Which Doors Can Swing or Open Over A Stairway? - Building Code Information
Front Door vs. Storm Door: Why One Swings Over Stairs and the Other Doesn't
It might seem odd to have different rules for different doors on your home's entrance, but when it comes to swinging over stairs, building codes make a clear distinction between your main entry door and your storm door. Let's explore why.
The Main Entry Door: Safety First
Building codes generally prohibit your main entrance door from swinging outward over stairs. This is primarily for safety reasons:
Collision Risk: Imagine someone exiting your home in a hurry, swinging the door open forcefully, and someone else is on the steps. This could lead to a dangerous collision and potential injuries.
Obstructed Exit: In an emergency, a door swinging outward over stairs could hinder a quick escape. Every second matters, and an obstructed exit path could have serious consequences.
The Storm Door Exception
Interestingly, building codes often allow storm doors to swing outward over stairs, with some caveats. This exception likely exists due to a few factors:
Lightweight Construction: Storm doors are typically made of lightweight materials like aluminum and glass, posing less of a risk in a collision compared to a solid wood or fiberglass entry door.
Limited Swing: Storm doors often have limited swing ranges, reducing the potential for obstructing the stairway.
Secondary Barrier: The storm door acts as a secondary barrier behind the main entry door, which still provides the primary protection and egress path.
How else would it be installed: can both door swing in the same direction, probably not.
Code Requirements for Storm Doors
While storm doors might be allowed to swing over stairs, there are usually restrictions:
Maximum Rise: Building codes might limit the allowable rise (vertical height) of the stairs leading to the door. This ensures the door doesn't swing out over a significant drop-off.
Tread Depth: The depth of the stair tread (the horizontal part you step on) might also be regulated to ensure adequate footing even with the door open.
Building codes can vary from one location to another. It's crucial to consult your local building codes to confirm the specific regulations for your area.
