Why do doors open outwards in Florida?

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.

info.alcoimpact.com - Why Do the Doors on Florida Homes Open Outward?

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(We've updated this post as of July 2022. Enjoy!)

The vast majority of exterior doors across the country swing inward due to convenience. However, the building code for South Florida requires exterior doors for homes and public buildings to open outward for safety reasons. These building code regulations were adopted after Hurricane Andrew’s devastating impact in 1992, as all new construction must stay in compliance with these rules.

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The Basics of Entry Doors

An exterior door has a relatively simple set-up, including a large board attached to a frame with a few pin hinges. This simple design is easy for contractors to build and install, which saves everyone a lot of time while also keeping costs to a minimum. These entry doors can also be disassembled if you need to move large furniture in or out of your house. However, it is always a good idea to install outward opening doors with protected hinges to make it more difficult for criminals to enter your home. Ultimately, this added security layer makes it more challenging for intruders to remove the door and give you peace of mind.

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Why Outswing Doors are Safer

One of the main benefits of using an outswing door is that it's a safer option than doors that open inward. Safety is especially important for public buildings, as an inward swing door can make it nearly impossible for a group of people to exit due to an emergency. On the other hand, entry doors that swing open allow for a quicker exit. The one drawback of using an outward front door opening is unintentionally hitting someone in the face. Always staying careful while you open the door is a good idea to avoid this situation. Keeping up with the latest building codes for South Florida is essential for homeowners. Failure to follow these regulations can often cost you a lot of money if your home suffers damages due to a hurricane. 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 updated Florida Building Code is designed to avoid airborne objects flying at 140 mph or higher from blasting through your exterior door and causing significant damages. A compromised door dramatically changes the air pressure in your home, and it can cause your roof to blow off in the most extreme circumstances. Fortunately, you can avoid such a dire scenario by investing in impact doors that use an outward swing for additional hurricane safety.

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Other Benefits of Outswing Impact Doors

Entry doors that open outward offer a wide range of benefits and continue to grow in popularity. An outswing door with impact glass makes it nearly impossible for criminals to break into your home. Impact glass is manufactured to withstand flying objects without shattering and breaking into a million pieces. You can also choose from various impact door designs, such as metal, sliding glass, entryway, fiberglass, and french doors. You will also not have to worry about criminals removing the hinge pins due to their innovative design. However, it is essential to remember that you cannot use a screen door with an entryway door that swings outward. Another benefit of using outward opening doors is that it gives you additional interior space. This extra space is especially important in small rooms with limited options for furnishings. An impact door can also reduce your energy bill each month while also minimizing outside noise. Ultimately, this creates a more peaceful environment while also helping you save money. Reaching out to a professional impact door installer can help you determine the best type of entry door to use for your home.

Learn More About Impact Doors With Alco

We've assembled a comprehensive, FREE guide to help you learn all about the benefits of impact doors! Alco Windows and Doors has more than three decades' worth of combined experience in protecting homes and businesses with impact products. We work with all of the significant impact door manufacturers, and satisfaction is always guaranteed. You can also choose from a variety of financing options for your entry doors. Our team is licensed and insured, as we understand the importance of installing outward opening doors to maintain compliance with the Florida Building Code. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Learn more about the importance of using an outswing impact door for your home or business!

info.alcoimpact.com - Why Do the Doors on Florida Homes Open Outward?

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