Leaking Cellar/Bulkhead Basement Doors

Basement walkout doors are ideal to provide a main or a secondary access point/egress to the basement of your house. If these doors are not properly installed and maintained to ensure water tightness, there is a big potential for moisture to enter the basement. Traditionally these walkout doors are made from wood or steel. However you may find some doors made out of fiberglass out there (rare). Specifically, steel walk-out doors are better designed for durability, built from a heavier gauge steel, and designed to be exposed to harsh weather conditions (rain, snow, etc.)

Common Concerns:

It's no secret that these doors tend to let in moisture and water is one of the biggest destroyer of basements. If the door seal is compromised or isn't properly aligned it can allow a great amount of moisture inside your basement. Metal bulkhead doors are prone to rust and corrosion over time, especially if they aren't properly maintained or if they're exposed to harsh weather conditions. Physical damage from impact, weather, or age can cause the door and the frame to deteriorate. Furthermore, the hinges and locks, can wear out over time leading to difficulty in operating and locking the door. This can create a security concern if not addressed.

Another area that is often overlooked is the actual foundation and footing design for the cellar doors. All footings should be properly designed under the frost line. Outside grading should be pitched away from the door and the house. Shifting, cracking, efflorescence of the foundation walls are common telltale signs of a poor design. Shifting of the steps overtime can also lead to a safety fall/trip hazard.

Potential Solutions:

1. Seal or Repair the Door: Apply weather stripping around the edges of the door to create a tight seal. Check the seal regularly and replace it as needed. Also, If the door, frame, or any hardware is damaged, replacing them can help prevent water from entering. Here is a link from a popular cellar door brand https://www.bilco.com/ProductDetail/Basement-Door-Weather-Strip-Kit-178

2. Install a Sump Pump or Interior Drain: If water still gets in despite the door being sealed or replaced, a sump pump or interior drain (with a p-trap) can help by removing and minimizing the water that enters the basement.

3. Grading: Ensure that the ground/grading around the bulkhead slopes away from the house to direct water away.

4. Waterproofing the Basement ($$$): Installing an interior french drain or applying a waterproof coating/sealant to the interior walls of the basement can provide protection against moisture.

5. Building a Shed (New Design - $$): Removing the old cellar door, pouring a new base, and building a new shed structure with a roof can help divert the water away and create a nicer walk-out overall. Here is a Instagram video link explaining this more: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0iC1jsuirS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Summary:

Bulkhead/cellar doors should be periodically inspected and maintained to ensure they are durable, water tight, and safe to operate. If you are in the process of purchasing a home make sure your Home Inspector thoroughly assesses the condition of the door. Take it a step further and inspect the door after a major rainstorm to ensure no major water is entering the basement. The recommendations above can be applied depending on budget and use of the basement.

Here is how my old cellar door looked with a cracked foundation base.