Not all access covers are created equal
November 6, 2017
When it comes to solving the problem of accessing concealed services under floors, behind walls or above ceilings there are an abundance of products on the market that could do the job. However, if your requirement is for a quality access cover or panel that will provide quick and easy access to concealed services safely then those 'cheap' foreign imports are unlikely to make the grade!
In the world of construction the old adage, 'You get what you pay for' definitely rings true. Of course the majority of building services professionals involved in the specification process clearly understand that principle. A building component, such as an access cover, is just one of hundreds of constituent parts that make up a building. However insignificant the component to the overall structure it still has to possess certain attributes, satisfy stringent criteria and integrate positively with the other products being used.
As a busy architect or specifier how do you determine the best solution to the access scenario in your particular project?
PERFORMANCE
The level of performance required from an access cover is generally dictated by the type of environment where the concealed services are to be located.
- Is it internal or external?
- Loading requirement - will it be used by pedestrian traffic only or vehicular traffic?
- Is access required frequently or just occasionally?
- What size of aperture is needed to access the concealed services?
- What type of material will cover the services?
- How important is security?
At Howe Green we offer a wide range of floor, wall and ceiling access solutions designed to satisfy all of these performance criteria.
Need a single access panel for emergency access to a stopcock in a ceramic tiled bathroom wall? Or a duct run of floor access covers for regular maintenance of underfloor drainage systems beneath vinyl flooring in a hospital?
Whatever your performance specification Howe Green can provide the solution.
AESTHETICS
Whether you are working on a new build or refurbishment project the impact that an access solution has on the overall look and feel of the building is a consideration for the vast majority of projects.
By using the latest CNC and CAD technology access covers can be precision engineered to your exact specification. A perfectly sized access cover removes any hassle from the installation process and ensures that the cover fits seamlessly into the flooring, reducing the risk of slips and trips.
With options available for all types of hard floor finishes and the Visedge flexible floor access cover, Howe Green can be specified whatever the flooring finish.
STANDARD OR BESPOKE?
Many of the projects that cross your desk may well require a standard size access solution. At Howe Green standard size floor, wall and ceiling covers are available to order from stock, ensuring a speedy delivery to site when required.
Other projects may require a bespoke solution. This is where over 35 years of experience combined with continual investment in equipment, technology and processes ensures that whatever bespoke solution is required it can be supplied. If you need to specify a custom size, loading or finish Howe Green can accommodate your requirements without cost or time penalty.
MAKING THE DECISION
Whether you have most of the knowledge and information you need to prepare your specification or you are looking at our product ranges from scratch, the team at Howe Green are available to help.
The quality and performance of our products, flexibility of our service and the expertise of the team is what sets Howe Green access covers apart from our competition. Architects, specifiers, building engineers, flooring and tiling specialists and contractors have put their trust in Howe Green to deliver a tried and tested access solution since 1983.
If you are looking for an access solution to concealed services look no further than the industry standard and you will soon discover that "Not all Access Covers are created equal".
Company: Howe Green US
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