Why Your Bulkhead Door Might Be Leaking (and How to Fix It for Good)
A properly installed bulkhead door is essential for keeping your basement dry and secure. However, if you've noticed water seeping in through your bulkhead doors or around your bilco basement doors, you're not alone. Many homeowners in Connecticut and Massachusetts face the same issue due to the region’s seasonal weather changes. Fortunately, there’s a cost-effective and permanent solution.
Common Causes of Bulkhead Door Leaks
Unlike your home’s poured concrete foundation, bulkheads are typically precast structures. This means the bulkhead, often including precast concrete stairs, is made offsite and later attached to your home’s foundation using a rubber gasket and large bolts. Over time, a few key factors can lead to leaks:
Gasket Failure: Ground movement and frost can cause the bulkhead to shift slightly, breaking the rubber gasket seal and allowing water infiltration.
Faulty Bulkhead Door Seals: A misaligned or aging bulkhead door can lead to moisture intrusion.
Failing Cold Joint: Where the precast bulkhead meets any modifications or adjustments, improper sealing can create gaps for water to seep through.
Structural Differences in Massachusetts Bulkheads: In Massachusetts, the cold joint is often positioned against the first step rather than forming a clean horizontal seam, making proper sealing even more critical.
Why Basement Door Replacement May Not Be the Best Solution
If you’re experiencing leaks, you might think that a full basement bulkhead door replacement or cellar door replacement is your only option. While replacing your bilco door or bulkhead door might seem like a fix, it’s often an expensive and unnecessary solution. Many companies may suggest installing a sump pump or completely replacing the bulkhead, but these methods can be intrusive and costly.
A Smarter, Cost-Effective Bulkhead Repair Solution
At Attack A Crack, we specialize in a unique, long-lasting repair method. Instead of replacing your entire bulkhead, we focus on fixing the actual issue: the failing rubber gasket. Our proprietary urethane or epoxy injection process permanently seals the connection between your bulkhead and foundation, preventing future leaks.
Act Now Before the Problem Gets Worse
If you’ve noticed water entering your basement through your bulkhead doors or bilco doors, don’t wait until the damage becomes extensive. A quick repair now can save you from costly basement door replacement or bulkhead door replacement down the road.
Contact Attack A Crack today for a free evaluation, and let us help protect your home for years to come.
