Access doors provide convenient and safe entry points for personnel to inspect, clean, repair, and transport equipment for installation or maintenance purposes. Duct access doors and panels function to maintain the HVAC system vital for the building’s operation.
Access doors have two types: those suitable for use with air ducts and those designed for use with grease ducts. Professionals install this metal ducting, ensuring ease of regular cleaning and inspection of the internal systems. Cleaning and inspecting air ducts takes time; thus, access doors are an excellent investment. In addition, several states use them for smoke and heat damper assessments.
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Maintenance Cost Reduction
Buildings need maintenance to ensure the integrity of their structure and to prolong their lifespan. Sometimes, there are complicated and challenging systems to inspect or repair. The management might break some walls or remove obstructions to fix the problem, which could be costly and interrupt the entire establishment’s operation.
It is critical for businesses like restaurants that deal with oil, heat, and smoke to have regular maintenance because their exhaust system is a fire hazard. A fire burning the building and destroying equipment and other valuable items is costly. The installation is a safeguard and an investment for this reason. You can also ensure your building’s protection against potential hazards.
Cleaning Cost Reduction
Time translates to money in business, and the more you spend it on cleaning your system will impact your profits directly. The downtime will directly affect your income if there is no way to hasten the process. It is a challenging issue for business owners trying to sustain themselves. The longer it takes for the personnel to clean, the more effort they exert to accomplish the task, the more costly it will become.
Installing duct access doors will enable the personnel to clean your system efficiently and safely, making it a cost-effective solution against downtime due to maintenance work. They can finish the job quicker than those who do not have the installation. Some places require the installation of access doors and panels for safety.
Buildings that Require Duct Access Doors
Metal ducting needs more regular cleanings and inspections; thus, access doors are especially vital in buildings with metal ductwork. Hospitals, industrial companies, facilities that manufacture food products and medical supplies, naval vessels, and schools are examples of establishments commonly built with metal ductwork or requiring more frequent cleanings.
Access doors have a design for compression that keeps the air from escaping. Various door types are available to suit circular or rectangular ducts, high-temperature applications, insulated or uninsulated, and other ductwork layouts and are made-to-measure to meet odd ductwork shapes.
Ensure Your Panels are Code Compliant
Access panels must have a correct installation and comply with all necessary code standards to prevent jeopardizing the integrity of your ducting. The following are the NFPA 96 criteria for duct access panels:
- Airtight or grease tight
- Rated up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit
- It must have signage that will warn people not to obstruct it
Your ducts should have come with numerous access panels to allow extensive cleaning when their installation is complete. Horizontal ducts, in particular, must have at least one 20×20 inch entrance so that maintenance workers may crawl within or smaller access panels per 12 feet if it is not possible. Each floor must have access panels for vertical ducting.
Simple Maintenance
Here are some simple maintenance tips to ensure that your access doors remain clean and perform their intended function.
- To guarantee proper operation of the hinged door, the exterior surface of the panel and the hinge region should be free of debris and dirt.
- Use a soft cloth, mild soap, and water to clean painted surfaces.
- If you need to grease latches, locks, or hinges, use a “3 in 1” kind of light oil and wipe away any excess with a towel.
- Utilize a soft cloth and a gentle soap and water combo to clean stainless steel. To avoid water stains, thoroughly rinse with clear water after washing to eliminate all residues of the solution and wipe dry. Removing stains resistant to that procedure may typically be done by polishing with a clean cloth and a non-abrasive stainless steel polish in the grain direction. In a hidden place, do the test.
Hiring a Professional Cleaning Contractor
Some establishments do not have a team to resolve their issues, especially when giving their area a thorough clean. Most business owners might consider DIY to cut corners, but that might cause even more damage and more bills if not done correctly. It is always an excellent practice to consider hiring a cleaning company to do the job.
You should leave the cleaning tasks to the professionals, especially if you are not confident or knowledgeable. You can guarantee that your duct access doors will get a thorough cleaning. These companies typically provide insurance, an added safety net for you if an accident happens.
Takeaway
Duct access doors are critical for the maintenance and safety of your building and business. Its necessity is non-negotiable because not having one is inconvenient and hazardous. Its care will yield more returns to you in terms of safety and efficiency. Talk to your trusted contractor for more specific details about this product.
