bulkhead replacement

[phpanda.livejournal.com]

The steel bulkhead doors to my cellar are leaking in any heavy rain making the cellar even damper.  Does anyone have a company you have used to repair or replace that you would recommend?  Did you just replace the doors or need to have a new concrete bulkhead?  Any tips on what to ask would be great!  Thanks/

Comments

[srakkt.livejournal.com]

I've built wooden bulkhead doors more than once, but it isn't something I do for a living or anything.

Do you have wooden or steel bulkhead doors? Can you identify where the door is leaking, specifically? Steel bulkheads are designed with a lip, usually about 3/4" over which the door rests, to prevent any water running into the door opening. if this lip is compromised, that would be your problem, and you may be able to repair it yourself.

[surrealestate.livejournal.com]

It might also be leaking around the side where it is caulked, in which case you should be able to re-caulk it yourself. (This is advice I just heard from an inspector.)

But yes, first step is locating the leak.

Bulkhead.

[granola-gurl.livejournal.com]

We had a similar problem with our bulkhead and had the work done by Wendell Klein Builders: http://www.wendelklein.com/index.php. They installed a new roof, built pressure treated stairs, put in a new fiberglass exterior door, put in new insulation, and installed new wall board and plaster to the interior upper walls and ceiling of the walkout. All told, the work cost us about $5,000. Hopefully, your job won't be as $$$$. I suppose the work that will need to be done will depend on the age and condition of your bulkhead (ours was over 100 years old). I would suggest having a few contractors come out and provide you with a quote. Good luck!