How to Winterize a Bulkhead
Bulkheads are partitions, often in the form of large metal doors, providing alternative access to a house. Bulkheads lock shut and act as physical partitions -- much in the same fashion as standard doors. Bulkheads often lead from the backyard and down into a basement and are common -- albeit with different designs -- on boats and airplanes. While useful, bulkheads can also become very cold during winter months and allow frigid air to seep through into the house. Winterizing a bulkhead is a wise idea to keep your house cozy and heating bills at a minimum. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Work gloves
- Dust masks
- Safety glasses
- Measuring tape
- Marker
- 1-inch thick Thermax sheathing
- Straight-edge knife
- Caulk
- 1/2-inch thick high-density urethane foam
- Permanent epoxy
Instructions
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1
Slide on work gloves, a dust mask and safety glasses to protect skin, lungs and eyes. Ask an assistant to help you and provide him with protective gear as well.
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2
Close and lock your bulkhead doors. Measure the underside length and width of the closed doors. Trace and cut the Thermax sheathing to these dimensions. Thermax is an ideal bulkhead insulator, with a sturdy fiberglass surface with a high-density foam inner core. Purchase Thermax at your local home supply store or order it through the Dow Chemical Company at: 1-866-583-2583.
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3
Ask your assistant to hold the Thermax sheath into place, flush against the underside of the closed and locked bulkhead doors. Caulk all four sides and edges of the sheath into place on the doors.
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Measure and cut the high-density urethane foam to the same dimensions as the Thermax sheath. Place and hold the piece of high-density urethane foam flush against the exposed side of the Thermax sheath. Glue the foam to the Thermax using permanent epoxy. The foam adds an extra layer of insulation during winter months.
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