Purpose of Bulkhead Doors

Ships

• The bulkhead door on a ship provides a watertight and weather-tight seal between compartments or interior compartments and the outdoors. Latches and locks hold the doors in place against the weight of waves, water and wind. Preventing water from flooding all compartments may keep the ship afloat. The bulkhead door also provides a fire barrier that prevents the spread of flames on a ship.

Airlines

• Interior walls within the airframe are referred to as bulkheads. The walls that separate the cockpit from the passenger cabin are particularly important. The bulkhead door in this situation is locked to prevent the entrance of terrorists or hijackers to the cockpit. In some cases, walls separating the passenger cabin from the baggage area are also referred to as the bulkhead.

Homes

• Exterior doors in homes are sometimes referred to as bulkhead doors. These doors serve the same purpose as bulkhead doors in aircraft or ships. The door provides a seal between the indoor space and the outdoor elements. While these are referred to as bulkhead doors, they are placed in walls rather than in bulkheads.

Basements

• The exterior doors from cellars or basements are often referred to as bulkhead doors. These doors are mounted nearly horizontally above stairs leading from the cellar to the outdoors. The doors also provide a seal between the outdoor elements and the basement space. The bulkhead doors are fitted to the frame and with each other to prevent leaks of water or snow into the basement.