Exterior door swinging out?

12 years ago

My contractor is suggesting I go with an out-swinging exterior door. I don't recollect seeing one in the past. Any thoughts? I like the idea because it gives me more room to work with in a somewhat small mud room. But I hesitate just because I haven't experienced it much personally.

Featured Answer

tlparks

12 years ago

last modified: 12 years ago

I can understand the reasoning for it. I have helped my sis with her new home construction from the beginning stage to now, just a couple of months of being finished. She wanted an exterior swinging patio door by Anderson, for just the same reason you expressed. But after having it installed, one of the main issues we were concerned about was the wind catching it and swinging it back towards the house, or her granddaughter running out the door and swinging it hard. After much stress over the situation (and the fact that the $5oo-plus screen was a bunch of junk), we got Home Depot to agree to take it back and credit her account. It was a hard decision to make, but I feel the right one. Just one person's experience. Good luck.

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Comments (6)

bgfuqua
12 years ago
houses of a certain age here in florida tend to have out swing front doors - supposedly better in a hurricane. they tend to hit someone knocking on the door when you open it. also, the hinges are on the outside, so door could be opened by someone hammering the pins out.
David Kan thanked bgfuqua
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nansdrew
12 years ago
We've had and currently have out swing french doors. They work great when space is a premium in the interior. Wind blowing has not been an issue for us, but we don't leave them half open. They are either fully open against the exterior walls or fully closed. We got screens in the same doors for when they are fully open. I would do it again if needed.
David Kan thanked nansdrew
hatetoshop
12 years ago
I've never had one, but thought the problem with them might be the wind and the awkwardness of a visitor having to get out of the way when you open the door.
David Kan thanked hatetoshop
David Kan
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks everyone. I appreciate the insights. It's a backdoor (but one that I'll use more frequently) so visitors would be unlikely to enter that way.
girlfromearle
10 years ago
I realize this post is old but I'm dealing with the same issue. My builder suggests doors that swing out for all doors but the front. He says the hinges are on the inside. I cannot picture how that will work. He also says it will give a better seal.