What kind of door do you use in a basement?

Author: Rodolfo Cole  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 9, 2024

If your basement has an exterior door, and security is your top priority, a metal door with a deadbolt may be your best option. Go for one without a window to further decrease the chance of break-in. The downside of a windowless, metal door is that it doesn't let in light.

What type of door is best for basement?

Bulkhead doors are the most popular although you can opt for a standing door depending on how frequently the basement will be accessed. You can talk to your contractor to find the best type of door to suit your basement.

What is the basement door called?

A basement bulkhead, also called a basement cellar door, basement hatchway or the brand name BILCO, is an insert that serves as the entry point for your basement or cellar. Bulkheads have a slanted design made for concealing spaces and sealing them from water damage.

What is a basement entry door?

Basement Entry Doors are installed inside your cellar foundation, at the bottom of the stairs. Basement Entry Doors secure your house and keep out moisture and critters that could invade your basement. If desired, optional trim can be installed to give your Basement Entry Door that finished look.

What is the best material for an exterior basement door?

The most popular materials for an exterior door are wood, steel and fiberglass. Most homeowners don't mind the upfront investment for wood because of its traditional look and natural appeal. A metal or steel exterior door is the most budget-friendly of the three.

How To Frame in A Basement Door

What type of exterior door is best for insulation?

When it comes to energy efficiency, fiberglass exterior doors are one of the best options on the market. Fiberglass exterior doors are manufactured with a solid polyurethane foam core that insulates the door against extreme temperatures.

What type of exterior door is the most insulated?

Fiberglass. Fiberglass wins for the choice of the most insulative exterior door choice. While they fill a fiberglass door with foam much like a steel door, its low maintenance feature makes it superior to steel.

Should basement door swing in or out?

However, with egress basement doors, you want them to swing out, according to NFPA 101. This is because when the door swings out in the direction that you're going, it makes escaping your home a lot easier.

Why do basements have BILCO doors?

BILCO basement doors allow homeowners to add code-compliant living space or storage areas to their home. Large items such games tables and furniture for finished areas, or pool supplies and patio furniture for storage areas, move easily through the wide opening of a BILCO door.

Should basement doors be open or closed?

Close the door to the basement to conserve heat and energy costs. Heat naturally rises from the lower levels of a house upward, but a draft through an opened basement door cuts right into the warmth of the main floor.

What is a BILCO style door?

Description. The Bilco Classic Series Primed Steel Basement Door (also known as cellar doors) is a door that allows the moving of large items, such as a pool table or heavy furniture, into a finished basement.

What are BILCO doors made of?

Made from high-density polyethylene and engineered to exacting specifications, the Ultra Series door provides safe and code-compliant basement access, weather-tight performance and easy operation — all with virtually no maintenance. The Ultra Series door will never rust, rot or need painting.

How long do BILCO doors last?

In fact, it is not. uncommon for an original BILCO brand basement door. to last over 30 years. Just ask your neighbors.

What size should a basement door be?

The minimum width of each door opening shall be sufficient for the occupant load thereof and shall provide a clear width of not less than 32 inches (813 mm). Clear openings of doorways with swinging doors shall be measured between the face of the door and the stop, with the door open 90 degrees (1.57 rad).

Should I add door to basement?

If you want your basement to be more useful and accessible in the home, an excellent solution is to add an exterior door to this space. This addition requires a lot of work, and being prepared for this type of upgrade is the best way to know what to expect.

How do you secure a basement door?

  1. STEP 1: Replace your door with a sturdier one. ...
  2. STEP 2: Replace the deadbolt strike plate. ...
  3. STEP 3: Secure the door's hinges. ...
  4. STEP 4: Reinforce the doorframe. ...
  5. STEP 5: Reinforce any glass in the door. ...
  6. STEP 6: Get a door barricade or security bar. ...
  7. STEP 7: Get a smart lock. ...
  8. STEP 8: Invest in a home security system.

Are BILCO doors necessary?

They are an important part of your basement. If you store items in your basement, for example, your basement doors protect these items from intruders as well as destruction by the elements. Bilco basement doors are a great solution for any basement. They are designed to safeguard your basement.

Why are walkout basements more expensive?

Walkout basements require extra excavation and grading, which can increase the cost of construction and reduce the amount of usable space in your yard. You may also run into problems during the grading process if the land on one side of the home has a steep incline.

Why do doors open outwards in Florida?

Florida has one of the most stringent building codes in the United States, as all exterior doors must open outward if you live in South Florida. Outward opening doors provide you with an added layer of protection, as an inward swinging door only has a latch and a deadbolt to prevent it from blowing into your home.

Can a door swing over basement stairs?

While not found very often during my duties as a Seattle Home Inspector, when found, the dangers of doors that swing over stairs, must be pointed out.

Should door from house to garage swing in or out?

Safety is the critical issue when deciding the swing direction. Since garage doors are an exit, we would install the doors to open in the path of least resistance. If there is a fire or explosion that occurs, an outward-swinging door could become a barrier to escaping the house.

What are the best doors to keep cold out?

In addition to being durable and low-maintenance, the insulative properties of fiberglass make fiberglass doors a prime option for keeping the cold out—especially as this will help you avoid high energy bills during the winter months.

What is the most efficient door type?

Aluminum or Steel

Metal is a popular choice for exterior doors, particularly aluminum and steel. Both materials are good thermal insulators, making it an energy-efficient choice.

Which door is better insulated steel or fiberglass?

Fiberglass doors are superior insulators and are suited for many climates — hot or cold, wet or dry. Unlike steel doors in wet climates, they are not susceptible to rust. Unlike steel, fiberglass does not transfer heat, which makes it a better choice for areas with greater seasonal fluctuations in temperature.

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