How to Figure Out Which Way a Screen Door Should Swing

Screen doors, also known as storm doors, provide additional ventilation to a home while keeping insects out of the living area. Some situations limit which direction the screen door can swing while in other cases the direction of swing is purely up to the discretion of the builder. Working through a checklist of items to consider helps determine which way the screen door should swing.

Instructions

- 1
  Ensure that the screen door works in conjunction with the main exterior door. If the screen door is part of a two-part door with an exterior door, the screen door must swing out while the exterior door swings in. The hinges of both doors are on the same side of the doorframe.
- 2
  Determine how much space is available on the surface immediately outside the door. This is especially important if the surface outside the screen door is on a raised landing. If the landing is not large enough to comfortably stand on and allow room for the door to swing to the outside, the screen door should swing to the inside. A screen door that swings in only works if there is no other door inside the screen door.
- 3
  Mount the screen door opening out, if possible. This allows the door to be pushed open easily in the event of an emergency. It also reduces strain on the screen from pets and children pushing on the screen portion of the door as they try to get outside.

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