MORE LOCATIONSLeaking Bulkhead Causes and Fixes
An exterior entry to your basement is very convenient. It allows easy access from the yard to your storage area or workshop, keeping dirty equipment out of your clean home. However, these entries are openings in your basement wall, directly exposed to the elements. As a result, leaking basement bulkheads are a frequent problem. However, effective bulkhead waterproofing solutions are available to keep your basement dry. Keep reading to understand the causes and solutions of a leaking bulkhead.
What Are Bulkheads?
- Bulkheads are heavy metal doors mounted at horizontal angles into the ground. They open into a basement or cellar and open onto concrete steps that usually lead into the basement.
Proper functioning of the bulkhead door is necessary to keep your belongings safe and damage-free. When the bulkhead door fails to function, it can cause many problems, including water leakage into the basement.
Causes of a Leaking Bulkhead
- Most bulkheads are not a part of the original pour of the home’s concrete foundation. They are added after the foundation cures. These precast bulkheads are bolted to the foundation during the building process. Therefore, the connection between the bulkhead and the foundation is a cold joint.
A rubber seal is installed between the bulkhead and the foundation to prevent leaks and moisture from entering the basement. However, this rubber seal fails over time and creates gaps that allow moisture to seep in.
Here are some common causes of a leaking bulkhead.
Cracks in Vulnerable Areas
- Concrete is tough, but it’s not immune to damage. Cracks in bulkheads often form due to age-related wear and tear or the natural settling of the structure into its foundation. The location of these cracks depends on the construction type.
Precast bulkheads tend to crack where they join the basement, while cinderblocks often suffer from joint erosion. No matter the cause, the outcome is the same. Cracks provide an easy entry point for water into your basement.
Wear, Tear, or Faulty Installation
- Concrete can last for decades, but time eventually causes wear. Bulkhead doors, whether metal or another material, can rust, corrode, warp, or degrade over time. Even rubber gaskets that are supposed to create a watertight seal can perish, forming gaps where water can seep through.
Poor installation can also lead to leakage in newer constructions. A weak seal between the bulkhead, foundation wall, or door can accelerate water infiltration and worsen the problem.
Weak Points in Joints and Seals
- Even high-quality bulkhead seals can fail over time. The joints where the bulkhead connects to other structures are natural weak points and vulnerable to water intrusion, regardless of the materials or build type.
Material-Specific Weaknesses
Each bulkhead style has its vulnerabilities:
Precast Bulkheads
- The joints between the bulkhead and foundation often allow water to seep through, particularly as they age.
- Cinderblock Bulkheads
Mortar joints between blocks can weaken, loosen, or erode, creating clear pathways for water.
Poured Concrete Bulkheads
- Even tiny cracks or pores in the concrete can allow water to enter. Over time, these openings expand, worsening the leakage.
Poor Grading and Inadequate Drainage
- Proper grading ensures that the ground slopes away from your foundation, preventing water from pooling near the bulkhead. Without it, water can collect around the base of your home, increasing the likelihood of infiltration.
Inadequate drainage worsens the issue. The longer water remains pooled against the bulkhead, the more likely it is to penetrate and flood your .
Bulkheads don’t have to be a cause of headaches. Contact us at 877-727-2259 to protect your assets. Crack X offers bulkhead repair and waterproofing services. We are located in Maine and New Hampshire.