Before constructing a building, the team and the client discuss the project's scope to create a functional building design, and they usually incorporate access floors into it. Access floors do more than add storage space. Contractors include access floors in offices and other commercial buildings because of the many benefits.
In the past, designers often included access doors in server rooms because of the multiple wires that run throughout.
As you look at your flooring options, let Access Doors and Panels go over some of the basics:
The Basics of Access Floors
An access floor is an opening that can vary in size, depending on the contractor's specifications. Building owners can use the open space to allow wires to pass underneath. The opening can also help achieve proper air distribution.
Contractors can raise the floor as little as three inches or more. It's enough for electrical or computer wires to fit through and come out from underneath. But when you use access floors for air distribution purposes, the contractor needs to raise it to 14 inches above the slab to ensure proper airflow.
Building an access floor requires a system of bolt-on aluminum or steel pedestals and metal or concrete floor panels. You can choose from different flooring for the surface, such as vinyl composition tile, carpet tile, linoleum, or cork. And when your technicians need to enter the floor cavity, you can lift the panel.
The Importance of Access Floors
Today, most commercial buildings incorporate access floors because of the many benefits for the building and people. A standard commercial building has an extensive wiring system, and not all of them will fit in the ceiling. Wiring systems also have a high chance of falling or getting exposed in the open, and they can cause accidents to unsuspecting people.
And during hot weather, the access floors provide additional ventilation. You don't have to put your HVAC system on max power to keep the inside cool because the access floors can keep the room temperature level. The access floor provides a space between the person and the concrete flooring, forming a barrier to make the area more comfortable.
Access floors allow you to reconfigure your building components. Technicians can crouch or crawl underneath them to make adjustments, repairs, or maintenance. If you have a building system that needs regular work, you can raise your access floors clearance.
Another advantage of access floors is better cabling and wiring management. At one point, technicians may have to remove furniture or flooring, which can cause irreversible damage. You won't have any other alternative but to deal with the costly repairs. Fortunately, the access floors provide easy access to the wires and cables since you can place them in one area. You can also expect the technicians to finish their maintenance and repair work because of the access floors.
Lastly, access floors inside your building make it easier for future renovations or improvements. Most contractors will agree that a skilled worker can quickly build and design access floors. They are also more forgiving when miscalculations and oversights happen, making the contractors quickly repair any imperfections. And when they need to add wires, cables, or other building components, they can run it underneath the access floors without a problem.
How to Improve Your Access Floors' Functionality
If you already have access floors built but still want to improve their functionality, you can find that the best way is to install floor diffusers. They provide enough individual control with air distribution, ensuring every inch of the room gets some air. And while your HVAC system provides cooling or heating, there are usually supplemental fans underneath access floors that can push air around better.
One other way to improve the functionality of your access floor is by adding access floor panels instead of leaving them open. It helps keep the dirt from the outer surface and ensures a cleaner inner surface. It reduces the number of times to clean the access floors during extensive building maintenance.
Remember to include floor access doors in your building to achieve more functionality. Don't hesitate to contact us if you have inquiries, and check our website at accessdoorsandpanels.com to see what other products we offer.
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