ADWT-SS Airtight Watertight Specialty Access Door

The ADWT-SS is a flush airtight and watertight specialty access door for environments where a verified seal against air infiltration, exfiltration, and water penetration is required. It’s built for laboratories, clean rooms, operating rooms, and similar controlled environments.

The door and frame are fully welded from 16-gauge stainless steel or steel, flush to the frame with reinforced edges. A continuous bulb trim seal runs the full perimeter, and a continuous exposed stainless steel piano hinge carries the door across its full width or height.

The ADWT-SS has been independently tested in accordance with ASTM E 283/E283M-19 for air infiltration and exfiltration, and ASTM E 331-00(2016) for water penetration. It achieved a leakage of ≤ 0.01 cfm/sq foot at 6.27 psf for air, and no leakage at 15.04 psf for water.

Why Do Contractors and Specifiers Choose ADWT-SS Airtight Watertight Specialty Access Door?

• Independently tested air and water performance: Air infiltration and exfiltration tested to ASTM E 283/E283M-19 at 6.27 psf, with leakage ≤ 0.01 cfm/sq foot. Water penetration tested to ASTM E 331-00(2016) at 15.04 psf, with no leakage recorded.
• Fully welded door and frame: The 16-gauge door and mounting frame are fully welded to eliminate gaps that could compromise the seal.
• Continuous bulb trim seal: The gasket runs the full perimeter of the door, maintaining a consistent seal on all four sides.
• Continuous stainless steel piano hinge: The full-length exposed stainless steel piano hinge distributes load evenly across the door and eliminates the weak points of a multi-point hinge system.
• Flush to frame with reinforced edges: The door sits flush to the frame with reinforced edges, preventing deflection that could break the seal under pressure.

Ready to order? Request a quote for the ADWT-SS to confirm sizing, material, latch options, and production lead times based on your project requirements.

Key Product Specifications

• Application: Laboratories, clean rooms, operating rooms, and environments requiring a verified airtight and watertight seal
• Material: Stainless steel or steel; 16-gauge door and 16-gauge mounting frame
• Door/frame: Flush to frame with reinforced edges; door and frame fully welded
• Hinge: Continuous exposed stainless steel piano hinge
• Gasket: Continuous Bulb Trim Seal, full perimeter
• Standard latch: Stainless steel Phillips head screws
• Optional latches/locks: Stainless steel allen head screws, stainless steel spanner head screws, torx, cylinder lock and key
• Finish: Steel: Baked White Prime Coat (additional finish paint recommended for superior corrosion resistance); Stainless steel: Type 304 #4 satin polish
• Air infiltration: Leakage ≤ 0.01 cfm/sq foot at 6.27 psf — ASTM E 283/E283M-19
• Water penetration: No leakage at 15.04 psf — ASTM E 331-00(2016)
• Wall/ceiling opening: Nominal door size plus 3/8" (9mm) on each dimension
• Standard sizes: 8" x 8" to 36" x 48"

Need a size that isn't on the standard list? Request a custom quote to get the ADWT-SS manufactured to your exact dimensions.

What Comes Standard and What Can Be Configured?

Every ADWT-SS ships with the following as standard:

• 16-gauge door and 16-gauge mounting frame, fully welded
• Flush fit to frame with reinforced edges
• Continuous exposed stainless steel piano hinge
• Continuous Bulb Trim Seal, full perimeter
• Stainless steel Phillips head screws
• Baked White Prime Coat finish (steel) or Type 304 #4 satin polish (stainless steel)

The following must be specified at the time of order and is not included as standard:

• Stainless steel construction (specify based on your installation environment)
• Stainless steel allen head screws
• Stainless steel spanner head screws
• Torx fasteners
• Cylinder lock and key

What Should You Confirm Before Ordering ADWT-SS?

• Wall or ceiling opening size: The rough opening must be the nominal door size plus 3/8" (9mm) on each dimension. For instance, a 24" x 36" door requires a 24-3/8" x 36-3/8" opening.
• Material: Choose steel for standard controlled environments. Choose stainless steel where corrosion resistance or hygiene standards require it. Specify your material choice at the time of order.
• Latch or lock option: The standard latch uses stainless steel Phillips head screws. If your project requires a tool-free or keyed option, specify one of the optional latch or lock configurations at the time of order.
• Performance requirements: Confirm that the tested performance figures meet the specification requirements for your project before ordering.
• Custom size: If your opening doesn't match a standard size, custom sizes are available. Contact our team before ordering to confirm dimensions and lead time.
• Production lead time: Lead time depends on your size, material, and latch configuration. Request a quote to confirm production and ship dates.

Installation Notes

• Cut the wall or ceiling opening to the nominal door size plus 3/8" (9mm) on each dimension before installation.
• Corner mounting clips are included and must be secured to ensure the frame seats squarely in the opening.
• The continuous bulb trim seal runs the full perimeter. Confirm the seal is fully compressed and uninterrupted around all four sides after installation to maintain the airtight and watertight rating.
• For steel units, additional finish paint is recommended after installation for superior corrosion resistance.
• The stainless steel piano hinge is exposed and continuous. Confirm hinge clearance is available on the swing side before installation.

Who Specifies ADWT-SS and Where Is It Used?

The ADWT-SS is specified by architects, engineers, contractors, and facility managers who need a verified airtight and watertight access point in controlled environments where air quality, contamination control, or moisture intrusion is crucial.

Common applications include:

• Laboratories: Airtight access to mechanical or utility spaces adjacent to controlled laboratory environments where air infiltration must be minimized.
• Clean rooms: Flush, sealed access points in clean room walls or ceilings where maintaining air pressure differentials is required.
• Operating rooms and healthcare facilities: Watertight and airtight access in clinical environments subject to rigorous infection control and air quality standards.
• Pharmaceutical and biotech facilities: Access doors in environments where contamination control and pressure boundary integrity are regulatory requirements.
• Industrial and manufacturing facilities: Sealed access in controlled process environments where moisture penetration or odor and gas infiltration must be prevented.

Looking for other specialty door options? Browse our specialty access doors to compare alternatives and find the right fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I calculate the wall or ceiling opening for ADWT-SS?

Add 3/8" (9mm) to each dimension of the nominal door size. For example, A 24" x 36" door requires a 24-3/8" x 36-3/8" opening. This applies to all standard sizes.

2. What air infiltration performance has ADWT-SS been tested for?

The ADWT-SS has been tested in accordance with ASTM E283/E283M-19 for air infiltration and exfiltration at 300Pa (6.27 psf), achieving a leakage rate of ≤ 0.01 cfm/sq ft.

3. What water penetration performance has ADWT-SS been tested for?

The ADWT-SS has been tested in accordance with ASTM E 331-00(2016) for water penetration at 720Pa (15.04 psf), with no leakage recorded.

4. Can I get ADWT-SS in stainless steel?

Yes. The ADWT-SS is available in stainless steel with a Type 304 #4 satin polish finish, or in steel with a Baked White Prime Coat finish. Specify your material choice at the time of order.

5. Why are the door and frame fully welded?

Full welding eliminates the gaps and joints that can compromise an airtight or watertight seal. The fully welded construction, combined with the continuous bulb trim seal, enables the ADWT-SS to achieve its tested air and water performance results.

Why Buy ADWT-SS From Acudor Access Panels?

Acudor Access Panels is an authorized Acudor distributor. Every ADWT-SS we supply is manufactured to Acudor's published specifications and independently tested performance standards. Our team confirms sizing, material selection, latch configurations, and production lead times for your exact order before you commit.

Have questions? Contact our team or call +1-888-327-5471 to confirm specifications, compare sizes, and get guidance from our specialists.