A basement bulkhead is a structure and stairway that provides external access to the basement of a building.
A basement screen is a structure that allows access to the basement from outside the home. The structure is usually made of concrete or stone and includes a staircase leading to ground level. The basement bulkhead is often covered with a metal frame that includes one or two doors that open or close. This prevents water from entering the bulkhead itself, which could cause water damage or flooding inside the house. The doors can also be locked to prevent unwanted visitors from entering the house. Metal basement screen doors are installed at the top of the stairs, while another door can be installed at the bottom of the stairs to improve insulation.
If the basement itself does not have a door installed to separate the basement space from the basement bulkhead stair, one may be installed or the owner may choose to simply insulate the bulkhead. This is especially helpful if the area is a finished basement used as a common living room. Insulation or an interior door will help prevent hot air from escaping from the basement and cold air from entering through bulkhead doors at the top of the stairs. Unfinished basements do not require insulation or an interior door, although installation can help make home heating more efficient, especially if heating components are stored in the basement.
A drainage system can also be installed at the bottom of a basement bulkhead to further protect the basement from rain damage. This drainage system is usually made up of a wide cutout in the concrete base and a metal grate that covers it for safety. The opening allows water to drain away from the foundation instead of sitting on top of it or flooding the basement. The drainage system may include pipes that drain water away from the foundation, or it may simply pour the water into the ground below the foundation. This system is useful in preventing water damage from small to moderate amounts of water, but may not be effective in diverting heavier streams of water.
Older styles of basement bulkhead structures were made of stone and bulkhead doors were usually made of wood. Wood was especially susceptible to rotting and rotting, and more modern metal doors correct this as they are more resistant to corrosion and rotting. Bulkhead doors can be made from galvanized steel, which is resistant to water damage, or other metals that are coated with some type of waterproofing to protect against water damage.
