MORE LOCATIONS‘Here are some common signs discussed by experts to identify ‘when and how to replace a bulkhead door ‘
Bulkhead doors are an essential part of your home. Not only are they a significant outside entrance to your house, but they offer protection to your belongings as well. Because of its overall significance and importance, it is important that you properly take care of your bulkhead and get it serviced regularly so that it can operate for a longer period of time.
Replacing a bulkhead door is something that you might not have to do for a long period of time if you buy a good quality door and take good care of it. However, there are some visible and easy-to-notice signs that can help you in figuring out the right time for replacing your door. Here are some of the most common signs to look out for before replacing your bulkhead door;
When to Replace your Bulkhead Door
Arguably the best time to replace your bulkhead door is when it shows clear and visible signs of structural damage. If you were using a metal door, you could look out for signs like rust or corrosion, and if you had decided to go with a wooden door, you can look out for warping or rotting. These signs mean that it is no longer safe to use these doors as a way to protect your basements and all the belongings stored in them.
When these signs are clearly visible, you should act fast to replace your doors so that you can protect your basements from break-ins, water damage, and debris that might be dragged up by the rainwater.
How to Replace Your Bulkhead Door?
Replacing a bulkhead is a process that can be divided into a series of steps which are as follows;
Step 1: Removing your Old Door
In order to replace your bulkhead door, the first step is to remove your previous door and make space for the new door. You can start this process by cutting through the hinges of the old bulkhead door and then using a grinder to grind off the screw heads from the brackets that were connecting the door to the foundation.
After this, pry off the metal frame and remove the header that is present at the top of the opening. An important thing to keep in mind while performing this step is that you don’t want to damage your old flashing as it can be trimmed and reused later for the new door.
Step 2: Making Preparations for Installing the New Door
After the old door has been successfully removed, it is important that you make the necessary preparations to ensure that the new door can easily be installed without a hitch. This step will include things like properly grouting the concrete and letting it cure so that all the voids and cracks are properly filled.
Once the grout is set, it is time for you to install sills to the top and bottom part of the foundation, which will help you fix the door in the correct position effectively.
Step 3: Installing the Bulkhead Door
The next step is to install the bulkhead door. Start off by setting up the doorframe on the top part of the foundation and secure it using nuts and bolts. Then install the two bulkhead doors by simply sliding them into the hinge pins that are present on the doorframe. Close the doors to make sure that they are properly set in the opening, and if not, adjust the doorframe till they are properly centered.
Step 4: Adding the Finishing Touches
Once the door has been properly installed, it is important that you add some finishing touches so that it stays properly operational for a long period of time. For instance, it is important that you properly waterproof your bulkhead so that it can stop the water from coming into your basement. It is also a good idea to apply a coat of exterior oil-based paint so that you can protect your door’s surface from any natural damage.
If you have any more questions about the bulkhead installation process or if you are looking to get in touch with one of our bulkhead door experts, you can reach out to us today at CrackX.