You may have to consider many options when replacing your house's front door. Which direction the door should swing is one of the most important aspects. Many people aren't even aware that they may choose which way their door swings. But the truth is, selecting between an inswing or outswing can significantly affect your home's functionality and appearance.

In this article, we will discuss each swing direction's pros and cons. We will also talk about some construction codes you need to be aware of before making a decision. So let's dive right in!

What Are Inswing Doors?

Inswing doors are a type of door that opens inward into a room or building. They are designed with hinges that are typically hidden from view when the door is closed and face toward the interior of the room. Unlike outswing doors that swing outward, inswing doors do not take up any exterior space when they are opened.

Inswing doors are usually mounted to a doorframe on the outside, which provides additional security to the building or room. The frame on the outside prevents someone from pulling the door wide.

Pros

• The door doesn't open on guests waiting
• Accessibility for wheelchair users
• Hinges are not visible
• For ventilation, storm doors adding is possible
• Easy-to-use security latch
• Close the door without leaving home.
• Snow outside will not prevent door-opening issues

Cons

• The design makes them more vulnerable to wind and water
• Must provide an area within the home for inswing
• If someone falls against the entrance, it's hard to get in
• Harder to escape in emergencies
• Burglars may break in via an inswing door more easily

What are Outswing Doors?

Outswing doors are a type of door that swings outward from a room or building. Unlike inswing doors, which swing inward, outswing doors must be pulled open since they swing away from the room. When the door is closed, the hinges are hidden from view within the room and face the outside.

Despite their different orientation, the hinges used on outswing doors are not fundamentally different from those used on inswing doors. Like inswing doors, outswing doors are typically mounted to a doorframe on the outside of the room.

These doors include a doorstop on the edge closest to the room. This helps prevent the door from being pushed into the room.

Pros

• Increases housing area and flexibility
• The doorstop is within the home, making it stronger and more secure
• Wind and storms tighten the door, improving insulation
• Securer, harder to breach
• Doors open outward, so wind and rain cannot blow them
• Strong stop with a pressure gasket for a weather-tight seal
• Fantastic for security since they are hard to force open

Cons

• Heavy snow against the door may make it hard to open
• Most security gadgets don't fit outswing doors
• High winds may make door opening and shut harder
• Wheelchair-bound persons have trouble opening and closing
• Need to step outside to shut the door

4 Most Common Swing Setups For Doors 

Swing configurations refer to the different ways in which a door can be configured to swing open. The following are the four main configurations:

1. Outswing right (OR)

In the outswing right configuration, the door swings to the right and opens either out of the house or towards the opener. You will have to pull the door open. Then it will swing towards the right.

2. Outswing left (OL)

In this configuration, the door opens outward or towards the opener and has hinges located towards the left of the door. Similar to the OR configuration, you have to pull the door, and it will swing towards the left.

3. Inswing right (IR)

This configuration means the door opens into the house or away from the opener, and the hinges are situated on the right side of the door. To enter, you have to push the door, and the door will then swing to the right.

4. Inswing left (IL)

The door opens towards the house or away from the opener, and the hinges are located to the left of the door in this configuration. Like the IR configuration, you must push the door while entering. Then the door will swing to the left.

Building Codes to Consider When Setting Up Doors

Building codes play a critical role in ensuring that inswing and outswing doors are created and installed in accordance with all applicable municipal, provincial, and federal regulations. Manufacturers and installers of these doors must adhere to local building codes, which specify requirements for door structure, size, and opening direction.

Various organisations provide local and provincial governments with advice and recommended standards. Before purchasing and installing inswing or outswing doors, it's crucial to research the local regulations, as each local government has its own set of regulations. Here are some of the building codes that may apply to inswing and outswing doors:

Accessible Canada Act (ACA)

The ACA ensures that most public buildings and areas fall under its purview, meaning that any impediments within federal authority must be identified, eliminated, or prevented.

This comprehensive legislation controls organizations that provide products and services, hire Canadians, offer accommodations, utilize premises, and run businesses. It also oversees the development of new places and structures.

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

According to the NFPA requirement, exterior doors must have single-action egress. This means that an individual should be able to open and unlock the door with a single action.

International Building Code (IBC)

The IBC is the foundation for all international codes and plays an important role in maintaining public safety and health. It offers protection against risks related to the construction environment and deals with creating and using advanced materials that satisfy or exceed public health and safety requirements.

Ontario Building Code (OBC) | Direction of Door Swing

This is a set of regulations under the Building Code Act. It provides basic criteria for building construction. It also provides specific administrative requirements for the approval of building plans and inspection of buildings during construction.

Summary

Installing an outward-opening door can be a unique and practical solution for certain situations. However, deciding which way a door should swing ultimately depends on personal preference and practicality.

So, it's important to consider any obstacles or potential damage to surrounding surfaces when deciding.

References: 

https://www.bayviewwindows.ca/blog/entry-door-swing-direction/entrance_doors 

https://www.clerawindows.com/blog/inswing-vs-outswing-doors/#:~:text=1.,door%20from%20being%20pulled%20open.

https://www.doorstop.com.au/blog/should-doors-open-left-or-right#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20right%20or,whatever%20way%20feels%20most%20comfortable

 French Door

Common Size:

36 inch / 48 inch / 72 inch

5 ft / 6 ft / 8 ft