Installation Guide

Foundation Requirements
CAUTION: The BILCO Basement Door
sheds water in all normal conditions only
when installed and caulked in accordance
with these instructions. If there are no rain
gutters above, a diverter must be installed
to prevent roof water from fl owing directly
onto the BILCO Door.
Sloped sidewalls must be structurally sound
and level for proper operation of your new
BILCO Door. Remove the old door and
check sidewalls. If no repairs are required,
begin your installation with Step - 1.
Foundation Wall Requirements
Solid construction with no loose or
crumbling masonry
Uniform fl at and level surface to anchor
the door
Side walls must be uniformly level with
each other
The door sill must be allowed to sit
2” to 4” above grade
How to Repair Masonry Sidewalls
If repairs are needed, they should be done
before the BILCO Door is installed. Some
basic guidelines are provided below, but
a masonry contractor may be required for
extensive areaway damage.
1) Mortar Joints Loose or Crumbling: Re-
move loose material and crumbling mortar
to solid masonry, or a depth of one inch,
whichever is greater. Clean all surfaces with
water. Refi ll joints with pre-mixed, bagged
mortar cement, following instructions on
mortar bag. See your masonry supply dealer
for complete information.
2) Sidewalls Need Reinforcing and Resurfac-
ing: Apply fi berglass surface bonding ce-
ment to both sides of the walls to reinforce,
resurface and waterproof them. Several
brands are available from your mason supply
dealer. Surface preparation and application
methods are critical. Follow manufacturer’s
instructions for the brand you use.
3) Top Surface of Sidewalls is Rough, Not
Level: Prepare surface for new concrete
cap by removing all loose material down to
solid masonry, rough up surface and clean
with water. Apply masonry bonding agent
and pour new concrete cap using bagged,
pre-mixed concrete mix. Check with your
mason supply dealer for best bonding agent
and concrete mix. Form a level surface on
top of each sidewall and be sure both walls
are level with each other. Pressure treated
wood may be used instead of concrete. It
must be level, caulked and fi rmly anchored
to the foundation. You may wish to use
Figure -1
Structurally
Sound
sidewalls
Sill 2"- 4"
above
grade
Level
Level surface
with no loose
masonry
Right Side Piece
Sill
1/4” Round Head
Bolts with Head
on the OUTSIDE
1/4”-20 Hex Nut
Figure -2
Repeat connection of sill at
other end to left side piece