Exterior Door

  • Ralph Wiggum
    Maple Grove, MN
    Posts: 11764
    #1258134

    I need to replace the access door on my garage. Most (if not all) of the doors I have looked at are in-swinging doors. I’d like an out-swinging door to save a little space in the garage. Is there any reason that one should not use an out-swinging exterior door?

    chico-diablo
    New Richmond, WI
    Posts: 570
    #666086

    they do that because if you get heavy snow you have to shovel before you can get the door open.

    kooty
    Keymaster
    1 hour 15 mins to the Pond
    Posts: 18101
    #666088

    My only thought would be fire code issues.

    Ralph Wiggum
    Maple Grove, MN
    Posts: 11764
    #666090

    Quote:


    they do that because if you get heavy snow you have to shovel before you can get the door open.


    Good point! Although less of an issue with a detached garage.

    showags
    Hastings, MN
    Posts: 518
    #666093

    The one other reason they are normally in-swinging is for security. If you have an out-swinging door, make sure you either get a deadbolt and/or get a lockset cover bracket to cover up the opening that could otherwise be jimmied rather easily from the outside. But as mentioned, check code too! If it is a detached garage, I could see a case being made to swing outward similar to chem lab doors for easy escape! I know you can relate to that!

    limberg
    La Crescent, Mn
    Posts: 27
    #666100

    Another thing to check is if the concrete is raised at all from the frost. If this is the case the door will not open all winter long. It happens on a lot of residental projects.

    chico-diablo
    New Richmond, WI
    Posts: 570
    #666101

    Also on a out swinging door the hinges and pins would be on the outside and can easily be removed

    farmboy1
    Mantorville, MN
    Posts: 3668
    #666111

    Quote:


    Also on a out swinging door the hinges would be on the outside and can easily be removed


    Ryan,

    They make non-removable hinges for outswing doors.

    Get a deadbolt, looks much nicer then the strike plate covers.

    Inswing doors are easier to kick in. Try it when you are replacing the door. I would be surprised if when it is locked a guy of your stature could “break in” in under 3 kicks.

    Outswing doors are effected by snow, concrete that has raised by frost (no frost footing at stoop), and are harder to get. You will problably have to order it and it will not be the cheapest one at Menards.

    It all comes down to personal preference. Do what you think will work best. If it is an unattached garage, think about an outswing since you will problably be carrying stuff to the house and it is easier to push open a door then pull, but you will have to get out and shovel for your honey before she goes to work in the morning.

    Good luck

    Ralph Wiggum
    Maple Grove, MN
    Posts: 11764
    #666114

    Quote:


    Inswing doors are easier to kick in. Try it when you are replacing the door. I would be surprised if when it is locked a guy of your stature could “break in” in under 3 kicks.


    That’s why I’m replacing it. I think I could lean on it and push it in.

    Ralph Wiggum
    Maple Grove, MN
    Posts: 11764
    #666116

    All good points everyone, thanks!

    riverbassman
    Posts: 255
    #666174

    What do you know about materials for frames/jambs of exterior doors? I am replacing my old one and was thinking about a solid vinyl frame vs. aluminum clad/wrap. But, I recently was told solid vinyl door frams are not good. I just want to stay away from wood and also painting/maintenance. This is for a steel door on a pre-hung frame (just need to decide on a frame material).

    eisert
    Posts: 76
    #666223

    I’d stick with a wood jamb door and install vinyl brickmold around the outside. The vinyl brickmold should only run about another $25-$30. Also, I’m pretty sure Home Depot carries Jeld-Wen doors that can be installed as outswing or inswing.

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