially made of steel, work well in outdoor cabinets near a grill.

I recommend: BBQ Outfitters has double access doors available as well as information.