Choosing the correct size for a basement door requires that you measure the actual opening in the masonry. Measuring the actual opening in the masonry is more important than choosing a size for the door that would look convenient to individual who stand above ground in the basement. While it may be tempting to measure the opening in the masonry from one wall to another and from the top of the foundation to the top of the foundation, you should measure from wall to wall within the masonry and from the top of the foundation to the bottom of the opening in the basement masonry structure.
Measuring within the masonry structure are necessary to ensure that you avoid making teh most common mistakes in setting the size of the basement door. You can use the chart to determine how different models of basement doors relates to the stair configurations in the basement. Doors that have wider stair configurations require basement doors that are wider than those with narrow stair configurations.
How to Measure a Basement Door
Additionally, basement configurations that have stairwell depths that is deeper than others will require basement doors that are deeper than those for basements with shallower stairwells. Similar logic can be applied to the decision of whether the basement door will be made of steel or aluminum materials. Steel doors can handle heavier loads placed upon them by individuals entering the basement, while aluminum basement doors are better suited to basements where water is constantly present because aluminum does not rust as readily as steel doors.
In addition to the considerations of width, depth, materials, and size, another consideration for basement doors is the requirement of the flange overlap of the door frame relative to the masonry structure. The dimensions of the door frame will be wider than the opening in the masonry structure due to the requirement that the frame sits upon the masonry, not within it. The overhang of the frame prevents water from entering into the basement at the frame-masonry joint, and it provides a solid area for the door anchors to grip onto the masonry.
Skipping the consideration of flange overlap during the planning of the basement door may result in an awkward installation of the frame for the door. The components that you will use to install the basement door are also important in relation to the function of the basement door. For example, torsion door springs or gas struts will prevent the lid of the basement door from slamming shut when it is opened.
The perimeter gasket and drip channel will help to control the movement of water that enters the joint between the basement door and the foundation. Additionally, the anchor bolts for the basement door are the only components of the installation that will hold the door frame against the force that is created when an individual steps upon the lid of the basement door. Too few basement door anchor bolts or placing them too close to the edge of the basement door will result in the basement door becoming a problem.
The security hardware for a basement door should be chosen according to the risks that you wish to control. For example, installing an exterior hasp will prevent children from entering the basement, but installing an interior slide bolt will create a barrier to entry for individuals who has keys to the basement. If you monitor the basement with an alarm system, basement door alarm contacts will allow the basement to become a monitored zone within the alarm system.
Each of the choices of basement door hardware should be made according to the use of the basement, not the visibility of the basement door hardware. Basement door waterproofing is one of the extensions of the basement door sizing considerations. A basement door that is sized appropriately and has the correct flange overlap will reduce the amount of water that enters the basement at the door.
Additionally, the addition of compression gaskets and masonry caulk will seal any remaining areas for basement door into the foundation. Additionally, the primer coat that you apply to the steel models of basement doors is another line of defense against basement door water entry. However, the primer coat will only work effectively if the basement door is installed such that the anchor bolts are installed tight against the foundation masonry.
If the anchors are not installed tight against the masonry, the door will flex when individuals enter the basement, leading to the cracking of the basement door sealant. In order to avoid making mistakes when installing a basement door, it is important to use the tips regarding measurement included within the provided chart. Each of the diagonals of the basement door opening should be measured to ensure that the opening is square.
Additionally, the slope of the opening should be verified in relation to the plane of the basement floor. Verifying the slope will prevent the basement door from binding against the basement floor. Finally, the number of stairs from the basement floor to the doorway should be counted, as counting the stairs will provide accuracy for the basement door size, as compared to estimating the height of the basement stairs.
Counting the stairs ensures that the height of the basement door is made according to the basement structure, rather than an estimated height. Basement door sizing can be understood as the process of understanding the constraints that the basement foundation opening imposes upon the basement door. There are three main constraints upon the basement door: the measurement requirements of the basement masonry structure, the flange overlap requirements of the door frame to the masonry, and the number of basement stairs that the basement door must cover.
By understanding and applying each of these constraints, an appropriate basement door can be sized according to the requirements of the basement, and the basement door will not create issues with the basement structure.
