A Step By Step Guide To Bulkhead Door Replacement

Here is the complete step-by-step guide to bulkhead door replacement

A bulkhead door is a structure that acts as an entrance from the outside of the basement to the inside. It creates easy access and allows bulky furniture or equipment transportation into the basement. A bulkhead door is a home’s exterior defense that should be kept in good shape.

However, over time the bulkhead doors begin to show signs of damage and require replacement. Follow this step-by-step guide to replace your bulkhead door.

Step 1

• Remove the old bulkhead door using the grinder tool to cut through the hinges. After removing the door, cut off the screw heads that secure the bulkhead to the foundation. Next, pull apart the metal frame of the bulkhead door. Please do not remove the existing flashing, as it can be reused for the new door.

Step 2

• Once you have removed the worn-out bulkhead door, it’s time to apply the grout. Use a mixing paddle and ½ inch drill to mix up a batch of grout. Apply water on the concrete around the bulkhead opening before applying the grout.

This prevents the concrete from absorbing moisture from the grout mixture. Next, use a pointed brick trowel to evenly apply the grout along the foundation walls. Fill up all the spaces and cracks. Let the grout cure for half an hour before moving on to the next step.

Step 3

• The next step is to install 2×10 pressure-treated sills on top of the foundation wall. Then, fix the sills to the house framing with the help of screws and fasten them with the foundation using masonry screws.

Step 4

• Now install 2×6 pressure-treated sills across the bottom of the bulkhead opening. Ensure the sills are at the same plane and angle as the side sills. Next, adjust the 2×10 sills to flush with the bottom sill. You are now ready to install the new bulkhead door.

Step 5

• Cut the foundation plate to the proper length with the grinder. Next, cut the two side foundation plates to adjust the length. Finally, apply a self-adhesive membrane on top of the pressure-treated sills after removing the foundation plates. This measure helps protect the wood from galvanic corrosion from contact with steel.

Step 6

• Apply a layer of metal primer to the fresh-cut ends of the foundation plates. Next, set them on the pressure-treated sills. Then apply a thick coat of silicone sealant along the flashing. Finally, adjust the bulkhead’s metal header such that it is underneath the flashing and press it down to attach it to the silicone sealant.

Step 7

• Finally, it’s time to set the door frame on top of the foundation plates. Secure the doorframe with nuts. Fix the doorframe with sheet metal screws after drilling pilot holes through the foundation plates. Cut off the excess flashing across the top of the bulkhead door using a utility knife.

Again, apply a coat of silicone sealant beneath the flashing and secure the flashing down into the sealant. Next, install the bulkhead doors and check to confirm if the doors fit correctly into the opening. Otherwise, adjust the doorframe until the doors are square in the bulkhead opening. Now, screw down the doorframe. You may want to attach torsion springs to the inside of bulkhead doors.

Step 8

• In the final step, apply the sealant across the perimeter of each door. Next, spray primer onto the exposed screw heads and apply a coat of oil-based paint to the bulkhead doors. A coat of oil-grade paint will help protect bulkhead doors and make them look presentable.

Experience the difference between working with the reputable, best basement and foundation solution company. For the highest level of services, contact us at 877-727-2259. Crack X offers bulkhead repair and waterproofing services. We are located in Maine and New Hampshire.