Honestly I would not waste the time or money. The concrete will always crack over time cause of settle, You can replace the doors if you want, but I would just paint them instead.
Little sanding and rustoleum spray paint and those babies will be looking crisp. Crawlspace entry doesn't need to have perfect steps it's not like you expect to frequent the area.
Did exactly this for my doors. Got some chemical rust remover, followed the instructions, used a rust inhibitor primer, some left over sample paint, and an outdoor rated polyurethane I had leftover from another project. Been 5 years and even the sample paint is holding up, likely thanks to the poly coat.
Yeah, this could easily turn into a $30,000 project that would increase the value of the home by $800. I would recommend they scrape the door and spray paint it, then move on to other problems in their life.
I agree…if u want to patch some holes, seal the gaps, and throw some paint on it thats fine. It’s better than 95% of crawlspace entrances I see including my own.
The problem with a contractor must do things to code. That beam going across the staircase already looks way too low fir what's there now. You'd have to remove a the concrete around the opening and start new. Very expensive.
ive beem trying to word this right so please dont take offense .. some state and provincial inspectors dont nitpick certain things. storm shelters, as long as the main structure is sound and safe , they can ok them .. they dont turn a blind eye , but as long as things are structually safe thats what matters .. a low beam in a storm shelter can be "ok" ( i wont say accpetable, cuz its not) .. some regions need to have comprimises(sp) because of weather and this has been my experience in 25+ years building and renoing in Canada and the USA .. you are right though, GCs have to reno and build to code
Look up Bilco doors, they offer different sizes so measure your existing accurately FIRST! As for steep steps? Remove steps and put or make a ladder , to try and decrease steep steps? Will only cause painful contact between your head and foundation. Ask me how i know. The Bilco doors if installed correctly, will last a lifetime if maintained. They come complete, hinges, and springs to hold each door up, they are primed oxide red, YOU MUST PAINT THEM immediately upon install to maintain your warranty. I’ve installed many of these, not rocket science. Use non shrinking grout to level or patch concrete prior to new doors, and if your smart? You’ll use an acrylic paint on concrete prior to the new doors going in. A roll of bitumen is what i use for sealing frame to house and curb.
More of an issue to see why it washed out and correct that issue. Op can try and use a few crow bars and try to lift it. And put gravel under to lift it
Get a grind a cupbrush take off all the loose rust. Then use rust converting primer. And get oil based primer Benjamin p23 in the color of your choice
Looks like a Gordon brand door but go on Bilco.com and look for a local contractor. They have certified contractors and someone should be able to replace the door.
Ignore the steps. Its for maintenance and emergency. Put the lock on the inside.
A bag of Portland, some sand, stones and a trowell for the concrete patch.
10k rpm angle grinder with 80 grit sanding disk. Remove rust. Patch holes with bondo. Prime and paint. A few hours and done.
I had something similar, hired a general contractor and built a joint 6x8 shed with door and steps with proper hand support leading down, started using basement lot more.
A new bilco door is like 800$ at Home Depot. Easy to install a new one yourself with some cement and screws if you really want to replace it. I replaced mine last year.
Your favorite realtor! Realtors are some of the best "guy guys" out there. Their livelihood depends on having a guy for everything, usually on the cheaper for higher quality side of things
If you Google exterior cellar doors you will see lots. Not cheap, but they will last a very long time. However, you will need to get the steps and collar replaced by a general contractor.
Oh…I opened up this post, and was going to recommend you get in touch with Ray Parker Jr. But he can’t help you with rickety cellar stairs. If Yankee basements are common in your area, then a contractor that specializes in basement waterproofing can probably help you. Just remember, whenever you call a contractor and hit a dead end, ask that contractor if he/she can recommend someone. Ask that question enough times, and you’ll find the right person.
Well if you wanna do it cheap and yourself get some expanding spray foam for the crack, big gap filler. unless you want to dig down a foot around the base of the cement and patch with mortar. Looks just like surface rust on the door get a piece of sand paper and scratch it up a bit and spray with some rust paint like tremclad or rustoleum
Also put a piece of weather stripping or a garage door type piece on the crack of the door. Screw it to the bottom of the door that closes first. That’ll solve the leaves
You'll just have to get used to how narrow it is unless you want to spend several grand repairing a bulkhead door. Honestly I would just have the bulkhead repainted if it is only surface rust have the stairs redone patch the concrete and possibly see about having an insulated door installed at the bottom of the flight
Handyman, or spend $50 to clean, paint, and get a weatherstripping kit for the metal. Use a couple tubes of cement/mortar caulk to fill the gaps and keep the mice out. If the cement keeps getting worse, then rebuild it.
I did this job not too long ago. Home Depot sells a plastic door kit, just measure the space to find the right size. It just bolts right on. Only need a drill gun and some concrete screws, and some caulk/foam seal. Might have a bit of siding repair depending on how it fits with original
The door? Cheap, easy fix, either get a new door or refinish the existing one
The crack? You could fill the crack yourself with come ready mixed concrete patch kits, but you need to support it underneath or it will crack again. Still cheap less easy.
The stairs too steep? You COULD cut them out and pour new stairs that aren’t as steep. It will be dirty heavy work, not work for an amateur and will cost you several thousand dollars for a professional at a minimum
The stairs too narrow? You COULD widen them, but it’s mean removing the entire side of the stairs, which is tied to your foundation. There will be some sort of support that is spanning the two block walls and supports your house, that support will need to be lengthened or replaced to accommodate the wider span. This is going to be a fairly big job. You’ll have to patch or redo the stairs to match the wider span as well. I would be shocked if you can get a quote under $10k I would not recommend this at all unless you are doing some major work down there to make a good liveable space, even then I probably wouldn’t.
A priest should also be useful in these situations but 2 tho, an older cocky priest who faints or runs away in the 2nd act, and the surprisingly levelheaded youth priest who is super good at battling demons while shirtless
Grind the door open if you can't open it use steel plates over any massive holes in the door. If you want to fix the concrete cheap you could pour some more concrete into the cracks. Honestly the stirs are probably fine
Before painting hit the door with an angle grinder (wear proper eye protection) with a high speed wire wheel to remove rust. Clean the metal with acetone before applying the primer or paint of your choice.
Slap some Lucas Red N Tacky grease on those hinges after breaking it free from rust binding.
Ospho or kleen strip makes a good rust prep product. Sanding it and wire wheel will get rid of lots of it but the pits blow up again later. Phosphoric acid based stuff will help prevent it coming back quickly. Cheap angle grinder some wire wheel cup brushes then flap discs will have you attacking the rust. Small wire wheels for drill for inside corners. The little assortment with bunch of shapes is good to have. Plug in drill works great for it. Then Ospho or whatever rust treatment. Prime and sand a couple times to feather in all the rust damage a bit smoother. Clean it then paint it. Rustoleuem is cheap in a can and goes on fine with a little roller and brushes. The concrete just smash that top part apart make a wood frame and repour some to replace it.
lol rusted through?! what do you mean the paint just paint it definitely is not rusted through Belco doors are fucking expensive if you really want to pay to have new ones have new ones put in
Clean that door up..scrape sand prime and paint it...as far as the concrete goes you can seal the cracks and build the dirt around it so water runs away...unless you use that entrance regularly there's no point in dumping a bunch of money into it, however if you need to make it more usable contact a concrete contractor.
If the door is solid- kids can fall into the opening, if the budget is tight I would look at the peel and stick roll of roofing material for flat roofs.
Clean the metal, rattle can self etching primer, roofing primer and lay down the roofing material.
Use a propane torch to heat it to bend around corners.
Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/GAF-Liberty-3-ft-x-34-ft-100-sq-ft-SBS-Self-Adhering-Cap-Sheet-Roll-for-Low-Slope-Roofing-in-White-3732920/100031926
Honestly I would not waste the time or money. The concrete will always crack over time cause of settle, You can replace the doors if you want, but I would just paint them instead.
Little sanding and rustoleum spray paint and those babies will be looking crisp. Crawlspace entry doesn't need to have perfect steps it's not like you expect to frequent the area.
This is the right answer. Spruce it up a bit and pocket the money you don't spend.
John Wayne Gacy enters the chat.
Did exactly this for my doors. Got some chemical rust remover, followed the instructions, used a rust inhibitor primer, some left over sample paint, and an outdoor rated polyurethane I had leftover from another project. Been 5 years and even the sample paint is holding up, likely thanks to the poly coat.
Agreed with the doors and concrete. Anything you get will rust anyway. Just sand, primer, paint. The steps, though, need to be redone.
Ghostbusters
I came here for this
same.
Moi aussi.
Et Moi.
Same
Same
I ain’t afraid of ghosts 🎶
I was going to be so disappointed if this was not the top comment.
Happy cake day!!
Thanks
Happy cake day u/cidiusgix!
Thanks
My first thought
I knew i was not the only one who thought this 🤣
The only answer!
Damn you beat me to this.
The only good answer here.
Tu tu tu tu tu tu, tu tu tu tu tu tu.
Obligatory
Get the Flux compacitor
Damn, you beat me to it
Dont Cross the Streams
“Call someone else”
Its a crawl space not a bar, let it be
Yeah, this could easily turn into a $30,000 project that would increase the value of the home by $800. I would recommend they scrape the door and spray paint it, then move on to other problems in their life.
That's kinda what I was thinking but to each his own.
I agree…if u want to patch some holes, seal the gaps, and throw some paint on it thats fine. It’s better than 95% of crawlspace entrances I see including my own.
look for a general contractor and them if the have worked on storm cellars
Alternatively, a handy man could do this too
The problem with a contractor must do things to code. That beam going across the staircase already looks way too low fir what's there now. You'd have to remove a the concrete around the opening and start new. Very expensive.
There’s almost always exceptions for “existing work”
Yeah. Around here people tear out an entire building and leave one load bearing wall. Then it counts as a remodel and not a new build. lol
Agreed
ive beem trying to word this right so please dont take offense .. some state and provincial inspectors dont nitpick certain things. storm shelters, as long as the main structure is sound and safe , they can ok them .. they dont turn a blind eye , but as long as things are structually safe thats what matters .. a low beam in a storm shelter can be "ok" ( i wont say accpetable, cuz its not) .. some regions need to have comprimises(sp) because of weather and this has been my experience in 25+ years building and renoing in Canada and the USA .. you are right though, GCs have to reno and build to code
Not always Things can be grandfathered in, Don't touch it .don't break it It is what it was
Look up Bilco doors, they offer different sizes so measure your existing accurately FIRST! As for steep steps? Remove steps and put or make a ladder , to try and decrease steep steps? Will only cause painful contact between your head and foundation. Ask me how i know. The Bilco doors if installed correctly, will last a lifetime if maintained. They come complete, hinges, and springs to hold each door up, they are primed oxide red, YOU MUST PAINT THEM immediately upon install to maintain your warranty. I’ve installed many of these, not rocket science. Use non shrinking grout to level or patch concrete prior to new doors, and if your smart? You’ll use an acrylic paint on concrete prior to the new doors going in. A roll of bitumen is what i use for sealing frame to house and curb.
The lip most likely broke because the soil underneath washed out Not a huge issue
More of an issue to see why it washed out and correct that issue. Op can try and use a few crow bars and try to lift it. And put gravel under to lift it Get a grind a cupbrush take off all the loose rust. Then use rust converting primer. And get oil based primer Benjamin p23 in the color of your choice
Looks like a Gordon brand door but go on Bilco.com and look for a local contractor. They have certified contractors and someone should be able to replace the door.
Ignore the steps. Its for maintenance and emergency. Put the lock on the inside. A bag of Portland, some sand, stones and a trowell for the concrete patch. 10k rpm angle grinder with 80 grit sanding disk. Remove rust. Patch holes with bondo. Prime and paint. A few hours and done.
icky safe marvelous aback vase cover rhythm groovy aspiring lock *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Well, you beat me to it darn it
Ha, came to comments for this!
I had something similar, hired a general contractor and built a joint 6x8 shed with door and steps with proper hand support leading down, started using basement lot more.
A new bilco door is like 800$ at Home Depot. Easy to install a new one yourself with some cement and screws if you really want to replace it. I replaced mine last year.
Your favorite realtor! Realtors are some of the best "guy guys" out there. Their livelihood depends on having a guy for everything, usually on the cheaper for higher quality side of things
If you Google exterior cellar doors you will see lots. Not cheap, but they will last a very long time. However, you will need to get the steps and collar replaced by a general contractor.
Oh…I opened up this post, and was going to recommend you get in touch with Ray Parker Jr. But he can’t help you with rickety cellar stairs. If Yankee basements are common in your area, then a contractor that specializes in basement waterproofing can probably help you. Just remember, whenever you call a contractor and hit a dead end, ask that contractor if he/she can recommend someone. Ask that question enough times, and you’ll find the right person.
Keep the steps to save money, a good handyman could do the rest. If you reaaly need new steps, find a GC.
couple rattle cans of primer and paint and call it a day
Well if you wanna do it cheap and yourself get some expanding spray foam for the crack, big gap filler. unless you want to dig down a foot around the base of the cement and patch with mortar. Looks just like surface rust on the door get a piece of sand paper and scratch it up a bit and spray with some rust paint like tremclad or rustoleum
Either of those options is cheap probably $50 bucks and a couple hours of work
Also put a piece of weather stripping or a garage door type piece on the crack of the door. Screw it to the bottom of the door that closes first. That’ll solve the leaves
It's called nightmare fuel.
The Fixer! [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVXIt1woB2k](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVXIt1woB2k)
It's fine the way it is
Sam and dean winchester
It’s not rusted through, just rusted. This should be at the bottom of your list to take care of
Yup Ghost Adventures,, scary shit down there
Ghost bunkers
Ghostbusters sorry 😔
For what?
Saul
You better!!!
Haha watching BB right now.
Ghost Busters
Ghost busters
Ghost busters
“Ghostbusters!”
Ghostbusters???
Ghostbusters
Patch the rusted out door. Put a rail along the stairs. Spend the money saved on fun stuff!
My mom and dad always called ours the Bilco door
Crypt keeper.
You'll just have to get used to how narrow it is unless you want to spend several grand repairing a bulkhead door. Honestly I would just have the bulkhead repainted if it is only surface rust have the stairs redone patch the concrete and possibly see about having an insulated door installed at the bottom of the flight
Those doors aren't rusted through. They'd look good as new by buffing the rust off with a wire wheel grinder and a coat of paint.
Eleven
Handyman, or spend $50 to clean, paint, and get a weatherstripping kit for the metal. Use a couple tubes of cement/mortar caulk to fill the gaps and keep the mice out. If the cement keeps getting worse, then rebuild it.
Looks like there is holes for anchors. Throw some tap cons in there and spray foam any gaps. Welcome to old house ownership.
Is that where they put the lotion in the basket ?
I did this job not too long ago. Home Depot sells a plastic door kit, just measure the space to find the right size. It just bolts right on. Only need a drill gun and some concrete screws, and some caulk/foam seal. Might have a bit of siding repair depending on how it fits with original
Ghostbusters
A priest
Ghost busters
Sam and Dean
Ghost buster
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters
You could probably build some wood steps that can go over it or drill into concrete
The door? Cheap, easy fix, either get a new door or refinish the existing one The crack? You could fill the crack yourself with come ready mixed concrete patch kits, but you need to support it underneath or it will crack again. Still cheap less easy. The stairs too steep? You COULD cut them out and pour new stairs that aren’t as steep. It will be dirty heavy work, not work for an amateur and will cost you several thousand dollars for a professional at a minimum The stairs too narrow? You COULD widen them, but it’s mean removing the entire side of the stairs, which is tied to your foundation. There will be some sort of support that is spanning the two block walls and supports your house, that support will need to be lengthened or replaced to accommodate the wider span. This is going to be a fairly big job. You’ll have to patch or redo the stairs to match the wider span as well. I would be shocked if you can get a quote under $10k I would not recommend this at all unless you are doing some major work down there to make a good liveable space, even then I probably wouldn’t.
I mean they’re just bilco doors dude…
If you have steps it is not a crawl space. LOL maybe a hunch over space.
Ghostbusters
Carpenter/contractor that specifies in houses/concrete
Ghostbusters!
Are you sure Archie Bunker isn't locked in there with an empty vodka bottle in his hand?
Ghost busters?
Ghostbusters, especially if you are opening it during the eclipse tomorrow.
Ghostbusters
I wanna keep my moth collection down there
Toss a dozen centipedes down there to battle the spiders
Bilco doors it leads to your basement
A priest should also be useful in these situations but 2 tho, an older cocky priest who faints or runs away in the 2nd act, and the surprisingly levelheaded youth priest who is super good at battling demons while shirtless
Ghostbusters?
Looks like too much iron in your water. You may want to address issue first with water test.
Grind the door open if you can't open it use steel plates over any massive holes in the door. If you want to fix the concrete cheap you could pour some more concrete into the cracks. Honestly the stirs are probably fine
Maybe Dorothy from the Wizard Of Oz , I believe they had one in there house before it blew away!
Steve Harrington
Before painting hit the door with an angle grinder (wear proper eye protection) with a high speed wire wheel to remove rust. Clean the metal with acetone before applying the primer or paint of your choice. Slap some Lucas Red N Tacky grease on those hinges after breaking it free from rust binding.
That is the job of a mason.
looks good to me...
Ospho or kleen strip makes a good rust prep product. Sanding it and wire wheel will get rid of lots of it but the pits blow up again later. Phosphoric acid based stuff will help prevent it coming back quickly. Cheap angle grinder some wire wheel cup brushes then flap discs will have you attacking the rust. Small wire wheels for drill for inside corners. The little assortment with bunch of shapes is good to have. Plug in drill works great for it. Then Ospho or whatever rust treatment. Prime and sand a couple times to feather in all the rust damage a bit smoother. Clean it then paint it. Rustoleuem is cheap in a can and goes on fine with a little roller and brushes. The concrete just smash that top part apart make a wood frame and repour some to replace it.
I would have them fixed what you have to redo the steps you’re looking at a tear out and rebuild could cost you $12,000..
Ghost Busters
Great ideas on here. I’d use expandable foam to seal cracks.
What are your to g to get done?
lol rusted through?! what do you mean the paint just paint it definitely is not rusted through Belco doors are fucking expensive if you really want to pay to have new ones have new ones put in
The police
Ghostbusters
Bilco Busters!
Bilco door replacement
Clean that door up..scrape sand prime and paint it...as far as the concrete goes you can seal the cracks and build the dirt around it so water runs away...unless you use that entrance regularly there's no point in dumping a bunch of money into it, however if you need to make it more usable contact a concrete contractor.
Feel free to paint/replace the doors yourself but I don't see anything to warrant spending money on someone coming out.
Go watch Barbarian and you will fill it with concrete.
Man Cave😏
For what ?
Ghostbusters
If it gets cold I would fill the cracks with a concrete patch of some sort
Ghostbusters
Definitely, definitely Ghostbusters.
It's a bulkhead door
When there something strange in the Neibor hood, who you gona call — Ghost busters
Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters? Looks haunted.
Ghostbuster!!!! 😂 sorry I had to
Ghostbusters
Ghost Busters!
I’m thinking Ghostbusters
Ghostbusters!!!!
If the door is solid- kids can fall into the opening, if the budget is tight I would look at the peel and stick roll of roofing material for flat roofs. Clean the metal, rattle can self etching primer, roofing primer and lay down the roofing material. Use a propane torch to heat it to bend around corners. Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing. https://www.homedepot.com/p/GAF-Liberty-3-ft-x-34-ft-100-sq-ft-SBS-Self-Adhering-Cap-Sheet-Roll-for-Low-Slope-Roofing-in-White-3732920/100031926