All About Access Panels

Enclosures for every purpose

Sometimes it can be more difficult to isolate a problem in a home's mechanical system than to get it fixed. Whether it's a bad wire, an obstructed pipe or a faulty cable splitter, the best way to avoid this problem is to ensure proper access to all areas where maintenance may be needed.

Access panels have a surprisingly robust market. There is likely to be a panel style to fit any need and be aesthetically unobtrusive.

Saving time and money

Need quick access to shut-valves? A way to eliminate the clutter of washer/dryer apparatus? An access panel can be installed to hide these things without restricting their usage like building drywall around them. Panels can be flush or surface mounted and are available in a wide array of sizes.

Access panels are especially important when finishing a basement. As the typical demarcation point for most plumbing and electrical systems in the home, haphazardly walling off a basement could limit the easy maintenance potential of the open basement.

A well thought out network of access panels can retain this ease of use and eliminating costly wall and ceiling repairs.

These panels are inexpensive, with most steel enclosures costing under $50, and are easily installed. Access panels come in a variety of colors and materials to fit any room. Most notably, there are a great deal of door options, whether a tradition cabinet style is preferred or a screw-on face will be more beneficial.

All access

To flush mount an access panel in drywall, carefully use a jigsaw to cut through the thin layer of drywall. Place the access panel fascia into the wall and secure it to the wall.

For surface mounting on masonry or wood, access panel enclosures are available for complete housing of system junctions and can be easily secured to the surface with a few screws.

Enclosures are a good investment to protect delicate systems like phone wiring and cable systems at their demarcations, especially when the area is not climate controlled.

Other uses

Secure access panel enclosures are available to house valuable items. Key-entry panels, for instance, are an inexpensive alternative to a wall safe. Similarly, many manufacturers offer fire rated access doors for improved protection of your home systems.

Access panels can also be installed to house emergency items like fire extinguishers or first aid kits. This could make a huge difference in safety, providing a central place for special needs items instead of frantically rifling through drawers.

The use of access panels is completely left to the user and the possibilities for home customization are limitless with a little imagination.
 

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