Why Should Access Hatches Be Used?

In homes and buildings, spaces between floors, drywall, and ceilings are generally not bare. Utilities like communication lines, electrical wires, and plumbing pass through such spaces. But having them sealed off is not practical as there can be situations when repairs, maintenance, or inspections are needed, and removing whole sections of the wall or ceiling would be rather expensive and inconvenient, to say the least. 

The practical solution is to have access panels or access hatches placed during certain stages of construction in specific areas. The panels or hatches act as a means to acquire easy access to vital system points whenever there is a need to do so. Aside from simply being a point of access, they also have several other uses.

Providing Security
Certain areas or rooms in buildings or homes may require the installation of a custom access panel or hatch to access a recessed space for storing valuable materials or documents securely and safely. Such access panels typically feature security locks that can be opened by authorised people only. For example, a safe may be installed within a wall concealed by a custom panel that blends well with the wall.

Safety
Access hatches or panels must be fire rated if they are protecting gas lines, critical points in electrical wiring, or anything flammable. Fire-resistant or fire rated panels are specifically designed to slow the progress of fire between sections of a structure. 

Aesthetics
A custom access panel can be used to conceal parts of the wall, ceiling, or any other part of the structure, which may not be very visually appealing and can become a hazard while maintaining the design elements of the structure. For example, some people would prefer that light switches or electrical sockets be concealed beneath a panel that blends well with the wall so that it is practically invisible to anyone unfamiliar with its location. 

Convenient Access
Access hatches are a very good means of access to critical points of plumbing, electrical wiring, communication lines, air conditioning, or any other system that requires periodic inspection, maintenance, or repair. 

Access panels are available in many different types, sizes, materials, finishes, and even colours to suit the requirements and specifications of the project.