How to Replace a Basement Bulkhead

A frequently seen type of basement exit, the bulkhead door typically consists of two panels fastened onto a frame that rest on the home's foundation walls. Often made of metal, old bulkhead doors can rust and corrode over time, becoming unsightly and creating a potential safety hazard. Although you save time and effort by letting a professional install your replacement doors, if you have good skills with tools you save money by tackling the job yourself.

Tape measure
Plastic shield
Hammer
Chisel
Reciprocating saw
Pen
Punch
Hammer drill
Plastic anchors
Silicone sealant
Screws
Screwdriver
Lubricating solution

Instructions

- 1
  Take a tape measure and measure the dimension of your old bulkhead doors framing. Give the information to the distributor of your new doors.
- 2
  Put on a plastic face shield and pop out the rivets or screws holding the old frame in place with a hammer and chisel or reciprocating saw.
- 3
  Remove the doors frame. Take a pry bar and remove the frame from the foundation and the side of the house
- 4
  Put the new frame over the opening to check the fit. Check for square by measuring from one corner to the other diagonally. Repeat for the other diagonal. The two measurements should be equal, if the frame lies square on the opening.
- 5
  Trace a mark on the mounting holes with a pen. Remove the frame from the opening. Use a hammer and punch to make a center depression in the mounting hole mark.
- 6
  Take a hammer drill and drill a hole large enough to accept the plastic anchors for the screws. Repeat for each mounting hole. Hammer the plastic anchors into the mounting holes.
- 7
  Apply a layer of silicone sealant around the outside edge of the concrete wall on which the frame will lie.
- 8
  Fit the frame over the opening. Fasten the screws in the mounting holes with a screwdriver. Apply a layer of sealant against the inside of the frame. Apply another layer on the outside of the frame where it intersects with the home's siding.
- 9
  Take a screwdriver and screw the hinges onto the doors. Set the doors in place on the frame. Use a screwdriver to fasten the hinges to the framing

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