How to Install a Basement Bulkhead Door

A basement bulkhead door is a cabinet type of door of a basement or cellar that faces up near the ground level. If your basement bulkhead door is leaking and needs replacement, a few moments of your time and a little patience is needed to accomplish the task. Do not leave your basement bulkhead door compromised because your basement may flood if strong rains occur, which could be more costly in the end.

Step 1: Remove Old Door

Remove the old basement bulkhead door by starting with the fasteners on the perimeter or frame of the trap door. They may be attached with some nuts, bolts and screws, so use the corresponding tools, like screwdrivers and wrenches, to get these off. They may be a bit rusted, so expect a little bit of resistance when taking them off. Once you’ve loosened them, remove the entire door and frame.

Step 2: Remove Wood and Flashing from Foundation

Now, remove the wood from the foundation since this has surely deteriorated over time and will not be reusable. However, you still may be able to reuse the flashing, which makes the basement bulkhead door watertight. However, if it has deteriorated as well, change it. Remove the nails holding it in place using your hammer or nail puller. Be careful when removing this so as not to damage the siding.

Step 3: Install New Foundation Plate

Test-fit the new foundation plate on the concrete and outline the holes of where the screws will go. Drill the holes where you made the marks using the power drill and masonry bit. Apply some sealant on the sides. Put the new foundation in place, and line it up with the holes. Use masonry anchors in order to attach the new foundation to the concrete.

Step 4: Add Doorframe and Doors

Place the right frame plate on the house, and use your power drill to make the necessary holes to attach this piece. Now, do the same to the left panel. Attach both sides of the panels by again using masonry anchors. Get the doorframe and put it in place, attaching the doors to it. Be sure to attach the doors first before you tighten the frame onto the plates. This assures you that everything is aligned.

Step 5: Checking and Finishing Touches

Now that your new trapdoor has been installed, check it if it opens correctly. Make sure that the doors open and close freely without hitting the frame or any of the panels. Also, make sure that the spacing between the doors is equal, both on top and on the sides. Lastly, check if the base is flat on the frame and that there is no gap. It is important that all these things are perfect because this may cause a leak in your basement and could flood it anyway. Now your new basement bulkhead door will provide you with more safety, and it can now offer more protection compared to your old one.