Exterior Door Swing Out Code

When purchasing an exterior door first determine which type of door you need for a particular installation whether it s inward or outward swing.

Exterior door swing out code.

For instance codes in hurricane prone areas may require exterior doors to swing in rather than out. A door in a means of egress should allow for easy opening and closing. Doors must swing in the direction of exit when. Where exterior landings or floors serving the required egress door are not at grade they shall be provided with access to grade by means of a ramp in.

This could mean either side hinged or pivot swinging doors. Outswing doors are more secure airtight and durable than inswing style doors. For all non egress exterior doors the 2003 code update allows a 7 3 4 in. Step down on the interior and up to two steps down to the landing on the exterior regardless of which way the door swings it can only swing over one step.

I think the building codes should be changed to favor outswing doors in all but a few instances. Positioning them on the inside makes them secure and keeps burglars from unhinging them. Landing requirements for all other exterior doors. There are those who recommend that an outswing door is more secure from breakins and is safer during hurricane season.

Steves sons 30 in. In existing structures the minimum width is 28 inches wide. In south florida it is the norm for all exterior doors to swing outward. There are exceptions but these doors must not only pass a forced entry test but also a water infiltration.

Local codes typically don t enforce directional exterior door swing but be sure to check the codes before installation. Doors around the outside of your house swing in or out depending what type of door it is. This allowance provides some design flexibility. Inswing exterior doors dominate the residential market but a better case can be made for an entry door that swings out rather than in.

For example when we install entry doors in your home we almost always hang them to swing inward. Right hand outswing and 4 in. The maximum door leaf width is 48 inches. It is also code that these doors swing outward.

Premium 6 panel primed white steel prehung front door with 30 in. The landing or floor on the exterior side shall be not more than 7 3 4 inches 196 mm below the top of the threshold provided the door does not swing over the landing or floor.