18" x 18" BA-SSD-DF Smoke Seal Door with Drywall Flange - Non-Fire-Rated for Walls and Ceilings

The 18" x 18" BA-SSD-DF Smoke Seal Door with Drywall Flange gives crews a tight, gasketed access point to concealed systems in drywall walls and ceilings. Built from 18-gauge steel with a full perimeter gasket and a drywall taping bead flange, it seats cleanly into finished drywall and helps limit air and smoke migration between spaces while keeping valves, dampers, and utilities within reach.

Its gasketed, non-rated design suits controlled interior environments where a clean seal matters, so one door style covers a wide range of drywall applications without added trim.

Why Choose 18" x 18" BA-SSD-DF Smoke Seal Door with Drywall Flange?

• Tight Gasketed Seal: A full-perimeter adhesive-backed silicone bulb gasket seats between the door and frame to help restrict air and smoke passage through the opening.
• Drywall Flange Integration: The drywall taping bead flange lets the frame finish flush into the surrounding drywall for a clean, nearly seamless look on walls and ceilings.
• Rigid 18-Gauge Construction: An 18-gauge steel door and frame with reinforced edges holds its shape through repeated service access.
• Concealed Hinge: Operates on a concealed hinge for unobstructed swing and a tidy finished appearance.
• Screwdriver Cam Latch: Comes standard with a stainless-steel screwdriver-operated cam latch, with keyed and security-head options available.
• Field-Ready Finish: Ships with a white baked prime coat suitable for field painting to match the surrounding surface.

Need help determining whether the BA-SSD-DF meets your project requirements? Our specialists can assist and answer your questions. Ask our product experts today!

What Are the Key Product Specifications for the BA-SSD-DF?

• Door Size: 18" x 18"
• Weight: 4 to 20.5 lbs (varies by size)
• Material: 18-gauge steel door and 18-gauge mounting frame
• Flange: Drywall taping bead flange, 1" wide
• Gasket: Adhesive-backed silicone bulb gasket, full perimeter
• Hinge: Concealed
• Latch: Stainless steel screwdriver-operated cam latch
• Optional Latches: Cylinder lock and key, allen head cam latch, spanner head cam latch, security-pin head
• Fire Rating: Non-rated
• Finish: White baked prime coat, ready for field painting
• Material Options: Steel or Type 304 stainless steel (#4 satin polish)
• Compatible Surfaces: Drywall walls and ceilings

What Comes Standard and What Can Be Configured?

Every BA-SSD-DF ships with the following as standard:

• 18-gauge steel door and mounting frame
• Drywall taping bead flange
• Full-perimeter adhesive-backed silicone bulb gasket
• Concealed hinge
• Stainless steel screwdriver-operated cam latch
• White baked prime coat finish

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

• Cylinder lock and key
• Allen head cam latch
• Spanner head cam latch
• Security-pin head latch
• Looking for a different size, material, or configuration? Browse our full range of access doors and custom access solutions design to meet your project’s specifications.

What to Know About Rough Opening and Installation Requirements?

Required Rough Opening

The 18" x 18" BA-SSD-DF installs in wall or ceiling openings that are 3/8" (9 mm) larger than the specified door size. Its taping bead flange overlaps the surrounding drywall for integration with the finished surface.

Compatible Applications

This model is designed for non-rated drywall walls and ceilings. Typical surfaces include:

• Drywall walls
• Drywall ceilings
• Finished interior partitions requiring a gasketed seal

Installation Notes

• The drywall taping bead flange is finished with joint compound like a standard drywall bead.
• The gasket is factory-installed around the perimeter and needs no field adjustment.
• The screwdriver-operated cam latch works with a standard flathead screwdriver.
• The white prime coat is suitable for field painting after installation.

For step-by-step guidance, explore our installation tips and how-to articles packed with practical insights to get the job done right. Prefer to watch? Our video demonstrations on YouTube walk through the process step by step.

Who Specifies BA-SSD-DF and Where Is It Used?

The BA-SSD-DF is typically specified by architects, general contractors, mechanical and electrical subcontractors, and facility managers who need clean, sealed access in finished drywall.

Common applications include:

• Commercial offices - sealed access in finished drywall walls and ceilings
• Healthcare facilities - controlled-environment access in clinical spaces
• Laboratories and clean rooms - gasketed access where air movement is managed
• Schools and universities - service access in corridors and utility areas
• Hotels and multifamily buildings - concealed utility access behind drywall

Important note: The BA-SSD-DF is not tested for air penetration. For an access door that has been tested for air and water penetration, please see BA-ATWT model.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Smoke Seal Drywall Access Doors

1. When should I choose a smoke seal access door instead of a standard drywall access door?

Choose the BA-SSD-DF when your project requires a gasketed access panel that helps reduce air and smoke migration between spaces while maintaining convenient access to concealed building systems. If the opening is part of a fire-rated assembly, a fire-rated access door should be specified instead.

2. Is the BA-SSD-DF fire-rated?

No. This is a non-rated gasketed access door. For openings in a fire-rated assembly, specify a door tested and labeled for that rating.

3. What is the drywall taping bead flange for?

The flange is designed to be finished with joint compound like a standard drywall corner bead, letting the frame blend into the surrounding drywall for a nearly seamless appearance.

Why buy access doors from Best Access Doors instead of a general marketplace?

Best Access Doors specializes exclusively in access doors and panels, so you get direct access to product specialists who can verify sizing, gasketing, and latch options for your specific application.

Get Sealed Drywall Access for Your Project

Find the right gasketed access solution for your project. Call us at +1-888-327-5471 to discuss available sizes and configurations, request a quote, or explore our custom-sized access doors if your project requires non-standard dimensions. Source the right access solutions faster with expert recommendations and products you can rely on.