Outswing doors are notably difficult to force open from outside, making them great for security areas. On the flip side, though, hinges are on the outside, meaning if security is a concern, you have to choose a style without removable pins.
However, outswing doors thresholds are specially made with non-removable hinge pins on the exterior side of the door frame for added security. In addition, outswing doors are virtually impossible for an intruder to kick in.
Pros: Outswing french doors vs inswing is a better choice for increasing the indoor space. The outside hinges provide the room with a cleaner appearance without having to match the interior decor's design and colour.
Although their hinges are on the outside, outswing doors may be your better option for security. Because they don't swing inward, they're pretty difficult to kick in. It's also possible to get security hinges that robbers can't take advantage of to get into your home.
French doors typically have glass panes, which can be easily broken. This means that criminals can enter your home by simply breaking a pane and reaching through to unlock the door. French doors also often have decorative hardware that can be pried open. This includes handles, locks, and hinges.
The glass area on French doors is a large security risk. Usually, burglars tend to break one of the glass panels, creating enough space for them to put a hand inside and unlock the doors. Making sure toughened glass is fitted will make breaking any glass panels significantly more difficult.
SECURITY EXTERIOR DOORS FOR RESIDENTIAL HOME
If the risk of burglary in your area is relatively low, a class 2 door (RC 2) is sufficient. The door frame, regardless of the security class, should be made of steel, extruded aluminum alloy or hardwood reinforced by steel plates, and have at least 3 hinges.
Outswing doors are notably difficult to force open from outside, making them great for security areas. On the flip side, though, hinges are on the outside, meaning if security is a concern, you have to choose a style without removable pins.
While most exterior doors do, in fact, swing inward, some of them swing outward. Outward-swinging exterior doors are more resistant to severe weather than inward-swinging doors. When installing outward-swinging exterior doors, homeowners and building managers may want to use security hinges.
Outward-opening doors are also more secure than inward-opening doors because they're less likely to be forced open from the inside. Additionally, outward-opening doors can be secured with locks and latches that are located on both the outside and inside of the door, making it difficult for intruders to gain access.
Florida has one of the most stringent building codes in the United States, as all exterior doors must open outward if you live in South Florida. Outward opening doors provide you with an added layer of protection, as an inward swinging door only has a latch and a deadbolt to prevent it from blowing into your home.
The most common way to install French doors is so that they open outwards, but it is possible to have them open inwards instead if you are short of space in your garden.
Outswing doors work much like casement windows. As wind blows against them, the seal actually tightens. This makes outswing doors less susceptible to air and water leaks. Inswing doors have the opposite problem.
Ultimately it's all a matter of preference. If you want to maximise internal floor space, get French doors that open outward. If you want French doors with better weatherproofing that maximise patio or garden space, chose to fit it so your french doors open inwards.
Outward swinging doors are more weatherproof and easier to operate. They do require sufficient space on the outside to operate freely, which means your porch, patio or landing must be large enough to accommodate this need. They are also much harder to force open.
Most people don't, but they do have the option, and there are plenty of reasons to choose one over another. There are definite advantages to both inswing and outswing entrance doors, but, which swing direction is right for you, and what building codes, if any will apply to your specific desires.
Outswing patio doors are grabbing the attention of homeowners who want to maximize their indoor spaces. Outswing doors have the hinges on the outside, giving a cleaner appearance to the room without trying to match the style and color of the interior decor.
Check the hinges to see which way the door swings.
Unless the door is made of flimsy materials, kicking it down will likely only work if the door swings away from you. Hinges are located on the side of the door that swings forward, so if you see hinges, you should avoid kicking down the door.
Hinges on inswing doors are from the inside and outswing doors have them installed from the outside. Since inswing doors are more common, homes are designed to have more interior space to allow the swinging of the door to the inside.
Homes in high-visibility places, like on corner lots, are far less likely to be broken into. There are simply too many potential ways to be seen. But townhomes, houses in the middle of the block, or houses in a cul-de-sac are much better targets.
The strongest doors are generally solid wood or steel, but there are some very sturdy fiberglass doors, some with wood cores, that offer a little more style.
Homes on the outskirts of neighborhoods are more vulnerable, because fewer neighbors will be able to see if a crime is being committed. This includes dead-end streets, cul-de-sacs and locations with few outlets. Any house that's secluded may also be a target. Corner homes are iffy.
In terms of security, the type of patio door that is most secure overall is the French Door. While bifold and sliding doors can be extremely secure, French doors usually take the top spot due to how they operate. French doors have a whole host of features that make them more secure.