Beside the fact that a home entrance door is, indeed, a gem, the perfect welcome sign to your home and the first thing that a guest sees when arriving at your property – it is also a tool, a piece of equipment, and thus – it must be selected with reason and practicality in mind. And in this regard, one thing is certain: Outward opening front doors, or outswing doors, are excellent in terms of arrangement of space in the entrance area and the insulation of the door opening itself. This blog post will focus on the relevant advantages of an outward opening entrance door from Poland, which can be utilised perfectly both in Ireland as well as in the UK.
An outswing entrance door – why, exactly?
There are regions that experience more winds than not, and still others where rain and snow are significant components of the weather. In such regions, in particular any seaside locations across Great Britain and Ireland, or, say, around Scotland, the properties of an outward entrance door could prove themselves. It is generally more windy close to bodies of water, as the space is rather unobstructed by trees, hills and buildings.
Construction aspects
An outswing front door differs significantly in terms of technical details from a door that opens inwards: This is primarily due to the hinges that lie on the outside. The hinges are visible from the outside – hence one must choose a special model or additional equipment in order to prevent burglaries – as many burglars will consider clearly visible hinges to be the weak spot they should go for if trying to break in. These structural issues point to the following: the visible hinges require special protection against a potential attack.
In all other respects, this type of door is quite similar to any other: multi-chamber profiles of aluminium or steel are used, with a sandwich filling to ensure stability and thermal insulation despite weather influences. For such a door type (and indeed for many types of entrance doors, in particular for hardwood entrance doors) it is recommended that a small canopy or roof be built above the entrance area so that the door leaf is protected against foul weather. Side protection of the entrance area is also a good idea in such a situation – so that the door and indeed the entire area is comprehensively protected if the weather is bad.
The practical aspects of outswing entrance doors, or in other words: the advantages
A front door that opens to the outside provides several pertinent advantages. Despite this, many customers – especially potential users – have great reservations with respect to such door systems. Two notions must be considered in this regard: For one, it is advantageous to first and foremost get to know more about this and sort of research the structural specifics about such a door. The second thing is to get advice from someone who is better-versed in this regard and would be able to respond to your questions – and in this area, the experienced specialists from Fenbro will help you and clear up any doubts. In this way, you will always be in the clear with respect to any and all properties of outward front doors: You will be advised by our Sales Specialists in English. Simply contact us – we’re ready to help you any way we can.
Weather safety of an outswing entrance door
Outward entrance doors will prove themselves in particular during unfavourable weather conditions. Take wind for instance: The wind load will press the door leaf into the frame, thus ensuring a particularly tough seal of the entrance area – in practice the stronger the wind, the tighter the door will remain closed.
The situation is similar in case of rain and snow: An outswing door will be tighter when it rains – especially in case of intense rain – and provides better protection during a storm. The leaf presses more intensely against the seals, making it impossible for the water to get in. In many cases the stress and wear on the seals is also lower as compared to an inward opening door.
Arrangement options of the interior in case of an outward front door
Such an entrance door will also work wonders for the interior: If the door leaf swings out during opening, then it doesn’t take up space inside the building, allowing free and unhindered arrangement of the space in the entrance area behind the door – allowing the inhabitants to make better use of this space.
If one would additionally consider the recommendation to have a canopy or small roof above such an outswing door, then the arrangement options of the chamber just behind the door open up even more: This entire area will be better protected against the wind and rain, and hence, even in foul weather one will gain assurance that the door leaf, and indeed the interior of the house, may be freely arranged without there being significant risk of damage. Honestly, our experts recommend having small roofs above any kind of entrance door – because this is always useful in case of unfriendly weather.
Usage of an outswing entrance door as an emergency escape door
In an emergency, a front door that opens outward is even better than one that opens inward: emergency exits always open outward so that one can simply push the door open while running. You don’t always think clearly in an emergency, and to put it simply: you should make life as easy as possible for yourself. In an emergency, it’s easier to push a large bar handle and leave the building without stopping than to have to break your pace and pull the door open.
Burglary protection with an outward entrance door
Many potential users are unsure about the burglary protection offered by outward-opening front doors. Since the door hinges are on the outside, they can, of course, be easily unscrewed from the street side. However, there is a very simple solution: rear hinge locks. You install a hinge lock, and in such a case, it is impossible to lift the door leaf out of the frame even if the hinges are unscrewed. Such a door is also less susceptible to any sort of direct force attack, because the hinges press against the door frame.
Do outward entrance doors have any shortcomings?
It cannot be denied that outswing front doors have their downsides. They are neither significant nor insurmountable, however, for completeness, they have to be indicated. Fenbro Sales Specialists are fully versed in all these aspects and will advise you comprehensively.
The first thing to note is that front doors that open outward should be protected from the elements – especially if they are hardwood doors. This has already been mentioned, but it bears repeating. Weather influences, particularly direct sunlight, rain and snow, pose a risk. If a wooden door is exposed to moisture without protection, it will warp, twist, lose its shape, and may no longer fit into the frame. In general, however, even if your new door leaf is not hardwood, it should be protected from the elements – and this is ensured by a canopy or small roof over the entrance area: It will protect the sensitive front door from snow and rain as well as excessive sunlight. Side protection in the form of panels or other surfaces is also beneficial.
As an alternative, an outswing front door may require drip flashing or some kind of awning: In such a case, if you open the door, rain water would not hit it. If one does not plan on using a canopy above the door, flashing is definitely recommended – but that does not mean that it will be sufficient.
In colder climates (but in temperate ones as well: Europe mostly belongs to the cold temperate zone), snow may collect outside the door in the Winter, and leaves in Autumn – making the door difficult to open. They should be regularly removed. Should excess ice or leaves collect at the door, then they will cause damage if the door were to be opened without due consideration.
As mentioned earlier, a front door of this type requires stronger hinges and, in some cases, enhanced security features to prevent break-ins. Another significant vulnerability that burglars could exploit is the door hinges, which, on outward-opening doors, are easily accessible to anyone from the street side. One may use hinge locks of various designs can be used. They serve as protection devices and reinforce door hinges. Note that if the hinges are on the outside, they often require lubrication to prevent corrosion.
If you want to make an outward-opening front door even more secure, additional security measures are available, such as extra hinges in various resistance classes, high-quality or multi-point locks, keyless entry systems, alarm systems, motion detectors or surveillance cameras. Of course, this also applies to inward-opening doors. Fenbro Sales Specialists can offer additional equipment for your door – just ask.
Proper care for an outward opening door
An outswing door is somewhat more exposed to wind and adverse weather conditions than a door that opens to the inside. In general, however, it does not require much more care than such.
Some water, washing-up liquid and a soft cloth are sufficient to wipe the frame, window leaf and door knob clean. Washing-up liquid is sufficient and is able to stand its ground against special cleaning products: The fat-dissolving properties combined with gentle care for the outer surface, advantageous for sometimes delicate outer surface film coats, are just right.
Outward entrance doors might possibly provide less difficulties with seals and any water intrusions, however, one needs long-lasting, durable, robust hinges that will endure the outside environment. And Fenbro door experts repeat: Hinges will last longer if they are regularly lubricated.
A word about the quality of outswing entrance doors from Poland
Should you decide to acquire a new outswing entrance door for your house – it should be a front door from Poland. And why, exactly? Let’s consider the fact that the Polish window and door industry is innovative, strong and ready for the future. Only top-quality materials are used, and new ideas and solutions are being thought up continuously – all for the purpose of making doors from Poland more durable.
Front doors from Poland, available at Fenbro, may be manufactured out of any materials: Steel doors to boast of undisputable strength and power, front doors of aluminium to reflect the modern approach, or wooden doors – for elegance and tradition. Or perhaps you are interested in Polish entrance doors from composite materials? With top insulation and sealing, in any one of a plethora of forms – every homeowner will find something for themselves – and they will never get as good service as they will at Fenbro.
In closing: Outswing entrance doors – the great way to do a door
While inward-opening front doors are the most common, outward-opening doors are a practical and sometimes advantageous option. They can save space, offer enhanced safety and improved weather resistance in certain situations. However, be sure to consider potential drawbacks, such as snow buildup and hinge security, and take appropriate measures to minimise risks.
Take a moment to consider the factors mentioned above. Think about your specific needs, the layout of your home, and your local surroundings. By carefully considering these points, you can be sure to choose the best type of front door for your property. And should you have further questions or if you’d just like to discuss your particular situation with an expert – turn to the Fenbro Sales Specialists – we’re always here for you. You can mail us, contact us on WhatsApp or just call. We’re waiting for you!
Frequently asked questions
Am I simply permitted to install an outward entrance door?
In general, yes. However, note the way the area in front of your house is designed, whether you will have sufficient space at the door, if your new outswing door would reach far into the pedestrian walkway.
What happens if I don’t have some kind of canopy above my entrance area?
In short: It’s not gonna be a catastrophe, but after a few rain storms you’ll see that your front door will suffer from the weather. And in case your entrance door is at least partly made of wood – the effects will let themselves be noticed even faster. Keep in mind that a canopy, small roof and/ or side protection for an outward door may constitute warranty conditions.
How can I protect my door against burglars?
Safety hinges and special hinge protectors are sincerely recommended to protect your outswing front door.
May I have a fanlight with an outward house door?
Naturally! However, note that the design of the entrance area and the necessity of having a canopy or small roof may clash with a fanlight. Note that when taking measurements for your front door before purchase.
How should I care for my new outswing door?
In terms of care, such a door is basically no different than a door that opens inwards – just give it a good once over from time to time, and don’t forget to lubricate the hinges.
Are outward front doors properly thermally insulated anyway?
Of course – and if the wind would be strong, they are even better than an inward opening door, because the wind presses the door against the seals. Thus, heat losses are avoided and savings on heating ensured.
Is such a door even practical in everyday use?
Considering the freedom to arrange the interior, the sealing property and the advantages of the additional canopy – then absolutely yes!
Where can I get an outswing front door?
Well, we’re not going to beat around the bush – Fenbro is your best choice here! We provide made-to-measure outswing front doors from a variety of materials, in any forms and styles. Doesn’t matter if you reside in London, Dublin or Cork – such a door will make your property stand out and gain value!
