Project: Replacing a Rusted Bulkhead Door in Danville

Bulkhead doors take a beating in New Hampshire: snow load, freeze-thaw, and roof water running straight onto them. This one in Danville had rusted through and the homeowner wanted it done before the first storm.

What we did

We took off the old door and its frame, cleaned up the concrete sill and side walls where the new door sits, and set a new Gordon steel bulkhead sized to the 54 by 73 inch opening. It was sealed to the foundation, fastened down, and finished in a gloss enamel so it sheds snow and holds up to salt. The old door was hauled away. The whole swap took one day.

What it costs

Most bulkhead replacements we do run about $1,825 to $2,950 installed. A primed steel door is at the low end, a painted one like this was about $2,065, and a factory-finished Bilco sits at the top. Travel is a separate line at $2 a mile round trip from Windham, and you get the exact price before any work starts. See our pricing for the rest of our rates.

Signs your bulkhead is due

Rust holes or seams you can see daylight through from the inside. Water on the basement stairs after rain or snowmelt. Doors that won't latch, or handles and hinges rusted solid. Cracked or crumbling concrete where the door meets the foundation.

Most of the time the concrete is fine and only the door needs replacing. When the concrete has broken down, we repair that first, otherwise the new door won't seal.

Before winter is the time

Once the ground freezes and snow piles up on it, a leaky bulkhead turns into a wet basement. If yours is rusting, text a photo and the outside measurements to (603) 505-1091 for a fast price, or see bulkhead door replacement around Danville.