How to Install an Egress Door

An egress door is a structure that allows people to quickly exit the structure in case of an emergency. Installing an egress door is similar to a standard door, but with a few important modifications because the door serves a special purpose as an emergency exit. While the laws vary by state, certain buildings, structures and rooms in a house may require a functioning egress door. After installing a new egress door along the perimeter, anyone inside should feel safer knowing that it would be easy to escape in case of danger.

Egress door mounting kit
Egress door
Power drill
Door hinges
Nuts, bolts and fasteners included with the door kit
Warning decals

Instructions

- 1
  Insert the mounting surface device into the door frame, and securely connect the device into the existing structure with the heavy-duty nuts and bolts that were included with the mounting device. By using the intended bolts, you are covered by the durability level indicated by the egress door’s manufacturer.
- 2
  Caulk and seal around the door frame to keep the air conditioning in and pesky insects out.
- 3
  Attach the egress doors to the installed framing device by inserting screws into the frame’s hinges. There should be two or three hinges per door, and many egress doors are installed in pairs. Make certain that you attach the egress doors to the frame so that they open outward for a hurried exit.
- 4
  Test the panic bar attached to the egress door by putting pressure on the bar when the door is closed. The door should open easily when the bar is depressed for safety purposes.
- 5
  Affix any included warning decals to the egress door so that the exiting instructions can be followed instantly in an emergency. Some common cautionary and instructional stickers include Fire, Alarm Will Sound and Push To Open.

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