Doors and Windows - need advice on outswing patio french doors

We are remodeling our family room and space is at a premium. We have a fiberglass, 8' slider that opens from the family room to the patio. We are ordering french doors, and are considering outswing doors to save on space in the family room. We will place our dinette table (42" diameter round) up near the door opening, so outswinging doors seemed to be the solution.

Is there anything to consider before installing outswing doors? I heard that they don't seal against the weather as well as inswing doors.

Is there anything to consider due to the fact that the hinges are exposed on the outside? I heard that it might be a security problem.

We'd like to install some insect screens, and for outswing doors, we guess this means some kind of retractable screen on the inside of the door. Does anyone have any experience with the functionality of insect screens on outswing doors?

Any information would be a big help.

Is there anything to consider due to the fact that the hinges are exposed on the outside? I heard that it might be a security problem. Look at the hinges when you get the door and see if they are put in right. About half the out swing doors I have seen here the hinge is on backwards The small part that sicks out to go into the hole. That 1/2 of the hinge should be on the door. So if the pin is pulled the door cant be pulled out.

ED ;)

bafalagan,

Welcome to DoItYourself.com and the Door forum.

Actually, outswing doors seal better than inswing doors. You can flash over every joint as needed, and the harder the wind blows, the TIGHTER the door seals.

Security? Use hinges with 'captured' pins -- they can't be removed.

You are on the right track with the screens. Nothing else is going to work for you.

Have you looked at Sliders? There are some good sliders (French style patio door) that seal well, work well and do not take you any floor space or patio space when they are open.

I have a limited budget therefore the only option i have is to install it myself to save on the labor.

Planning to do a cut-down on two windows and convert them into french door. Replacement is outswing vinyl french door.

Please advise on brand or direction to go.

Thanks in advance,

Misa