What is the purpose of bulkhead doors?
A storm cellar door secures the bulkhead, which is an entry point to your home's basement from the outside. Cellar doors protect it from getting infiltrated by outside leaks and also provide an extra “in” or “out” in case of storms or other emergencies. So the door you choose is important for protection.
What is a basement bulkhead door?
A basement bulkhead is a structure that allows access to a basement from the outside of the house. The structure is usually made of concrete or stone, and it includes a stairway that leads to the ground level.
Do you need a bulkhead in a basement?
Basement doors, or bulkheads, are ideal for easy access to your home. Whether you're moving large items in or out, bulkheads will prove to be the hassle-free solution you need. If water is to enter your home, removing items as quickly as possible is going to prove itself an crucial step.
How long do bulkhead doors last?
Steel bulkhead doors can last for at least 20 years without risking significant rust damage. The weight of steel means that these bulkhead doors offer superior protection, especially when combined with a heavy chain and padlock.
What are those basement doors called?
Bulkheads are most commonly found in older homes throughout the Northeast but can also be found in other states where the home has a deep basement. The basement bulkhead was an important part of the home because more often than not, the bulkhead was the only entrance to the basement.
Why do old houses have cellar doors?
Root Cellar Root cellars existed to store vegetables, fruits, nuts and more for long periods of time. Some were simply an unfinished room in the basement while others were built into the ground a short distance from the house.
Why do houses have basement bulkheads?
Bulkheads are typically used to conceal something. It could be plumbing pipes, electrical wires, duct work, or exhaust fans. When we create a new design for your home, we may want to remove these to make way for higher ceilings or to extend cabinet height. There are also times when we will add bulkheads to a room.
How much does a bulkhead cost?
Substantial residential seawalls or bulkhead for salt water and properly built tend to cost in the range of $500 to $1,200 per lineal foot. It is best to contact your local, licensed and insured marine contractor to obtain an estimate for your property.
What does it cost to replace a bulkhead?
Bulkhead or seawall cost per foot. The cost to build an ocean bulkhead or lake seawall is $150 to $600 per linear foot. A steel, vinyl, or concrete seawall costs $200 to $600 per linear foot. A wood seawall costs $150 to $500 per linear foot.
How do you waterproof a bulkhead?
Pinpoint the source of the leak. ... Seal cracks in the concrete stairs and frame where the bulkhead doors are mounted using a concrete sealant. ... Apply waterproof sealant that will bond with both concrete and metal around the edges of the bulkhead door, both inside and outside.More items...
Can you replace a bulkhead?
To replace your existing bulkhead doors, start by cutting through the hinges on the old bulkhead doors using a right-angle grinder fitted with a cutoff wheel. Remove both doors, then use the grinder to grind off the screw heads from the brackets that secure the bulkhead to the foundation.
How do you insulate a bulkhead door?
1:034:19Tips on How to Insulate Your Basement from Efficiency VermontYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow we need to insulate the doors. I'm using this foil faced polyisocyanurate. But you can also useMoreNow we need to insulate the doors. I'm using this foil faced polyisocyanurate. But you can also use blue or pink foam board if you use poly I so you want to cover the edges with foil tape to protect.
Why do houses have basement bulkheads?
Bulkheads are typically used to conceal something. It could be plumbing pipes, electrical wires, duct work, or exhaust fans. When we create a new design for your home, we may want to remove these to make way for higher ceilings or to extend cabinet height. There are also times when we will add bulkheads to a room.
How do you make a bulkhead basement door?
0:466:22Constructing a Custom-Recessed Bulkhead Door - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo that you can just without using tools shape. It and you're just laying it over your frame overMoreSo that you can just without using tools shape. It and you're just laying it over your frame over the old the foundation for the old bulkhead how to go to you a little bit more yeah.
How do you replace a basement bulkhead?
0:0611:43How to Replace Basement Bulkhead Doors | Ask This Old HouseYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo get started we need to remove the bulkhead I'm using a grinder with a 5 inch cutoff wheel to cutMoreTo get started we need to remove the bulkhead I'm using a grinder with a 5 inch cutoff wheel to cut the old hinges. And free the doors.
How do you waterproof a bulkhead door?
To seal your basement bulkhead door that is both quick and cost-effective, you could fill the gaps in your bulkhead door with a concrete sealant. You could also install a rubber seal around the perimeter to properly seal your door.
What is Ultra Series basement door?
Ultra Series basement doors provide safe and code-compliant basement access, weather-tight performance and easy operation — all with virtually no maintenance. The Ultra Series basement door features polyethylene construction that will never rust, rot or need painting. Its simulated wood texture and pleasing driftwood color will complement the exterior of any home and the interchangeable side panel inserts allow homeowners to easily add light or ventilation to their basement area way.
What is a Bilco basement door?
BILCO basement doors allow homeowners to add code-compliant living space or storage areas to their home. Large items such games tables and furniture for finished areas, or pool supplies and patio furniture for storage areas, move easily through the wide opening of a BILCO door. Doors are available with a factory powder coat finish in colors to match the exterior of any home.
What is Bilco basement door powder coat?
BILCO Classic Series steel basement doors are now available with a factory-applied polyester powder coat finish. The polyester resin provides a durable , weather-resistant coating. Cured at higher temperatures than most wet coatings, the result is a tougher and chip-resistant coating. This provides the Classic Series steel basement door-powder coat with both a decorative and protective finish.
What is Ultra Series basement door?
Ultra Series basement doors provide safe and code-compliant basement access, weather-tight performance and easy operation — all with virtually no maintenance. The Ultra Series basement door features polyethylene construction that will never rust, rot or need painting. Its simulated wood texture and pleasing driftwood color will complement the exterior of any home and the interchangeable side panel inserts allow homeowners to easily add light or ventilation to their basement area way.
What is Bilco basement door powder coat?
BILCO Classic Series steel basement doors are now available with a factory-applied polyester powder coat finish. The polyester resin provides a durable , weather-resistant coating. Cured at higher temperatures than most wet coatings, the result is a tougher and chip-resistant coating. This provides the Classic Series steel basement door-powder coat with both a decorative and protective finish.
Can you lock a Bilco basement door?
Buy on-line! Enjoy the convenience of locking and unlocking your Classic Series BILCO basement door from the outside with a basement door keyed lock kit. Install a BILCO keyed entry lock and save the trip into the basement to lock or unlock the door. The basement door keyed lock kit is available for all steel basement door models and is not available for Ultra Series basement doors at this time.
What is Ultra Series basement door?
Ultra Series basement doors provide safe and code-compliant basement access, weather-tight performance and easy operation — all with virtually no maintenance. The Ultra Series basement door features polyethylene construction that will never rust, rot or need painting. Its simulated wood texture and pleasing driftwood color will complement the exterior of any home and the interchangeable side panel inserts allow homeowners to easily add light or ventilation to their basement area way.
What is a Bilco basement door?
Basement bulkhead doors from BILCO are perfect for safe, convenient basement access. You can select steel or polyethylene basement doors. Our steel doors are available with either a primer finish or an optional powder coat paint finish. BILCO's PermEntry® door consists of a precast concrete stairway and a high-quality BILCO bulkhead door.
What is Bilco basement door powder coat?
BILCO Classic Series steel basement doors are now available with a factory-applied polyester powder coat finish. The polyester resin provides a durable, weather-resistant coating. Cured at higher temperatures than most wet coatings, the result is a tougher and chip-resistant coating. This provides the Classic Series steel basement door-powder coat with both a decorative and protective finish.
What is a Bulkhead Door?
A bulkhead door is a door that covers a staircase that leads to a cellar or basement. They can be made out of wood, steel, plastic, and aluminum, and that affects the pricing of bulkhead doors. Bulkhead door installation can cost as much as $1,000, or more if it’s labor-intensive.
What is the best door to replace a bulkhead?
Clam shell. Clamshell doors are an excellent alternative to a traditional bulkhead door, and ClamDoor is one of the best options. You can rest easy knowing that water cannot get through a clamshell door due to its unique design. Some brands, such as ClamDoor, are highly water-resistant, rust, and wear and tear, especially compared ...
What is a flat hatch door?
Install a flat hatch if you want a bulkhead alternative that blends in well with its surroundings. Flat hatches are best for concrete and cement walkways or patios.
What are some alternatives to bulkhead doors?
The best alternatives for bulkhead doors are clamshell doors, deck hatches, basement window wells, and deck hatches. You can also have flat hatches installed over concrete and stone that are hard to detect. Hidden access doors are another great bulkhead door alternative, but they are quite expensive to install.
How much does a clamshell door cost?
If you live in a climate with lots of rain and humidity, clamshell doors are the best bulkhead alternative for you. You can expect to pay at least $1,500 for a high-quality clamshell door, which is pricey, but fair. They have long lifespans which makes the hefty price worth the investment for clamshell doors.
How to waterproof bulkheads?
You can waterproof a bulkhead by using simple weather stripping to help seal and fortify the gaps. Look into rubber if you want a weather stripping material that is easy to cut for your dimensions. Foam weatherstripping is slightly easier to install than rubber, but rubber is much more water-resistant.
How much does it cost to replace a bulkhead door?
Expect to pay as much as $1,000 or more to replace old bulkhead doors, but it can cost as little as $500 . It all depends on the material that you choose and what the labor rate of the professional that you charge is. Plastic and aluminum are the two cheapest materials that you can choose for bulkhead doors.
What is a weathertight basement door?
Weathertight… The basement door’s primer finish sheds water, keeps areaway dry and free of debris. Flanged construction sheds water and prevents binding due to ice and snow.
What is a Rescon basement door?
Rescon Basement Solutions basement doors allow homeowners to add code-compliant living space or storage areas to their home. Large items such games tables and furniture for finished areas, or pool supplies and patio furniture for storage areas, move easily through the wide opening of a Rescon Basement Solutions door. Doors are available with a factory powder coat finish in colors to match the exterior of any home.
What is the best product to seal basement bulkhead doors?
Bilco Door. Another method that will help users properly seal their basement bulkhead doors is investing in a Bilco door. This is an ideal product to install if your current bulkhead doors require lots of work, such as if they have begun to rust or rot.
What to use to fill gaps in basement bulkhead door?
Concrete sealants are another tool to look into, as they are easy to use and will successfully fill any gaps your basement bulkhead door may have.
What is the best seal for a basement door?
Rubber weather stripping seals are an ideal option for your bulkhead basement doors, as they are easy to customize and cut into the length you need. Below we’ll list some of the best options available to you if you’re looking to add rubber seals to your bulkhead doors.
Can you seal a basement bulkhead door?
Whether you have a bulkhead door that has failed to function or one that has gaps that allow rain and debris to enter your basement, you’ve probably thought about sealing up your basement bulkhead door properly. Thankfully, there are many different ways you can do this correctly in order to keep your materials damage-free.
Can you use a sprayer to seal basement doors?
You can apply this solution with a sprayer or a rolling brush, making it an easy to use solution that won’t change the appearance no matter how you choose to apply. This sealant also dries clear, making it ideal for those looking to create a more subtle look while filling in their basement door gaps.
Can Bilco install a basement door?
You can watch a time-lapse of a Bilco employee installing a basement door in this simple one-hand operation in the video below.
Is Bilco weathertight?
There are various Bilco models available to consumers, all of which offer an unmatched design that will keep your basement free of any unwanted leaks or damages. These weathertight doors will definitely come in handy to those who have faulty or damaged bulkhead doors, and believe it or not, assembly is much easier than you may think.
What is a clam door?
The ClamDoor is a single, fully-assembled unit that fits all standard openings, making it quick and easy to install. Its single, smooth-action door is quiet, safe, and secure … and feather-light to open and close. The ClamDoor is energy-efficient and especially well-suited for coastal homes with weather concerns … as well as discerning homeowners ...
Where is Clamdoor made?
Inspired by watertight elements in nature and designed and developed with sailing technology, the ClamDoor is handcrafted in Rhode Island, USA with the care and expertise of master boat builders and in accordance with the tight specifications of high-performance racing boats and ocean cruisers.
How long is ClamDoor warranty?
The ClamDoor is THE single bulkhead solution for the life of any home and comes with a 10-year warranty and our guarantee of satisfaction.
