{"id":1130,"date":"2023-04-06T13:12:47","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T13:12:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kravelv.com\/?p=1130"},"modified":"2023-04-06T13:12:49","modified_gmt":"2023-04-06T13:12:49","slug":"patio-doors-swing-out-or-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kravelv.com\/patio-doors-swing-out-or-in\/","title":{"rendered":"Should Your Patio Door Swing Out or In?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Patio doors<\/a> are great at connecting your living spaces to the outdoors. They provide convenient access to your deck or yard and brighten up your home. They also connect spaces visually, drawing the eye outward, innovative home decor, and creating the illusion of added space. Looking for a way to improve your patio door? Installing new patio door curtains<\/a> is a great option!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are three popular patio door<\/a> types: sliding, folding and swinging. If you\u2019re considering having swinging patio doors<\/a> or a set of French doors installed, your next question will naturally be the direction in which it should swing. Obviously, you have two options: in or out.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"patio<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Image credit to Elite Garage Door & Gate Repair Of Lynnwood<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the course of my career, I\u2019ve encountered many homeowners who\u2019ve never really given much thought to how their patio doors operate. But you might be surprised to learn that the difference between inswing and outswing doors<\/a> doesn\u2019t end at how you open them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Space Issue<\/h2>\n\n\n

This is a very important consideration when installing<\/a>\u00a0swinging patio doors. You need to plan for space around the door so that:<\/p>\n\n\n

a)      nothing will block the path of its swing and<\/p>\n\n\n\n

b)      there is enough space left for you to stand in as you open the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the very least, the space marked off when you plot a semicircle with the door\u2019s jamb as the pivot point and the door\u2019s width as the radius should be clear of obstructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other Factors to Consider<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"patio<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Ease of Operation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inswing.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An inswing door has a sweep gasket to keep drafts and water out. This type of gasket relies on friction between the sweep and threshold to create a seal. While extremely effective, this can make the door a little stiff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outswing.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On an outswing patio door,<\/a> a positive stop and compression gasket are responsible for the weathertight seal. Because friction isn\u2019t needed, the door is fairly easy to open and close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weather Protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inswing.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The threshold design that works best with inswing doors can make them more vulnerable to damage from wind-driven rain<\/a>, so care must be taken to ensure the gasket is snug. Weatherstripping must also be in good condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outswing.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outswing doors do not suffer much from wind-driven rain and water leaks. Also, because they push against the frame when shut, they are better able to resist hurricane-force winds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Security<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inswing.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With inswing doors, hinges and security features are inside your home, which is a big security plus. But they can also be forced open from outside because of the direction in which they face, so you need to make sure you have good-quality deadbolts and strike plates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outswing.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outswing doors are very difficult to force open. While their hinges are outside the house, they do have non-removable pins and are therefore not vulnerable to burglars.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"outswing<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Patio door swing out or in FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What are the advantages of swinging patio doors inward?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n