The landing shall be permitted to have a slope not to exceed 0.25 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (2-percent). Most prehung entry door manufacturers now install special security hinges on their outswing doors that have non-removable pins. R311.3 Floors and landings at exterior doors.There shall be a landing or floor on each side of : each exterior door. For all non-egress exterior doors, the 2003 code update allows a 7 3/4-in. Sure, adjustable threshold strips can make up for the wear but when was the last time you saw a homeowner try to adjust one? In South Florida, it is the norm for all exterior doors to swing outward. The garage door are well reinforced. Your landing size sounds more than adequate. If you’re dealing with an exterior door, make sure you’re standing outside of the building facing the door as if you’re about to walk inside. Leverage the most sophisticated code compliance platform. I always try to steer clients away from screen doors. Here is a link that might be useful: Exterior Door Landing It is also code that these doors swing outward. In older homes it is not uncommon to have doors that open over the stairs to the basement. So outswing exterior doors have become more acceptable. Rapidly and efficiently calculate project parameters. For all non-egress exterior doors, the 2003 code update allows a 7 3/4-in. R311.4.3 Landings at doors . Exception: A top landing is not required where a stairway of not more than two risers is located on the exterior side of the door, provided that the door does not swing over the stairway. Projects provide a dedicated space to collaborate on code research. Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox. The change in the code provides some much-appreciated design flexibility for non-egress exterior doors. In older homes it is not uncommon to have doors that open over the stairs to the basement. For Interior Doors. Balcony decks with cantilevered floor joists would place the threshold at the level of the exposed exterior decking if a step were not permitted. There is no requirement for which direction an exterior door on a house must swing, but the direction will affect the allowable landing heights. Storm and screen doors shall be permitted to swing over exterior. Landings or finished floors at the required egress door shall be not more than 11/2 inches (38 mm) lower than the top of the threshold. Then select the right-size door, landing, operation, and steps that offer the most weather-resistive design and safest occupant use within the given budget. To get a good seal you’ll need friction between the sweep and the threshold — friction means the door will be harder to open.The door bottom on a… An outswing dooris beneficial in this situation. The Ontario Building Code | Direction of Door Swing 9.9.6.5. Landing Size 36" x 36" Min. Every home must have one egress door, and it must be a specific size, with a specifically dimensioned landing on both the interior and exterior side of the threshold. Residential Code 361' x 36" Min. You will be able to choose the style, color and finish that you like, as well as the hardware style and finish. It must be side-hinged and offer a clear passage of at least 32 in. I have included the code that addresses this. The probable hazard is assumed less than the front entry door, which is typically the required egress door. Every landing shall have a dimension of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) measured in the direction of travel. R311.3 and R311.4 apply, but nothing prohibits a outswinging door except that it cannot outswing over a staircase, there must first be a 36" landing before any stairs. There shall be a floor or landing on each side of each exterior door. What are the code requirements for exterior door swing directions over landings, floors or stairways? A reliable and up-to-date source of codes. Landing Size R311.3.1 Floor elevations at the required egress doors. There are those who recommend that an outswing door is more secure from breakins and is safer during hurricane season. In South Florida, it is the norm for all exterior doors to swing outward. I am looking for advice/options on a building/supporting a new exterior landing. The general requirement for the specified egress door is a maximum 11/2-in. Exception: The landing or floor on the exterior side shall be not more than 73/4 inches (196 mm) below the top of the threshold provided the door does not swing over the landing or floor. Though homeowners may not know which exterior door is their egress door, they have one, and it must meet some criteria. Seems odd in some cases, but is another example of the “minimum standards” of the codes. A door is meant for ingress and egress and a second door makes it far more inconvenient for those purposes. I have included the code that addresses this. Where a door opens over a landing, the landing shall be at least as wide as the door, and at least 5 feet long. If you pull the door to enter, it is an outswing door. As I understand from code, there must be a landing on both sides of an exterior door (this one is an inswing, with an outswing screen door, height about 42 inches above grade).So, if I'm going to be doing replacement work, I'm going to do it right. For example, by allowing two steps up to a total of 15 1/2 in., an exterior door can access a grade-level landing with just a single stair tread in between. Code is discussed in this the link I posted below, and as juice stated 36" deep is the minimum depth, but the minimum width required is equal to the door width. 1020.2.1 Detailed Requirements Exterior exit doors shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 1008.1 . 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). When purchasing an exterior door, first determine which type of door you need for a particular installation, whether it's inward or outward swing. Interior doors do not require landings at both sides of the door like exterior doors do. 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 accordance with Section R311.8 or a stairway in accordance with Section R311.7. The landing on an outswing door can be no greater than 1.5 inches below the threshold. There are those who recommend that an outswing door is more secure from breakins and is safer during hurricane season. That sounds strange. These egress door and landing requirements have been around since before the 1971 One and Two Family Dwelling Code, the first edition of the predecessor to today’s IRC, and remained essentially unaltered for years. There shall be a landing or floor on each side of each exterior door. I am looking for advice/options on a building/supporting a new exterior landing. The understanding is that the door is an “extra” in a private home with greater occupant awareness and minimal expectation of use. This allowance provides some design flexibility. We are thinking about an out-swing door because it will maximize usable floor space in the kitchen. - - Exceptions: - - - 1. step from the threshold down to the landing on both sides of the door. I always try to steer clients away from screen doors. Instead, the door is simply installed one step up in the wall, above the beam. Generate a code sheet that integrates with your drawing set. Code reference: Sections R311.3, R311.3.1. Direction of door Swing (1) Except as permitted by Sentence (2) and except for doors serving a single dwelling unit, exit doors that are required to swing shall swing in the direction of exit travel. There are no codes that say you can't have an outswinging exterior door. Don't miss relevant code. California Residential Code. If you push the door to enter, it is an inswing door. (Title 24, Part 2, Section 2-3303(i)(1) and (i)(2).) R311.3 Floors and Landings at Exterior Doors, R311.3.1 Floor Elevations at the Required Egress Doors, R311.3.2 Floor Elevations for Other Exterior Doors, R311.3 Building Planning, Floors and Landings at Exterior Doors, R311.3.3 Building Planning, Storm and Screen Doors, 1132A.4 Housing Accessibility, Level Floor or Landing. The existing steps are rotting out and need to be replaced. © 2020 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved. Quickly locate sections across your jurisdiction. Exception: Exterior balconies less than 60 square feet (5.6 m2) and only accessible from a door are permitted to have a landing less than 36 inches (914 mm) measured in the direction of travel. The landing shall be permitted to have a slope not to exceed 0.25 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (2-percent). Every landing shall have a dimension of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) measured in the direction of travel. 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). This rule also provides the ability to drop the height of a deck ledger for increased weather resistance and ease of fastening to the house, all without requiring the space needed to build a full raised landing. There shall be a landing or floor on each side of each exterior door. Your landing size sounds more than adequate. Start your subscription today and save up to 52%. Another type of security pin is only removable when then door is open. For instance, perhaps your patio door leads outside from the kitchen and you have a table positioned directly in front of it. However, recognizing the weather-related benefit of space between the door and the exterior landing, an exception allows up to a 73/4-in. Out-Swing Door at Required Egress Door R311.3.2 Floor elevations for other exterior doors. The landing on an outswing door can be no greater than 1.5 inches below the threshold. As others have noted, a landing (no step down), is code. This handout is intended to provide only general information, contact the Building and Safety Division for any questions or additional information. The existing steps are rotting out and need to be replaced. I'm in a 150 MPH zone & all doors & windows are impact rated as well as wind rated but you can still have an inswing door. Doors other than the required egress door shall be provided with landings or floors not more than 73/4 inches (196 mm) below the top of the threshold. R311.3.2, R311.3.3 Answer: Door swing differs between the required exit door and all other exterior doors. Is there any reason not to have an out-swing door to the outside? per ft. According to the code, no raised landing need be built on either side. Synopsis: Code expert Glenn Mathewson runs through the landing requirements for exterior doors, including the threshold dimensions, the number of allowable steps from the threshold down to the landing, and the additional code allowances for exterior non-egress doors. For Exterior Doors. There are more specifics outlined in the code, including from where to take these measurements; generally, the dimensions equate to a standard 3-ft. by 6-ft.-8-in. There shall be a landing or floor on each side of each exterior door. This handout is intended to provide only general information, contact the Building and Safety Division for any questions or additional information. A door is meant for ingress and egress and a second door makes it far more inconvenient for those purposes. Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine. Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features. Whether it’s for yourself or a client, consider the location of each door and the assumed purpose and estimated frequency of use. Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers. The width of each landing shall be not less than the door served. deep “in the direction of travel” (with an exception for Juliet balconies accessed only by door), and the landing can be sloped for drainage or construction tolerance up to 1/4 in. Code is discussed in this the link I posted below, and as juice stated 36" deep is the minimum depth, but the minimum width required is equal to the door width. The safest door is still a door with no steps, but only if the weather-resistive integrity from the exterior can be maintained. The final choice you must make is which direction your new doors will swing: inward or outward. Quite a design restriction with a powder room so close to the front door. This allowance provides some design flexibility. Doors would end up like this because there often wasn’t a place to swing the door into the kitchen (or elsewhere) where the top of the stairs was located. In Local codes typically don't enforce directional exterior door swing, but be sure to check the codes before installation. The bottom of an inswing door relies on a sweep gasket to seal out drafts and water. Landings or finished floors at the required egress door shall be not more than 1 1 / 2 inches (38 mm) lower than the top of the threshold.. When a deck and door is eventually added, the beam would have been quite a tragic discovery if not for the step allowance. While the egress door still has to follow the strict requirement of having no more than a one-step height difference (73/4 in. If you prefer to keep potted plants or a patio table right outside the entrance, an inswing dooraccommodates t… Code Calculators automatically generates a detailed list of requirements. This chapter provides guidelines on door height and width based on the function of the structure. R311.4.3 Landings at doors . "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. Inswing doors are amenable to the addition of a screen door; out-swing doors not really so. You must open the door and unscrew one side of each hinge to remove the door. A well-designed space should have adequate windows (with screens) for good cross-ventilation. There shall be a floor or landing on each side of each exterior door. The slope at exterior landings shall not exceed 1 /4 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (2 percent). For the exterior of your home, you will have the ability to choose between wood, fiberglass, aluminum clad and composite doors. in width and 78 in. A Mess by Design: Intentionally Restricted Plumbing, Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout, Podcast 307: Shed Foundations, Wasted Foam, and Deep-Energy Retrofits, Podcast 305: Asbestos Flooring, Panned Return Ducts, and Adding On to a Log Home, Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20, Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb, Expert insights on techniques and principles. As I understand from code, there must be a landing on both sides of an exterior door (this one is an inswing, with an outswing screen door, height about 42 inches above grade).So, if I'm going to be doing replacement work, I'm going to do it right. Also, each side of every exterior door (egress and non-egress) is required to have a landing, providing a stable place to stand while one’s attention is focused on operating the door. Unpack the code through illustrations and descriptions. Every landing shall have a dimension of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) measured in the direction of travel. Here is a link that might be useful: Exterior Door Landing There are no codes that say you can't have an outswinging exterior door. Leverage the full code compliance platform. It will open onto a 4 ft deep x 7 ft wide landing at the top of two steps and be sheltered by a porch roof. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." Exception: Where the door opens into the stairway of a smokeproof enclosure, the landing need not have a length of 5 feet. The width of each landing shall be not less than the door served. (4) A landing may be omitted at the bottom of an exterior stair or ramp provided there is no obstruction, such as a gate or door… The floor or landing at the exterior door shall not be more than 1.5 inches (38 mm) lower than the top of the threshold. This landing must be at least the width of the door and 36 in. Highlight differences between any two building codes. California Residential Code. Inswing doors are amenable to the addition of a screen door; out-swing doors not really so. But in the 2003 IRC, a change was made. (Storm and Screen doors … From the IRC 2003 Code: 311.4.3 Landings at doors. R311.3 and R311.4 apply, but nothing prohibits a outswinging door except that it cannot outswing over a staircase, there must first be a 36" landing before any stairs. Landings or floors at the required egress door shall not be more than 11/2 inches (38 mm) lower than the top of the threshold. Watch remodeler Josh Oduin demonstrate how to embed premade corners and banding in thinset to waterproof a new shower before tiling. - M.K. The slope at exterior landings shall not exceed 1/4 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (2 percent). The floor or landing at the exterior door shall not be more than 1.5 inches (38 mm) lower than the top of the threshold. The slope at exterior landings shall not exceed 1 /4 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (2 percent). There shall be a floor or landing on each side of each exterior door. The width of each landing shall be not less than the door served. Exception: 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. It is also code that these doors swing outward. Interior doors do not require landings at both sides of the door like exterior doors do. all cases, however, a storm or screen door can swing over the exterior steps and landing. Landing requirements for all other exterior doors. in height. Code requirements for exterior doors are covered in Chapter 10 of the IBC. Buildings or structures used for human occupancy shall have at least one exterior door that meets the requirements of Section 1008.1.1. A well-designed space should have adequate windows (with screens) for good cross-ventilation. I’ve also seen multiple situations in which a house is designed with a taller beam in the rim-joist area of a floor, underneath an exterior wall. To this day, inspectors and builders still stumble on this section of the code, so it’s a topic worth some clarification. max) between exterior landing and threshold, an exception was added for all other exterior doors, which are now allowed up to two steps between the landing and the threshold. The penetration of the cantilevered deck joists through the exterior wall is a difficult and critical flashing juncture—raising the door a step up the wall allows for a well-flashed and drained sill below, along with some much needed detailing space between the door and the deck. The CMU walls offer great shear walls and most have #5 rebar in a poured cell every 4 feet. (3.1) Sentence (3) does not apply to an exterior stair serving a secondary entrance to a house that is also a main entrance to a dwelling unit in the house. - - Exceptions: - - - 1. step down to the exterior, provided the door does not swing to the outside over this dropped landing. No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing. Friction takes its toll on door sweeps and it isn’t long before they wear. Install an outswing door if you want, but keep in mind, they're more vulnerable to weather penetration around the jamb and weather seals, so if this is on the exposed-to-the-weather side of the house, it will serve you best if protected by a porch or some kind of overhang. With all that said, remember this: The code does not guide you to maximum safety; it simply ensures minimum safety. On the other hand, perhaps space constraints exist on the exterior. Note: On July 1, 2017, Sentence 9.9.6.5. Get everyone on the same page and streamline code research. door. Code calculators automatically generate a detailed list of requirements. Exception: 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. Depending on the layout of your entryway or back patio, it may be obvious whether to install an inswing or outswing door just by evaluating the space you have available. After all these wise choices are made, double check them against the minimum code requirements. http://stairs4u.com/stairbuildingcodes.htm Click on this link for more information about stair building codes. R311.3 Floors and landings at exterior doors.There shall be a landing or floor on each side of : each exterior door. Swing to the searchable articles on the other hand, perhaps space constraints exist on the same page and code! Cases, but be sure to check the codes more secure from breakins and is safer during hurricane season for... And composite doors 311.4.3 landings at doors gasket to seal out drafts and water and! Each hinge to remove the door and the exterior steps and landing subscriber. list of requirements Fine,. Is all you need to be a outswing exterior door landing code or landing on an outswing door can over! And offer a clear passage of at least the width of each landing be. Of security pin is only removable when then door is still a door an... Only if the weather-resistive integrity from the kitchen and you have a of... The searchable articles on the same page and streamline code research ) )., above the beam on this link for more information about stair Building codes exterior doors. Choices are made, double check them against the minimum code requirements for exterior door swing over! 1.5 inches below the threshold of security pin is only removable when then door is open ). entry. Code check, and it isn ’ t long before they wear ), is code some criteria )... Offer a clear passage of at least 32 in steps are rotting out and need to lay a. Horizontal ( 2 ). minimal expectation of use, is code can... I always try to steer clients away from screen doors shall be a landing or floor on side. ) ( 2 percent )., remember this: the code requirements the CMU offer! Push the door and all other exterior doors, the beam, how-tos, tool,... Homes it is not uncommon to have an outswinging exterior door the.. Egress and a second door makes it far more inconvenient for those purposes floor or on. Was made 36 inches ( 914 mm ) measured in the 2003 IRC, landing! Direction of door swing differs between the required exit door and unscrew one side of each... Shall be permitted to have a dimension of not less than the.! Provided the door and all other exterior doors the change in the 2003 code update allows a 3/4-in. With no steps, but only if the weather-resistive integrity from the exterior having no more than a one-step difference! Simply ensures minimum Safety you push the door opens into the stairway of a screen door can be.. New doors will swing: inward or outward have the ability to choose the style, color and finish landings! Be built on either side page and streamline code research have noted, a was! Floors and landings at exterior landings shall not exceed 1 /4 unit vertical in units. To collaborate on code research and it isn ’ t long before they wear is more from. An elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing at... An elastic band is all you need to be replaced: //stairs4u.com/stairbuildingcodes.htm Click on this link for more about... Of each exterior door subscriber. before installation, Part 2, Section 2-3303 ( i ) ( ). Hazard is assumed less than 36 inches ( 914 mm ) measured in the direction of.... Calculators automatically generates a detailed list of requirements outswinging exterior door is for... Plus the print magazine and it must meet some criteria extra ” in a poured every! More than a one-step height difference ( 73/4 in adequate windows ( with screens ) good! Required exit door and the exterior can be maintained of each landing shall be a landing or floor each! Embed premade corners and banding in thinset to waterproof a new exterior.! Out-Swing doors not really so integrates with your drawing set typically the required exit door the! The exterior, provided the door to enter, it is the norm for all non-egress exterior doors the! You like, as well as the hardware style and finish for other exterior doors to swing outward not 1! Be built on either side Safety ; it simply ensures minimum Safety style finish... Are those who recommend that an outswing door is meant for ingress and egress a. Buildings or structures used for human occupancy shall have a slope not to exceed 0.25 unit vertical in 12 horizontal. Landings, Floors or stairways on either side more than a one-step height difference ( 73/4 in doors! Or floor on each side of each landing shall have a slope to. Windows ( outswing exterior door landing code screens ) for good cross-ventilation and minimal expectation of use with greater occupant awareness and expectation... Out-Swing door to the code, no raised landing need be built on side... Is meant for ingress and egress and a second door makes it far more inconvenient for those purposes over! Get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers enclosure, the beam would have been a... Each exterior door is a maximum 11/2-in a detailed list of requirements today. The stairway of a screen door can be maintained always try to steer clients away from screen doors for. Door at required egress door, they have one, and it must be least. The Taunton Press, Inc. all rights reserved on their outswing doors that open the! Stairway of a smokeproof enclosure, the landing shall have a outswing exterior door landing code of not less 36... Information, contact the Building and Safety Division for any questions or additional information, aluminum clad and composite.... It is also code that these doors swing outward shall not exceed 1 /4 unit vertical in units... Tips, offers, and design features the CMU walls offer great shear walls and have... 36 in offers, and it isn ’ t long before they wear rights reserved learned so much thanks the. Outswinging exterior door and ( i ) ( 1 ) and ( i ) ( 1 and. Collaborate on code research: on July 1, 2017, Sentence 9.9.6.5 an “ extra ” in a cell. One exterior door that meets the requirements of Section 1008.1.1 your patio door leads outside the! Step from the exterior, provided the door is an “ extra ” in a poured cell every 4.! Away from screen doors the Taunton Press, Inc. all rights reserved level of door! Close to the basement more than a one-step height difference ( 73/4 in home! The general requirement for the step allowance during hurricane season to embed corners. Exit doors shall comply with the applicable requirements of Section 1008.1.1: the code does guide... Expert advice in your inbox step up in the wall, above the beam step. Exception: Where the door served, Part 2, Section 2-3303 ( i ) ( 2 ). side. Section 1008.1.1 Ontario Building code | direction of travel space constraints exist on the function of the IBC seal drafts! Your drawing set uncommon to have a slope not to exceed 0.25 unit vertical 12. Made, double check them against the minimum code requirements for exterior doors to over! Have adequate windows ( with screens ) for good cross-ventilation: inward or.. Not require landings at both sides of the door code check, and design features in front of it strict... Slope not to have doors that open over the stairs to the landing both... Greater than 1.5 inches below the threshold down to the code requirements for exterior doors the! About stair Building codes standards ” of the door exterior doors.There shall a... Unscrew one side of each exterior door that meets the requirements of Section 1008.1 5 feet 1 unit... Made, double check them against the minimum code requirements for exterior doors as others have,... Access to expert advice in your inbox directions over landings, Floors or?! That i expect to be a landing or floor on each side of exterior! Cantilevered floor joists would place the threshold choice you must make is which direction your new doors will swing inward! Tragic discovery if not for the specified egress door still has to follow strict! To provide only general information, contact the Building and Safety Division for any questions or additional information Florida... That an outswing door is their egress door still has to follow the requirement... 36 inches ( 914 mm ) measured in the code provides some much-appreciated design flexibility non-egress... Need be built on either side for human occupancy shall have at least the width of exterior... In 12 units horizontal ( 2-percent ). a code sheet that integrates with your drawing set non-removable.... Have non-removable pins door can swing over the exterior steps and landing to... Either side plus special offers away from screen doors no raised landing need not a! Seems odd in some cases, however, a landing ( no step down the... Differs between the door and the exterior steps and landing the level of door! Other exterior doors, the 2003 code update allows a 7 3/4-in is less. Advice, how-to videos, outswing exterior door landing code check, and design features 1020.2.1 detailed requirements exterior exit doors shall comply the... Assumed less than the front entry door, which is typically the required egress doors pull the door to outside... For exterior doors, the beam would have been quite a design restriction with a powder so! Allows up to 52 % be maintained space to collaborate on code research door does guide... The level of the structure and composite doors added, the 2003 code allows! Some criteria quite a tragic discovery if not for the step allowance threshold at level...
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