Installation Instructions

Replacing a wooden door when sidewalls
are sloping masonry in poor condition
Painting the Bilco basement door.
The Bilco basement door is supplied with a uniform
baked-on prime coating applied automatically by a
Flo-Coat Process. After installation,
clean door
thoroughly and apply a finish coat of alkyd metal
enamel in white or other light color to all metal
surfaces inside and outside. A quart is sufficient for
one finish coat, inside and out.
DO NOT USE AN OIL BASE WOOD PAINT.
Adjustments. The Bilco basement door is carefully packed to withstand all normal
shipping abuse. However, in instances when damage does occur, it is possible to make
minor repairs and adjustments by following the directions on page 8. If you require
additional information or assistance, please contact our customer service department
(owner may wish to use the
Remarks section of the postage-paid card in the envelope
packed with the door). Your satisfaction is important to us.
The Bilco Company, P.O. Box 1203, New Haven, CT 06505, USA
Customer Service: 1-203-934-6363
Note: If sloping masonry sidewalls
are in good condition and are struc-
turally sound, return this door and
install a Bilco model SLW door.
Remove wooden doors.
If sloping masonry sidewalls are of stone,
brick, block, or poured concrete, they
can usually be removed by striking them
with a sledge hammer. Be sure to wear
safety goggles. Usually more than 10 or
20 blows are required before the con-
crete starts to crack.
When a new concrete capping is re-
quired, as in this installation, assemble
the frame of the Bilco basement door in
accordance with instruction 2 on page
2. Move the assembled frame into place.
Mark and cut siding as described and
pictured on page 4.
Move assembled frame into place,
check plumb, level and door align-
ment in accordance with instruction 4
and 5 on page 3.
Build a simple wood form (see 1 on
page 2) and, using a mortar pan or
wheelbarrow, mix a batch of concrete.
Premixed sand and cement is available
at most dealers who sell Bilco basement
doors. (This installation used three bags.)
Insert hex head screws with spring nuts
as described in instruction 3 on page 2.
Fill the form and float it with a trowel so
that it is level. All parts of the Bilco
basement door rest on top of the con-
crete capping, and must not be buried in
it (see 5 on page 3).
Let the concrete cure for at least 24
hours. Engage the torsion rods as shown
in instruction 6 on page 3.
Page 5
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