Bulkheads are heavy doors made of metal that are located at the opening into a cellar or basement. Generally, these doors are mounted to the ground at horizontal angles. They open onto concrete steps leading into the cellar. As these doors do not function properly, they cause problems. They allow water to leak and it causes mildew and mold to grow, while the basement floods. Repair and maintenance of the bulkhead door is a must to protect your belongings, and to keep your basement mildew-free and dry.
Steps to bulkhead waterproofing
First, pinpoint the source of the leak. Bulkhead leaks may be due to rusted doors, cracks in the concrete foundation that envelops the bulkhead, and improperly sealed joints. Treat the problem properly by determining the source of the leak. Check the holes in the doors, look for leaks in the joints and cracks in the foundation surrounding that the bulkhead connects the concrete foundation.
Next, it is time to seal all the cracks you see in the concrete frame and stairs where the bulkhead doors appear mounted. Seal it using a concrete sealant. Use high-power fans aimed directly to the sealant to ensure it dries properly and sinks it to the cracks. A good tip is to apply on drywall when the weather is damp-free without rain. This will help the drying process.
Now apply waterproof sealant bonding to the metal and concrete appearing around the bulkhead door edges, make sure to cover the outside and inside. On average, waiting about 24 hours for it to be completely dry is the best practice.
Lastly, replacing the bulkhead doors if they are rotting or rusting is a sure way to keep your basement dry. Remember, bulkhead doors do weigh a lot. This job is recommended to be a two-person job. To replace the doors, you must place between the bulkhead door and the concrete a rubber seal and then bond them together using the sealant. This will ensure your new bulkhead door stays in place.
By following the above steps, you will be able to waterproof your bulkhead which will ensure keeping your basement and personal belongings dry. Besides safeguarding your own personal items, waterproofing your bulkhead is essential for preventing water damage with your property. Waterproofing helps to keep the structure of the bulkhead intact by preventing water from seeping through the cracks and eroding the material. In addition, waterproofing helps to prevent mold and mildew from growing on the surface of the bulkhead. This can not only cause the bulkhead to deteriorate, but it can also pose a health hazard. Waterproofing your bulkhead is an important part of maintaining it and ensuring its longevity.