Your front door is an important part of your home. It’s the first part visitors will see, and it plays a huge role in the home’s aesthetics. Accordingly, homeowners choosing new doors are often focused on looks. However, there are other details you should also consider—such as whether the door swings outward or inward.

Why Does It Make a Difference?

The distinction between inswing and outswing entry doors may not seem significant at first glance, but it actually does make a difference. Your door’s maintenance needs, space requirements, and even security and emergency performance are affected by the arrangement. Your choice of inswing or outswing doors should be tailored to your needs and location so the door will hold up to use.

Everyday Basics

One of the most basic considerations is whether there’s space for your door to open. If your entryway is small, an outswing door will provide the most room to maneuver in your front hall. If you have a spacious front room, an inswing door may be the most convenient option. You’ll also need to consider maintenance and cleanup: inswing doors are more likely to sweep dirt or mud inside and are more vulnerable to penetration by rain, so they come with a slightly higher maintenance requirement.

Weather Conditions

Despite the advantages of outswing doors, inswing doors do have a major point in their favor: they can be opened against piled snow. In areas where significant snow is expected, outswing doors are not recommended as they can become stuck against a snowdrift. On the other hand, outswing doors are more resistant to being blown open by wind, so if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, outswing doors are recommended.

Security

Finally, outswing doors are harder to break open from the outside than inswing doors. A hard kick might knock an inswing door open, but it is much harder to pull on a door with the same force, making an outswing door is a small but significant obstacle. At the same time, it is easier to open an outswing door from inside, so in the event you need to escape quickly, an outswing door is safer.

When choosing a front door as part of a building or home improvement project, make sure to consider every factor. Your home’s aesthetics are only part of the equation. If you need help deciding, consult your local home improvement experts.

For over 30 years, Murphy Home Improvement in Cincinnati, OH, has provided area residents with reliable, top quality renovation services. From their basic repair services to their wide selection of siding, roofing, windows, and doors, they have everything you need to fix or improve your home. To arrange service, call them today at (513) 922-8989 or send a message online.