How to Access Panels for Ducting

Many homeowners tackle home remodeling tasks such as finishing basements, remodeling bathrooms and upgrading kitchens. These projects often involve the installation of new drywall on ceilings and walls. What many do not realize, however, is that some heating, ventilation and air conditioning ducts have dampers (plates to restrict or open up air flow) that need to be accessible, even behind walls. Some water shut off valves and plumbing cleanouts also need to be easily accessible by either the home owner, plumber or air conditioning professional. Spring-loaded cover plates allow access to these areas while blening in with your walls.

Measuring tape
Pencil
Drywall saw

Instructions

- 1
  Take measurements of the location of the area you need access to before you install drywall. Take two measurements from perpendicular walls to come up with a center point.
- 2
  Once drywall is installed, measure and mark a center point using the measurements you took earlier.
- 3
  Compress the spring loaded tabs in the back of the access panel and measure its length and width. This will be the size of the hole you need to cut for the spring loaded tabs to fit into the drywall. Use the center mark as a starting point to cut a square pattern in the drywall using the drywall saw.
- 4
  Compress the spring loaded tabs in the back of the access panel and slip them into the hole you cut. Check that the installed panel is visually square with the walls. If not, slightly increase the size of the cutout and adjust the panel.

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