What Is a Bulkhead in a House (Two possible definitions)
- Defining a Bulkhead. A bulkhead is like an interior soffit that is created for pipes, electrical conduit, ductwork, etc., which cannot be placed within the ceiling joists.
- Drawbacks of Bulkheads. The most obvious disadvantage of a bulkhead is that it reduces the height of the room. ...
- Alternative Definition in a Home: Basement Entrance. ...
- Sources. ...
What is the difference between a seawall and a bulkhead?
- Is the exposure to fresh water or salt water?
- What are the properties of the soil for the embedment? Is it clay or sand, and what is the unit weight of these materials, how does that factor into stabilizing ...
- What elevations and grading need to be calculated?
- What is the water table measurement?
What is the difference between the bulkhead and the baffle?
To keep your roof cold, follow these three steps:
- Close up attic bypasses.
- Bonus: By stopping air leakage to mitigate ice dams, you'll save energy and reduce both your heating and your air conditioning bills.
- Measure your attic insulation level.
- Add roof and soffit vents.
- In addition:
- Reminder.
What does the name bulkhead mean?
What in the holy heck is a bulkhead?!? According to Wikipedia, the meaning of bulkhead is “…a wall within the hull of a ship, vehicle, or container.” In other words…it’s a wall. Airplanes have their own funny lingo (e.g. Lavatory, or PAX) and, of course, the bulkhead, which refers to a wall in the airplane.
How much does bulkhead cost per foot?
The cost to build an ocean bulkhead or lake seawall is $150 to $600 per linear foot. A steel, vinyl, or concrete seawall costs $200 to $600 per linear foot. A wood seawall costs $150 to $500 per linear foot. A riprap rock or boulder seawall costs $50 to $200 per linear foot.
What's the purpose of a bulkhead?
Because bulkheads serve as a barrier between your property and whatever body of water your property is sitting on, their main function is to help prevent erosion caused by that water.
What is a bulkhead in the basement?
A basement bulkhead is a structure and staircase that provides outside access to a building's basement. A basement bulkhead is a structure that allows access to a basement from the outside of the house. The structure is usually made of concrete or stone, and it includes a stairway that leads to the ground level.
What is a bulkhead outside a house?
Alternative Definition in a Home: Basement Entrance For most people, a bulkhead means the boxy structure that hangs from the ceiling and is used to house plumbing and electrical elements. But, the basement entrance, which opens to the basement from outside the house is also known as a bulkhead.
Where is bulkhead in house?
A bulkhead is a lower portion of the ceiling, acting as a sort of “step” between one space to the next. A bulkhead extends from the ceiling and ends in line with the kitchen cabinetry.
Why do houses have basement bulkheads?
Bulkheads are typically used to conceal something. It could be plumbing pipes, electrical wires, duct work, or exhaust fans. When we create a new design for your home, we may want to remove these to make way for higher ceilings or to extend cabinet height. There are also times when we will add bulkheads to a room.
Can a basement bulkhead be removed?
But for now the homeowner has a new bulkhead that is secure, water-proof, properly installed, and ready to last for years more. In some regions, it is fine to completely remove the bulkhead doors to a below ground basement, as long as there is proper drainage. In other parts it is illegal.
Can you get rid of a bulkhead?
A: Bulkheads are installed for a few reasons - mainly as a way to house a mechanical service or installed by a home builder as a decorative (or not so decorative) reason. In most cases, bulkheads can be removed and replaced by taller upper cabinets and a crown moulding that goes to the ceiling.
What does bulkhead mean in construction?
Definition of bulkhead 1 : an upright partition separating compartments. 2 : a structure or partition to resist pressure or to shut off water, fire, or gas. 3 : a retaining wall along a waterfront. 4 : a projecting framework with a sloping door giving access to a cellar stairway or a shaft.
What is an outdoor entrance to basement called?
A cellar door or “bulkhead door” offers easy outdoor access to your basement or crawl space. A storm cellar door secures the bulkhead, which is an entry point to your home's basement from the outside.
What is a roof bulkhead?
1. A structure on the roof of a building covering a water tank, shaft, or service equipment. 2. A structure, as on a roof, covering a stairwell or other opening, to provide adequate headroom.
What do you put on a bulkhead?
1:223:05How to install a bulkhead | BRStv How-To - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd water will work I like to use an alcohol pad which will not only make quick work of any dirt andMoreAnd water will work I like to use an alcohol pad which will not only make quick work of any dirt and debris. But can also remove any oils from the surfaces.
Why is there a bulkhead in my kitchen?
A kitchen bulkhead is a boxy ceiling structure that is often built to hide unsightly services, such as wiring, pipes, plumbing, air-conditioning or structure.
What is a basement bulkhead?
To sum it up, basement bulkheads are concrete structures that provide outdoor basement access. They consist of a stairwell, a cement foundation, and horizontal or angled swinging doors. Most basement bulkheads are found on old homes of the northeast.
What is a bulkhead door?
Bulkhead doors are usually made of steel or aluminum and swing open to reveal the staircase.
Why are bulkhead doors important?
Since basement bulkheads provide outdoor access to your home’s interior, they need to be sturdy. A poorly maintained entry point leaves the house vulnerable. Water damage, inclement weather, break-ins, and wild animals are all threats. So make sure your bulkhead doors stay in good shape: Check them for rust.
How to protect basement from mold?
Cover the doors in the snowy or rainy seasons to prevent water leakage. Regularly check the stairwell for signs of mildew or mold. Ventilate your basement by keeping the doors open a couple of times a year.
Why are basement bulkhead doors so heavy?
If built too tightly, they can prevent outside ventilation. This may cause stagnant air and moisture or mildew buildup beneath the doors.
Why do we need bulkhead doors in basements?
Exterior bulkhead doors saved them from having to build one inside. Today, basement bulkheads offer more modern conveniences. They are useful for moving heavy or dirty objects directly in and out of the basement, without traveling through the home. They are also practical as a second form of egress.
What to do if bulkhead door is not sealed properly?
There may also be cracks in the bulkhead foundation itself. If your joints are not sealed properly, fill in the cracks with a concrete sealant. Then apply waterproof sealant around the edges of the bulkhead door both inside and outside.
What is a basement bulkhead?
Dan Cavallari. A basement bulkhead is a structure and staircase that provides outside access to a building's basement. A basement bulkhead is a structure that allows access to a basement from the outside of the house.
Why are basement bulkheads locked?
The doors can be locked as well to prevent unwanted visitors from entering the home.
What are basement bulkhead doors made of?
Older styles of basement bulkhead structures were made from stone, and the bulkhead doors were often wood. The wood was especially susceptible to rot and decay, and the more modern metal doors remedy this, since they are more resistant to corrosion and rot.
Where are bulkhead doors installed?
The metal basement bulkhead doors are installed at the top of the stairs, while another door may 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 stairway, one can be installed, or a homeowner may choose to simply insulate ...
What is a bulkhead in a building?
1: an upright partition separating compartments. 2: a structure or partition to resist pressure or to shut off water, fire, or gas. 3: a retaining wall along a waterfront. 4: a projecting framework with a sloping door giving access to a cellar stairway or a shaft.
What is the purpose of a bulkhead in a house?
Because bulkheads serve as a barrier between your property and whatever body of water your property is sitting on, their main function is to help prevent erosion caused by that water.
What are bulkheads used for?
Bulkheads in a ship serve several purposes: increase the structural rigidity of the vessel, divide functional areas into rooms and. create watertight compartments that can contain water in the case of a hull breach or other leak.
What is a bulkhead in a ceiling?
Bulkhead ceilings are an additional ceiling which protrudes from the main ceiling. They are often a box shape but can be domed, curved, rounded etc. Bulkheads are used to house downlighters, to highlight pictures on the wall, to hide ugly construction features and to join two ceilings of different heights.
How does a bulkhead work?
A bulkhead fitting allows piping connections to be made to a tank. A hole is cut in the tank into which the fitting body is inserted. A locknut threads onto the body to hold it in place. The locknut puts pressure on the gasket (s) that allows it to make a liquid tight seal.
What is the difference between a bulkhead and a soffit?
Soffits describe the area between the top of cabinets and the ceiling. Bulkheads describe the structure that fills in that area. Instead of empty space above cabinets, bulkheads are solid and box-like structures that fill in that wall soffit.
What does a bulkhead cost?
Substantial residential seawalls or bulkhead for salt water and properly built tend to cost in the range of $500 to $1,200 per lineal foot. It is best to contact your local, licensed and insured marine contractor to obtain an estimate for your property.

Are Bulkheads Necessary?
- Bulkheads can provide a lot of extra benefits for your home. Not only can they create more living space, but they can also be used as a storage area or to hide unsightly electrical wires, plumbing pipes and duct work. If you are looking for extra storage space, a bulkhead is a great option.
Drawbacks of Bulkheads
- There are a few pros and cons of installing a bulkhead in your home. The pros include extra living space, extra storage space and the ability to hide electrical wires and plumbing pipes. The cons include the expense of installation and the fact that some people don’t like the look of them andit reduces the height of the room. As it drops from the actual ceiling, the height between the floor …
Construction Bulkhead FAQ
- Can I remove my bulkhead?
If you are experiencing water leaks, water damage, or other problems with your bulkhead, you may need to have it repaired or removed. Talk to a contractor about the best way to address the issue. Removing a bulkhead can be a difficult process, so be sure to consult with a professional befor… - What is a basement bulkhead?
A basement bulkhead is a wall that separates a finished basement from the rest of the home. Basement bulkheads can be used to separate living spaces, like a bedroom and living room, or to section off parts of the home like a kitchen and dining area. Basement bulkheads offer many be…
Defining A Bulkhead
What Is The Purpose of A Bulkhead?
Drawbacks of Bulkheads
Are Bulkheads Outdated?
Are Bulkheads Necessary?
Alternative Definition in A Home: Basement Entrance
- For most people, a bulkhead means the boxy structure that hangs from the ceiling and is used to house plumbing and electrical elements. But, the basement entrance, which opens to the basement from outside the house is also known as a bulkhead. Made of concrete, stone, treated wood, or even steel, a basement bulkhead is a door that’s inconspicuous a...