Do your doors swing inward or outward? Don’t know? Why don’t you go and check?
Most people couldn’t tell you which way their doors swing, and it’s probably something you haven’t thought about. But did you know that there is a reason that doors swing inwards or outward?
Deciding which way the door should swing is something that a professional contractor like Hawthorn will take into consideration during a door replacement project. They will be able to assess the space and the door placement to make the right decision for your home and your family’s needs.
Which Way Should Your Doors Swing?
Generally speaking, your doors should swing inward.
There are several reasons for this, but the main ones are:
- An inward swinging door saves space.
- A door that swings inward is safer.
- When your door swings inward, it is better protected against harsh weather.
Do Interior Doors Swing Inward or Outward?
Next time you open your door and step out into the hallway, notice which way it swings.
Most interior doors open inwards because most rooms inside your house open into a transitional space. What is a transitional space, you ask? Well, it’s an area where people move through the home from one area to the next, like a hallway.
Imagine if your bedroom door opened out into a hallway, you could accidentally knock someone over, and closing doors as you walk down the hall would become tiresome. Having an interior door open inwards allows your transitional spaces to be clear and spacious and stops them from looking messy.
Do Exterior Doors Swing Inward or Outward?
Most exterior entry doors open inwards as well.
Security reasons: Many people will say that an outward-opening entry door is safer because it is harder to break down. But, if your door opens outwards, your hinges will be on the outside. This means that they can easily be taken apart with the right tools. By having your entry door open inwards, the hinges are on the inside of your home, which offers another level of protection.
Convenience: An inward-opening entry door is also more convenient, and it’s easier for you to open and close without stumbling down porch steps or hitting your guests. Doors that open inwards are also less inclined to blow shut, leaving you stranded outside without keys.
Weather: There is also less wear and tear on the one side of your door because it is always on the inside of your home rather than being exposed to the elements. This means less maintenance and increases the longevity of your door. With our St. Louis snow storms, having an inward-opening door means you won’t get trapped in your house. Imagine trying to open an outward swinging door against a snowdrift.
Emergencies: They are also easier to break down in an emergency like a fire where emergency services need to gain access to your home quickly.
When Do Doors Swing Outward?
If you are wondering whether doors swing inward or outward based on the contractor’s preference, they don’t.
In some cases, doors are designed to swing outward. In areas where tornadoes and hurricanes are common, outward swinging doors are usually seen because they can withstand high winds and external pressure on the door.
Public buildings often have outward swinging doors as well as decks, balconies, and patios.
Let the Professionals Deal with the Details
Learning more about which way doors swing is interesting, but it’s not something that you should have to worry about. Let us sweat the small stuff and take care of the details of your door replacement project.
However, if you are concerned about whether your doors swing inward or outward and what’s best for your home, give us a call to chat about it.
