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Back door

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  • Unsure if this helps but the following was mentioned about an outward opening door in the survey report:

    The door to the rear of the property is noted to be outward opening. With the exception of a door

    opening directly onto the public highway, there are no regulatory issues preventing an outward

    opening door. However, in the UK they are less common than inward opening doors for a number

    of reasons. The most common of which is the fact that during periods of high wind the door may be

    blown wide open by the wind which can damage the hinges. In addition, sometimes, outward

    opening doors can also be considered less secure than inward opening doors as the hinges are on

    the outside, therefore, it is easier to remove the door from the frame in order to gain access to the

    property.


  • stuart45
    stuart45 Posts: 4,848 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    In heavy snow it can be difficult to open an outwards opening door.
  • stuart45
    stuart45 Posts: 4,848 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    DE_612183 said:
    I would presume it's to do with the exterior door frame needing to be watertight, but then again it depends on the type of door and frame...
    That's what concerns me
    Apart from lashings of sealant, what seals frames against brickwork ?
    The frame seal against the brickwork jamb is the same for both types of opening. Sealant wasn't used when timber frames were built in.
  • 35har1old
    35har1old Posts: 1,902 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    DE_612183 said:
    I would presume it's to do with the exterior door frame needing to be watertight, but then again it depends on the type of door and frame...
    That's what concerns me
    Apart from lashings of sealant, what seals frames against brickwork ?
    There's no difference in sealing a outward opening door as ihr frame is the same.
    Outward opening door is more secure.


  • Murmansk
    Murmansk Posts: 1,135 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 500 Posts Name Dropper
    Putting to one side the question of the hinge "knuckles"  being on the outside you could argue that an outward opening door is much less vulnerable to being kicked inwards as three edges of the door are resting against the door frame, so it'd be hard to break it down. You could add hinge bolts on the hinge side if you are worried about that vulnerability.


  • Theoretically an outward opening door is a bit less secure as the hinges are on the outside (and exposed to the elements).
    However modern secure doors with deadbolts etc are pretty secure
    And it's impossible to kick in an outward opening door!
  • Chloe_G
    Chloe_G Posts: 393 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    We've got three opening outward UPVC doors (kitchen, dining room and balcony) installed at the suggestion of the window company to provide more space.  They're OK but, with hindsight, we wish they opened inwards as they are awkward when it's windy and we can't really leave them ajar in hot weather unless we attached some sort of hook and catch to prevent them banging in the wind.  If we get them replaced I think we'd opt for inward opening.
  • MACKEM99
    MACKEM99 Posts: 1,059 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Fifth Anniversary Name Dropper
    Could it be to do with the fact that you are opening the door towards you and have to go around it if that makes sense?  
  • stuart45
    stuart45 Posts: 4,848 Forumite
    Sixth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    MACKEM99 said:
    Could it be to do with the fact that you are opening the door towards you and have to go around it if that makes sense?  
    I've never heard of that reason, but it will always be opening towards you at some point when you go on and out. 
    Opening out is potentially dangerous for someone at the door, especially if the wind catches it.
  • martindow
    martindow Posts: 10,566 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    In many countries it is normal for doors to open outwards and it does make for more usable space in the building.  Similarly in countries like France windows open inwards which makes window cleaning easier and safer.
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