Wall & Ceiling Hatches

About Wall and Ceiling Hatches

Staircases, lifts and access points include functional connections with important building facilities such as electrical, plumbing, or security systems, different wiring, and more. Wall and ceiling hatches are equipped with access panel doors for convenient functional use. They are typically built of sturdy and heavy-duty materials, with or without fire safety rating. 

An access panel is a versatile piece of building material available in a broad range of designs and sizes, suited to serve different purposes. It provides access to critical areas behind ceilings, floors, walls, and roofs.

Types of Wall and Ceiling Hatches

General-Purpose Door Access Panels

Access doors can be installed both in ceilings and walls, indoors and outdoors. They come with all related optional features, including flush installation, concealed hinges and recessed frames. General-purpose door access panels are designed for applications in areas with no particular security and fire safety requirements.

Fire-Rated Access Door

Access panels with fire-rated doors comply with safety standards in buildings. Their primary application is in locations with high fire protection requirements. Fire-rated access doors can be used for protecting HVAC components, exhaust systems, electrical wiring, gas lines, and all kinds of flammable materials in general. 

Insulated fire-rated access panels with doors are typically enhanced with a layer of galvanized steel, smoke-proof gasketing, and mineral wool insulation. Unlike insulated models, suitable only for wall applications, these doors can be installed in ceiling hatches, too. 

Security Door Access Panels

Security access doors are typically equipped with tamper-proof latches, and available in two alternatives: medium and high protection. They are designed mainly for application in public buildings, banks, schools, prisons, and similar facilities. 

Duct Access Panels and Doors

As the name says, this type is designed to provide access to ductwork for maintenance and repairs. Several varieties in different sizes is available in the market to match all sorts of different duct openings. 

Exterior Access Doors

If you need access to plumbing, electrical, and mechanical from outside buildings, exterior access doors are an ideal option. Due to its outdoor location, exterior access doors are designed to be weather-resistant and provide security to components.

Roof Hatch

Roof hatches are used to provide convenient access to roofing zones. They are typically installed to allow service staff a safe approach to maintenance and installation zones in commercial structures. At the same time, loft hatches also have application in residential buildings, mainly connecting interiors with roof patios or gardens.

Floor Hatch

Similarly to roof hatches, their floor counterparts are designed for accessing building utilities below ground. They can also be installed between floors to provide a walk-in entry to critical, restricted, or other typically inaccessible areas. A fire rating is often required for floor hatches by the building code.

Wall and Ceiling Hatches Materials

Steel

The strength, resilience, and general heavy-duty properties of steel make it a common material of choice when it comes to access panels. Unlike plaster or drywall types, stainless steel access doors are resistant to mildew and mould. Moreover, most fire-resistant access panels are partially or entirely made of steel due to its high melting point.

Drywall

Flushed drywall is another typical option for access panel material. It’s more affordable than steel and more customizable in line with the buyer’s needs. It can be installed on wall and ceiling hatches as a discreet solution for concealing pipes, wires, and a variety of storage.  

Plastic

Plastic is a budget-friendly alternative to conventional access panel materials. Apart from affordability, plastic bears the advantage of being lightweight, easy to install and maintain, and visually acceptable with a clean look. Plastic access doors are also easily replaced and perfect for application in the residential wall and ceiling hatches.

Gypsum

Gypsum access panels have the advantage of being exceptionally lightweight, above all, and decently robust at the same time. Moreover, it’s also resistant to mould and fungus growth. Such properties make gypsum an excellent option for covering service panels.

Aluminium

Aluminium is thin, lightweight, durable, and versatile. Its high resistance to rust and corrosion makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, even in areas exposed to high levels of moisture and humidity. 

Things to Consider Before Buying Wall and Ceiling Hatches

The attic hatch offers great convenience and ease of access to the area under roofing. Adding a loft ladder brings that to another level, providing a safe and straightforward approach to the attic while eliminating the need for costly and space-consuming conventional staircases. 

The application determines the right material and type of the access panel. For that reason, these factors should be the first thing to keep in mind when looking for the right piece to buy. A heat resistant access panel, for instance, is a far more suitable choice for application in kitchens and similar rooms than a drywall type. The reason is apparent - places hosting appliances that release extreme heat put the drywall panel at risk of catching fire.