Doors and Windows - entry door questions..

I am going to replace my entry door. It currently opens in and i want it to open out for hurricane purposes and i believe its code. Is there anything to concider when switching from inward to outward swinging doors other than purchasing the right door? Also i am going to buy it at either lowes or Home Depot, which has better brands or are they about the same. I know that HD uses jeld wen and lowes has Reliabuilt. Any advise? thanks

I like Masonite(which bought Stanley), and ThermaTru. But I would avoid big box, go to a local lumber yard where they understand such things. Not sure of code where you live, but only doors in public, commercial places have to open out. Residential usually opens in.

In south florida it opens out b/c of hurricanes. People have had their doors blow in. I will look into what other places have.

Local code has the final say.

I'd think as a security issue. All residential doors would open in. If you open your door outwards to a person, there's no shutting them out, if you don't like who's there.

Being a fireman, inward doors are easier to break down. Much easier. I always look through a window or peep hole before opening anyways. But by your comments i take it that none of you have experienced 150mph winds. They blow doors in fast. Thats why we have outward swinging doors here. But that wasnt my question. My question is is there anything to concider while switching from inward to outward from an install point of view. Thanks anyways...

Consider using brass, bronze, or stainless steel hinges. - Corrosion.
Consider using hinges with non removable pins or “hospital tips” - Security.
Consider using a lowboy interlock threshold (ADA compliant) – Weather resistance. The vinyl seal strikes the inside of the door face.

sflamedic,

You're in So FL, and I'm in CA. You are a fireman, and I'm a contractor.

You have been on calls to who knows how many thousands of commercial buildings, and, by code, they have outsiwing doors. But if you have paid attention, EVERY residential door swings IN!!!

OK -- the codes MAY be different in FL, but I REALLY DOUBT IT!!

Thats good to know that you are a contractor, but here in south florida i know that code is outward swinging doors. So i wasnt asking if i should switch to outward b/c i know i am going to, i have to. All new construction residential is outward swinging here. So thanks for letting me know your trade and not helping me at all.:wall:

Wow, someone got their panties in a bunch.

What other information do you want? Obviously you will need a new jam and a way to prevent the door from swinging into the side of your house. :rolleyes:


Also, it would be a safety code if the door swung outwards over steps. You don't want the door to open fast and make a person going up the stairs get hurt.

No, there is not much else to consider, other then getting the right door. Either Lowes or Home Depot are just fine. I would get a steel insulated door. You can even get them in different colors now. Good Luck.

Thanks for the help. Thats all i needed to know.

sflamedic,

You are in FL and I'm in CA. Things are built to different codes.

If your local code says that an outswing front door is OK, then it's OK. It would never fly here.

To convert an inswing door to outswing means that you are changing out the entire jamb.