Doors and Windows - Replacing garage/house entry door and want it to swing into the garage

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cheyanne040277
04-24-09, 07:51 AM
We are confused on what we should do. Currently there is an old solid wood door that swings into the house. It actually swings right into a stair case which is very dangerous. We don't have a lot of room so we don't really want to have it swing the other way either. So, I purchased a prehung metal 6 panel exterior door and assumed I could just install it the opposite way so the "entry" of the door is into the garage. Well that doesn't really seem to work since the threshold would be inside the house. The current door and frame are completely shot, so we have to replace the whole thing. What kind of door do we buy?


Gunguy45
04-24-09, 07:54 AM
You would need to buy an "outswing" door, should have them where you bought that one.

You may want to check building code though...seems I remember the door needs to be an inswing door..not sure, just something to check on.

cheyanne040277
04-24-09, 08:36 AM
Thanks! My local Lowe's just did not have them in stock so I didn't see what I needed. They will special order one for me, thank you so much.


GlobalLocky
04-24-09, 12:04 PM
In St Louis MO, the building code requires that the door to the garage (if it is a laundry) must have a door closer fitted.

The only exception is on an original construction, replacing with a new fitting requires adherence to the building/life safety codes.

Outswinging doors are allowed....but still need a door closer.

Dont forget a fire retardent door.

If you ever go to sell the house......non-compliance with building/fire/life safety codes will inhibit the sale until rectification. Unless the local fire marshal signs off (very very rare)

GBR in WA
04-25-09, 08:02 PM
As long as the two floors (garage/house) are the same elevation. Otherwise, you need a 36" times the door width landing on the garage side. But, ask your local Building Department. Be safe, G

21boat
04-27-09, 11:39 PM
You would need to buy an "outswing" door, should have them where you bought that one. You may want to check building code though...seems I remember the door needs to be an inswing door..not sure, just something to check on.

Just a little note hear. I hang doors for a living and all commercial doors need to swing out for fire code and many need panic hardware. The skinny on a house door being the oppsite is because how would you put in a screen door if the solid door swung out ?