Installation Instructions

Adapting the Bilco
basement door to unusual conditions
To increase length:
When added length is needed, extensions are
available for Size C Bilco basement door. Easily
assembled and installed, Bilco extensions are
manufactured in 6", 12", 18", or 24" lengths.
Two or more extensions can be mounted to-
gether if even more length is needed. Turn
second extension around and bolt the two flanges
together. Caulk between extensions and pro-
vide flashing at the joint against the house.
When areaway is
too short, narrow or wide:
If the opening is too narrow or too short, pour
additional concrete to form a ledge along one
side or the front. If the opening is too wide to
allow fastening the 1-1/2" flanges on the Bilco
basement door, make a simple form to build a
ledge extending inside the opening the amount
necessary. If the required width reduction is
more than eight inches, build up a course of
blocks inside.
When areaway is in a corner:
On a corner installation, it is best to install the sidepiece as far as possible
from the masonry wall. Try to leave space for a broom, and have the
concrete pitched forward to allow good drainage. Where the sidepiece must
be anchored to the building wall, the following details show methods for
securing a waterproof joint:
Modifying the height and
length:
The Bilco basement door can be
raised to almost any height by cut-
ting an angle from the sidepieces of
the door or extension as shown.
This is easily done with a hacksaw
or an electric sabre saw, using an
18-teeth-per-inch blade. Since this
will reduce the length, find the new
length and the amount of cut-off on
the chart. Allow 2 inches or more
overlap at the areaway foundation
to permit anchoring the sill.
Build a form and pour concrete in
stages to fill the triangular openings
under the door. Prop the door in
place before capping the founda-
tion to assure a good fit. Removing
the upper sill bolts will allow swivel-
ing the sill to fit level on the founda-
tion.
If modification results in door leaves
that are oversprung, consult fac-
tory for replacement of torsion rods.
Page 6
Note: Below broken line ( ), cuts include Extension and sidepiece.
Clapboard or Shingle
Facing:
Brick or Masonry
Facing
Slope concrete
2" to 3" below
radius of sidepiece.
Caulk when dry
2" to 3" pipe spacers
between house and door
side piece. Lag through
sidepiece and pipe spacer
into foundation or siding.
Temporary wood form
to hold concrete poured
between foundation
and sidepiece.
Flashing
2" x 2"
steel angle
3/8" x 1"
steel bar
Caulk
over
bar
Lag through door
sidepiece and steel
bar into foundation
Height
Length
Sidepiece
Cut Off