How to Install a Bulkhead Basement Door - DIY Home Improvement Guides - How to Repair and Remodel your Bathroom, Kitchen and more

Outdoors > More outdoor > How to Install a Bulkhead Basement Door

Most older bulkhead doors are made of steel. Over time, they can rust and deteriorate. What's more, steel doors are heavy and can slam shut with considerable force. Polyethylene frames and doors are durable, never need painting, won't rust and are much lighter.

Here's how to remove an old steel bulkhead frame and doors and replace it with a polyethylene model. Removing a steel bulkhead door unit from the foundation can be challenging since the fasteners are often badly corroded. This artice and video show several ways to deal with the problem.

Step by Step Instructions with Video

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Step
1

Remove Fasteners on Old Door Frame

Because of rust and deterioration, the bolts or lag screws holding the old frame to the foundation can be challenging to remove. Depending on the equipemnt on hand they can be cut with a cold chisel, sawn with a reciprocating saw or ground off using a disc grinder.
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Step
2

Remove Doors & Frame

To lower the weight, first remove the doors from the frame. Then lift the frame from the foundation and remove it.
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Step
3

Set New Frame in Place and Check Fit

Set the new frame in place and check the fit on the foundation.
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Step
4

Check Square and Mark Mounting Holes

Measure the corners diagonally. Adjust the frame a necessary until the two diagonal corner measurements are equal. The frame opening needs to be square so that the doors will operate normally.
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Step
5

Drill Mounting Holes and Install Anchors

The bulkhead door frame is held to the concrete foundation with lag screws and anchor bolts. Drill the anchor holes using a carbide masonry bit. While an ordinary rotary drill will work, a hammer drill makes the boring job go faster. Insert the anchors into the holes and tap them flush.
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Step
6

Apply sealant

Apply a good quality silicone sealant to the top of the foundation and to the portion of the frame that will be in contact with the side of the house.
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Step
7

Set Frame in Place, Install Fasteners, Seal

Set the frame in place, position it on the foundation and check once again for square. Then attache the frame by inserting lag screws into the anchors and tightening.
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Step
8

Install Doors

Install the doors according to the manufacturer's instructions and adjust if necessary so they operate freely
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Step
9

Install Vents

This bulkhead door unit has openings on the side that can be handled in one of three ways: by putting in a clear panel and creating a small window, by inserting a solid panel or by installing a screen panel and vent.
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