Different Types Of Access Doors

People have used access doors for different projects for many generations, from commercial construction to residential areas. It provides easy access to hard-to-reach areas or specific equipment in confined spaces. They are typically small, hinged doors that offer variations based on their purpose. The price of access doors also varies in their type of material. They are available in steel, aluminium, bronze, fibreglass, and even plastic materials like vinyl. Whatever function you need them for, you will be satisfied with its wide range of variety.

Although many different access doors are available, they generally fall into three types: general-purpose, fire-rated, and drywall. They may be recessed, flush-mounted, and equipped with louvres or vents to permit airflow. Access panels with see-through windows are also available. If you’re having difficulty choosing what type of access doors you need, here are the types and what makes them different in terms of functionality from the rest:

1. Exterior Access Doors

Most access door varieties are installed indoors. However, there are instances where you will require access to different components embedded in the walls from the outside. Therefore, these access doors are often exposed to external factors like strong winds, heavy rains, and other climatic conditions. This access door possesses strong durability that can resist warping, rusting, and wear and tear. One example of this product is the weather-resistant steel exterior access door. Installing this product will ensure that those essential systems in the building are kept away and safe from exposure.

2. General-Purpose Access Doors

If you’re looking for universal access doors with an all-around function, then the general-purpose access doors are suitable. It is best to use for wall or ceiling installations. These access doors provide general but essential purposes like concealing high-security items or specific fire codes. Ideally, you might use them in areas that require considerable safety, but they often fail to meet particular safety standards.

3. Fire-Rated Access Doors

Suppose your building requires an added safety feature, then this access door is what you need. Fire-rated access doors are designed to meet set safety standards. Spaces left on the walls or ceiling often can pose some additional safety threat in case of a fire. A fire-rated access door neutralises the other threat posed by open spaces just in case there is a fire. Some fire-rated access doors include swinging doors, self-latching, automatically closing entries, manual panel release, and many other designs. Fire-rated access doors also vary depending on their time in resistance when exposed to heat.

4. Flush Access Doors

Suppose you want a more concealed finish that seamlessly blends your walls; the flush access door is the right door. This variant corresponds well to any room’s aesthetic. Most access door panels can be classified as flush access doors and panels, depending on how well they close. Flush access doors are particular access doors made to complement flush surfaces perfectly. These doors are manufactured from plastic and steel for durability and resistance to corrosion.

5. Security Access Doors

There will be items or hazardous systems that you will want to keep out of reach from unauthorised personnel in every situation. Security access doors provide you with this security with variations depending on the level of protection you need. You can choose from either high or medium security. This access door is more commonly used for establishments that require increased protection like schools, prisons, banks, government offices, and other secure facilities. It is equipped with tamper-proof latches and can withstand forces and instances of illegal entries.

The Takeaway

Knowing the different types of access doors out in the market is essential to instantly know which kind of access doors you need to purchase for installation in your establishment. You can collaborate with your contractor and the manufacturing company to assist you in getting the appropriate products you need that will work efficiently and fit right in your budget.