How to Secure a Bulkhead Door

Securing your bulkhead door is a crucial aspect of home safety and security. Bulkhead doors, also known as cellar doors, provide your family with easy access to your basement. 

Read the latest blog post from Rescon Basement Solutions to learn more about why you should secure your basement  bulkhead door, as well as the best types of locks for bulkhead doors. Schedule an appointment with our team in Southern New Hampshire and Eastern Massachusetts today.

Why Should You Secure Your Bulkhead Door?

Bulkhead doors are exterior basement doors, sometimes referred to as cellar doors. They are common in the New England area and can provide an easy way to get in and out of your basement.

Bulkhead doors can be vulnerable entry points for potential intruders if they are not adequately secured. Reasons to secure your bulkhead door include:

• Deter Burglars and Intruders: Unsecured bulkhead doors can be an easy target for burglars looking for a way into your home. By installing proper security measures, you significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, discouraging potential intruders from attempting a break-in.
• Protect from Weather Elements: A high-quality lock will keep your bulkhead door tightly closed, preventing it from opening during a storm. This keeps rainwater, snow, and other weather elements from entering your basement or crawl space. Water infiltration can cause significant damage, leading to structural issues and potential flooding, which can be costly to repair. Consider adding rubber weather stripping seals to your bulkhead doors to protect against damage from the weather. 
• Greater Peace of Mind: Knowing that your bulkhead door is tight and secure gives you peace of mind when you’re away from home or during the night. It adds an extra layer of protection for your family and possessions.

Securing Your Bulkhead Door With High-Quality Locks

Selecting the right locks for your bulkhead door is essential to enhance its security. The ideal cellar door lock should be durable, tamper-resistant, and compatible with the design of the door. 

Here are some of the best lock options to secure your bulkhead door:

Traditional Padlocks

A traditional padlock combined can provide you with a simple yet effective security solution. The hasp and staple are mounted on the door and frame, respectively, and the padlock is used to secure them together. Look for padlocks made of hardened steel for the greatest quality in terms of durability and resistance against cutting or prying.

Deadbolt Locks

Deadbolt locks are commonly used for exterior doors, and they can be used for bulkhead doors as well. Choose a high-quality deadbolt lock, preferably with a one-inch throw bolt, which will extend deep into the door jamb and make it difficult to force open.

Smart Locks

For homeowners seeking modern and convenient security solutions, smart locks can provide keyless entry and remote control via smartphones. Some smart locks also integrate with home security systems, like security cameras, to provide an extra layer of protection.

Hinged Hasp Locks

Hinged hasp locks are designed to provide a more secure and enclosed locking mechanism compared to traditional hasps. They offer greater protection against attempts to tamper with the lock.

Multi-Point Locking Systems

These sophisticated locking systems feature multiple locking points along the door, making it extremely difficult to force open. They are highly secure and provide excellent protection for bulkhead doors.

For ultimate protection and effectiveness, get in touch with Rescon Basement Solutions today to find the right lock to properly secure your bulkhead door. If your bulkhead doors have been damaged by time and the elements, talk to us about installing new bulkhead doors for your New England area home. We have many weathertight steel basement door models to choose from that will properly seal and lock to protect your basement. Contact us today to get started on the installation process. 

Choose Rescon for Bulkhead Door Services in Southern New Hampshire and Eastern Massachusetts

Whether you’ve already installed a bulkhead door or you’re considering installing one for the first time, Rescon Basement Solutions can help. We’ll help you find and install the right locks to keep your door secure. Contact us today to get started.