Local codes typically don t enforce directional exterior door swing but be sure to check the codes before installation.
Exterior door swing code.
For all non egress exterior doors the 2003 code update allows a 7 3 4 in.
In south florida it is the norm for all exterior doors to swing outward.
Any other exterior door has a threshold height limited to 7 inches.
Where exterior landings or floors serving the required egress door are not at grade they shall be provided with access to grade by means of a ramp in.
This allowance provides some design flexibility.
Landing requirements for all other exterior doors.
Inswing exterior doors dominate the residential market but a better case can be made for an entry door that swings out rather than in.
I think the building codes should be changed to favor outswing doors in all but a few instances.
When purchasing an exterior door first determine which type of door you need for a particular installation whether it s inward or outward swing.
This code outlines door construction requirements the different types of hardware that should.
The landing or floor on the exterior side shall be not more than 7 3 4 inches 196 mm below the top of the threshold provided the door does not swing over the landing or floor.
Means of egress doors in the irc.
Doors to individual hotel or motel units shall operate similarly except that when the bolt and unlatching operation is key operated from corridor or exterior side of the unit door large bow keys 2 inch full bow or 1 1 4 inch half bow shall be provided in lieu of lever type hardware on the corridor side.
For instance codes in hurricane prone areas may require exterior doors to swing in rather than out.
2018 irc section r311 3 1 restricts threshold height a required exit door in residences to 1 inches from the top of the the threshold to the floor or landing on each side of the door.
Step down on the interior and up to two steps down to the landing on the exterior regardless of which way the door swings it can only swing over one step.
There are those who recommend that an outswing door is more secure from breakins and is safer during hurricane season.
This is a pretty strong statement that will raise a few neck hairs so if you don t.