WHAT? WHY? WHERE? WHEN? HOW?

Access panel needed? Well look no further, you have found the UK’s leading stockist and manufacturer. We are Access Panels Direct Limited, holding the largest stock of standard panels for walls and ceilings in the whole of the UK. We have people at the end of the phone or waiting for your e-mail to discuss your access issues now. If you have any questions relating to specific access requirements or if you need expert advice on any of our access product range, please do not hesitate to call us on 0800 612 9352, or e-mail sales@accesspanelsdirect.net

Alternatively, click here to buy online www.uk.accesspanelsdirect.net

Access panels questions and answers. What? Why? Where? When? How?

What is an Access Panel?

An access panel is a panel, hatch, or what ever you wish to call it, which will fit into a  hole  giving access to whatever is in the space  behind it. It can be in a wall, a ceiling, or a boxed section where access is required giving a nice clean finish and ease of access.

Access panel being opened to use retractable ZIP ladder

Why?

Access may be required to a stop cock, a gas flue, an electrical box or a rodding eye. An access panel may be required for maintenance or inspection purposes , where you need to have visual access for general inspection for light maintenance by authorities or landlords or utility inspectors, there will usually be a requirement for some kind of access panel.

Where?

Access panels may be required in all rooms in houses or apartments. In Ceilings, in walls ,in boxed in section especially where flues from boilers pass from one room to another. Gas flue regulations coming into force from December 2012 will require full visual access along the full length of a flue from the boiler to an outside wall. You may be in an apartment where you need access to a “rodding eye” where a down pipe passes through your rooms. Access panels can give you the choice of visual access or room to carry out small maintenance jobs. Sizes are determined by your own criteria.

Access Panel Direct Limited is a manufacturer we can produce panels to pretty much any size you require. Of course , there are certain limitations, but should you require a truly bespoke size, or even a bespoke specification (like 2 hour fire rated access panel) contact us on the free phone number 0800 612 9352. We can do anything access!

When?

An access panel is generally fitted in new build properties once pipework and all utilities have been installed so that they blend in with new décor. However, if you are doing home maintenance or have had extensions to existing buildings then you may require additional access to pipework connections or electrical fuse boards.

How?

Here at Access Panel Direct Limited, we supply all of our panels with fitting instructions and in the case of the plastic panels, these are generally a one man job. For the larger panels however, anything over a 600 x 600mm plasterboard panel we would recommend a 2 man team due to the weight of the panel. A plastic access panel can be fitted using a general builders adhesive or products like “No Nails” or “Gripfill”. For larger access panels a frame is required to be made from either timber or metal studding such as MF7 – in most circumstances your carpenter or general builder would be able to do this for you. Unsure? then don’t hesitate to call us or e-mail at the following; sales@accesspanelsdirect.net or call 0800 612 9352.

Access panels installation advice – Expertise comes as standard

Installation advice for our products – please click the link below to view our access panels installation video.

Access panel installation

Contact us

For further access panel information, call Ian or Kate on our free phone number 0800 612 9352, and we would be glad to discuss your requirements. Or you can log on to our web shop at www.uk.accesspanelsdirect.net where we offer free UK delivery on the majority of our access product range. Enquiries can also be emailed to us at sales@accesspanelsdirect.net. As you would expect from the market leaders, we offer competitive prices for bulk enquiries.

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Wall Access Panels from Access Panels Direct

Access Panels Direct Limited (APD) is the UK’s largest stockist and manufacturer of standard sized wall access panels and ceiling access panels.

Wall Access Panels

Manufactured using innovative design and manufacturing processes, we provide a full range of wall access panels for internal uses, available in standard sizes or custom made for the individual needs.

Access Panels Direct (APD) access panels are designed to be used in either wall or ceiling situations allowing easy access into the ceiling void/wall cavity where services, controls need to be quickly accessed for maintenance or emergency measures.

Manufactured from 1.2mm and 1mm Zintec Steel with a polyester powder coating of RAL 9010 20% gloss, white. Each access panel has a removeable door and is secured with a budget lock as standard – alternative locking options are available upon request.

Fire rated, Acoustic, Airtight and Loft access panels are also available and act as the perfect partner together with our Roof Hatches and Retractable Ladders – we are the one stop shop for all your access needs.

Gas Flue Inspection Hatches

It is also worth reminding our readers that by the end of December 2012, if you live in a property which has an internal gas flue, a gas flue inspection hatch or access panel must be fitted to the flue in order that a qualified engineer or inspector can gain full visual access along the while length of the flue.

We suggest the minimum size for your Flue Inspection Hatch (wall access panel) should be at least 300mm x 300mm to allow full visual access for inspection.

If you have any queries about the type of Flue Inspection Hatch to suit your application, please see our plastic wall access panels, fire rated access panels and metal faced access panels for retrofit finish.

Expertise

With over 35 years experience in the access product industry, our expertise comes as standard. Contact Access Panels Direct today with your enquiry. You can either call 01827 712774 and speak directly with Ian Shakespeare or Kate Neale, or email us at sales@accesspanelsdirect.net. We would be glad to hear from you.

Find us :

Follow us on Twitter @APDsales

Ceiling Access Panels from Access Panels Direct

Access Panels Direct Limited (APD), the UK’s largest stockist and manufacturer of standard sized ceiling access panels and wall access panels, is proud to announce a  new service to it’s customers. Bespoke access panels, manufactured to your dimensions.

Ceiling Access Panels

APD prides itself on it’s standard range of access products, but it is also finding much success in the UK and European marketplace thanks to it’s recent three hundred thousand pound investment in a high tech punch press machine. As a result, Ian Shakespeare (APD’s UK sales manager) confirms “Not only can we turn round standard ceiling access panels and wall access panels for next working day if required, but we can also offer bespoke access panels in approximately 3 to 5 days. It is this kind of service which sets Access Panels Direct apart from it’s competitors, who can only dream of being able to offer such a service”.

Commitment

It is this level of manufacturing service, along side a commitment to the most competitive prices in the industry and free nationwide delivery where applicable, which is driving APD’s sales growth. And not just in the United Kingdom, but in other countries in Europe including Ireland, Finland, Germany and Greece. (Whilst we are on the subject, APD welcomes enquiries from all over Europe, and is also interested in hearing from qualified companies who want to act as distributor for APD in their region – contact sales@accesspanelsdirect.net).

This high tech punch press allows APD to manufacture bespoke ceiling access panels, wall access panels, fire rated access panels, plasterboard door panels, tile wall access panels and even circular access panels. When we say we are access panel specialists, we truly mean it.

Gas Flue Inspection Hatches

It is also worth reminding our readers that by the end of December 2012, if you live in a property which has an internal gas flue, a gas flue inspection hatch or access panel must be fitted to the flue in order that a qualified engineer or inspector can gain full visual access along the while length of the flue.

Expertise

With over 35 years experience in the access product industry, our expertise comes as standard. Contact Access Panels Direct today with your enquiry. You can either call 01827 712774 and speak directly with Ian Shakespeare or Kate Neale, or email us at sales@accesspanelsdirect.net. We would be glad to hear from you.

Find us :

on twitter @APDsales

on facebook /accesspanelsdirect

Flue inspection gas safety – sound advice from Access Panels Direct.

Its that time of year again! Winter is fast approaching and we decide to get the boiler checked before the really cold weather sets in.

You then find your friendly gas engineer has informed you that although your boiler is fine you have a flue which has to have, “FULL VISUAL ACCESS” along the length of the flue. In some cases this can mean access is required in two or three rooms of the house. You need a flue inspection access panel.

Gas Safe Register

Access panels are required to be of a suitable size to give you this flue inspection access. There are a variety of sizes available nowadays, but 300mm x 300mm is the most popular size. And as is usually the case, the access panel is required to match and blend in with the surrounding wall.

So if your wall is fire rated then the access panel too has to be fire rated access panel. If the wall is not fire rated the access panel does not have to be fire rated.

Flue inspection hatches will be law by the end of 2012 so you need to get working now to sort out your system. Inspection of the flue is required for all boiler types gas or oil.

Don’t leave it too late! Get your special pass! Access all areas! Now!

Part J Building Regs

Building regulations part J states that full visual access is required via gas flue inspection hatches through every room through every void. At Access Panels Direct we even offer plastic access panels if required. Remember they don’t have to be big enough for Santa Claus to fit through. Just big enough to see his route.

Access Panels Direct is the quick way to see your flue!!! Contact us today on 01922 711474 and speak to Ian or Tom, should you need to discuss your requirements. Or you can reach us by email at sales@accesspanelsdirect.net.

Information is also available on the website at www.uk.accesspanelsdirect.net.

Access Panels, Not the only access products we do!

These include our retractable/concertina ZIP ladders, external drop down ladders and insulated loft hatches. Furthermore we also offer external access products. Roof hatches, floor access covers, and smoke ventilators (also known as AOV’s). If it is an access product you are after we do it. Even post boxes (both single units and banks of mailboxes).

We can also apply a specialist anti-bacterial coating to our products. This is called BioCote^®. Biocote Ltd is the market leader in providing proven, evidence-based antimicrobial technology. BioCote^® reduces levels of bacteria by upto 99%. Compared to an untreated surface.

Retractable ZIP ladders from Access Panels Direct Limited

Access panel being opened to use retractable ZIP ladder

With over 15 years of access product expertise, Access Panels Direct specialise in a whole range of access products. Not just access panels and access doors. We also have a range of roof hatches, floor access covers, and fixed access ladders. And as shown the in video above our range of heavy duty concertina retractable ZIP ladders.

We have also recently introduced a new range of EN 13724 approved post boxes. These are suitable for both internal and external use. They are available as single units or in a multiple unit bank of boxes. And in all the colours of the rainbow. Or at least any RAL finish. 100% polyester powder coated. Manufactured in Europe.

We would love to hear from you. If you have an enquiry for any of the above mentioned products contact our sales team. You can send an email to sales@accesspanelsdirect.net. Or call 01922 711474 and speak with Ian or Tom.

Access Panels and Retractable Ladders

Access Panels Direct Ltd (APD), are the UK’s leading manufacturer and stockists of access panels.  We can now offer a retractable ZIP access ladder. This enables easy access to the roof space or floor above.

The pull-down access ladders are for heavy duty use. They work as a perfect combination to our ceiling access panels. Our ZIP retractable ladders are available in four standard sizes. Available in ceiling heights of up to 3.4 metres. They can take a maximum loading of 200kg / tread or 500kg / m2  of the overall structure.  Optional extras for our ZIP retractable ladders include the following. A telescopic handrail which can be fitted to a single side or both.  Wall mounted rungs which act as additional steps within the ceiling aperture.  A top operating lever mechanism which only applies to our ZIP8 models, allows operation of the ladder from above.  Our access panels act as an excellent way to conceal the ladder once in it’s closed position.

ZIP ladders from Access Panels Direct

In addition, a bespoke, made to order ‘Zip 8’ model can extend up to 4.6 metres. It includes a wooden trap door and casing. This ladder is also available with a top operating mechanism, can be electrically operated. Fire rated for 30 or 90 minutes is another option.

Ian Shakespeare, Sales Manager, commented: “Our retractable ZIP access ladders are proving very popular.  They provide a simple solution to accessing the roof space or floor above and work in harmony with our access panels. All our ZIP access ladders incorporate deep and wide anti-slip treads. A counterbalance spring to allow the stairway to be operated with the minimum of effort. They are all very easy to install.”  Please see our videos showing the ease of operation and also see our access panels installation video guide.

For more information visit www.accesspanelsdirect.net. Alternatively contact the sales team on 01922 711474 or email: sales@accesspanelsdirect.net

Access Panel Direct raises the roof with the complete access package

The access packages includes standard stock size SRH roof hatches, ZIP retractable access ladders,and APD ceiling access panel. It is designed to allow users safe access to the roof space above.  You can now see videos of the simple operation for our ZIP retractable access ladders by clicking the following link – operation of retractable ZIP ladders.

Access panel complete package includes roof hatch, access panel and ZIP ladders

Ian Shakespeare, Sales Manager at Access Panel Direct Limited commented: “We have been delighted with the success of our roof access packages. By providing the roof hatch, extended skirt aperture liner, retractable ladders and access panel we can ensure that customers have everything they need to be able to gain safe access to their roof space. Further more, customers can be assured that all these products are fully compatible with each other and easy to install, having coming from just one manufacturer.”

All APD access panels are designed to allow easy access to any void behind a wall or above a ceiling. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, including metal door and plasterboard door and with a beaded frame or a 25mm picture frame for a dry or wet finish. We also offer tile faced, plastic, stainless steel and circular ceiling access panels.

Our access panels are also available with a number of additional options. These include 1 hour and 2 hour fire ratings, acoustic rated, air tight, insulated, RAL 9010 20% gloss polyester powder coated and a variety of locking options.

For more information please visit our website www.uk.accesspanelsdirect.net, contact the sales team on 01922 711474 or email: sales@accesspanelsdirect.net

Access Panels Direct invests in it’s UK manufacturing facility

The new high tech turret punch press machine has a sheet size capacity of 2,500mm X 12,500mm and can punch up to 5mm material.

Sales Manager Ian Shakespeare says: “This is great news for Access Panels Direct – not only do we boast the largest stock of standard sized access panels in the UK but our new machine means we can be even quicker at the manufacture and supply of bespoke sized access panels. It is exactly this kind of service which has seen APD win new customers and helped it to continue providing a quality service to it’s existing client base.”

All APD access panels are designed to allow easy access to any void behind a wall or above a ceiling. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, including plasterboard door and 1.2mm zintec metal door and with a beaded frame or 25mm picture frame for a dry or wet finish. We also offer tile faced, plastic, stainless steel and circular ceiling access panels.

Additional options include 1 and 2 hour fire rated, acoustic rated, air tight, insulated, RAL 9010 20% gloss polyester powder coated and a variety of locking options.

Go to www.accesspanelsdirect.net today and order any standard sized access panel by 12pm midday for it to be delivered to you the next working day in mainland UK.

Access panel installation and operation video makes it easy…

Access Panels Direct (APD) prides itself on offering customers the full package when it comes to access panels. Either for wall or ceiling applications.  We are proud to showcase installation and operating  instructions for our access panels and ZIP retractable ladders.  Our videos explain the simple installation and ease of use for our products.  Check out our videos here Access panel installation video and ZIP retractable ladder video.

Access panel installation

We are constantly looking for ways to improve our products and website and always welcome customer feedback.

Please contact us to discuss your latest project.

Look our for our access panel video blogs coming soon…

fi.accesspanelsdirect.net etusivu

Access Panels Direct is delighted to announce the recent launch of it’s second website www.fi.accesspanelsdirect.net to serve the Finnish and Estonian markets. In doing so, the range of tarkastusluukku, huoltoluukku, peitelevy and kattoluukku now available to these regions has increased substantially, and in particular the ability to offer bespoke sizes and specifications.

Special thanks go to Henna, Elli, Maria and Jyrki for their support in the development of the Finnish site. Kiitos guys!

Access Panels Direct Finland is managed by Surespan Access Tmi. We wish them great success!