Let’s start with a definition of “access panel,” according to the “Baseline Practices for Performing 13645 WDO Inspections,” a document prepared by members of the Florida pest control industry, University of Florida, and FDACS (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the division of Florida government that regulates WDO inspections):

Access Panel – a visible and unobstructed removable cover, plate or panel installed specifically for the purposes of conducting a visual inspection of the interior of a wall or void.

So if a panel is not visible, or the cover is obstructed in some way, or the panel is not specifically for visual inspection of an area—then an inspector is not required to open it. Some examples are:

• An access panel that is nailed in place. Nails are difficult to replace once removed.
• One that has screws that are inset with slots filled with paint or caulk.
• A panel that is extremely corroded or rotted and may fall apart when removed.
• An access panel that has been sealed with caulk, like in the photo above. Might be removed with permission of homeowner, unless caulking is extremely heavy.
• Damaging the panel or surrounding wall is necessary to open the panel.

    To read a copy of the complete “Baseline Practices” document, click on the link below:

wdoinspbasel.pdf 

    Also, see our blog posts Is the WDO (termite) inspector allowed to poke holes in my wood siding and trim? and What are the minimum access openings for a termite (WDO) inspector in Florida for a crawl space and attic, and within these spaces? and Do termites eat concrete?

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To learn more about termites, see these other blog posts:

• Should I be worried about termites if my neighbor's house is being tented?

• Do carpenter ants cause structural damage to houses in Florida?

• How long before closing can you have a WDO (termite) inspection done?

• How long does Bora-Care® last? 

• Why is it a mistake to store lumber in the crawl space under a house?

• Does the presence of carpenter ants in a house indicate that there are probably also termites? 

• How do termites infest a house and remain hidden while doing major damage?

• Are homes in Florida required to have termite protection? 

• If termite damage appears to be old, does that mean that termites may no longer be present?

• How do I know if my WDO/termite report is "clear"? 

• When do termites swarm in Florida?

• Does a recent termite company inspection sticker mean there are no termites? 

• Can a mobile/manufactured home get termites?

• Do I have to tent the house if I have termites? 

• What is the difference between a subterranean termite and a drywood termite?

• What are the green plastic discs in the ground around the house? 

• What is a termite shield?

• How do termites get into a concrete block house? 

• What is a clean WDO?  

• What do termites eat?

• How do I treat wood rot  that's listed in my termite-WDO report? 

• Do I really need a termite-WDO inspection? 

• What's causing those holes in the fascia?

• Does wood chip mulch in the yard attract termites?

• I think I have termites. What does a termite look like?

• I'm buying a concrete block house. Do I still need a termite inspection? 

• I saw a little termite damage on the baseboard. Should I be concerned?

• Why do termite inspectors tap the wood siding and baseboard wood in a home?

      Visit our TERMITES, WOOD ROT AND PESTS page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.