Identifying Exterior Door Swing: Left or Right Guide?

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Are you installing new exterior doors on your home but aren’t sure which way they should swing? Determining whether a door swings left or right may seem trivial, but it’s super important, especially when it comes to installation and functionality. In this helpful guide, we’ll walk you through the process of identifying the swing of exterior doors and explain why it matters.

Why Does Door Swing Direction Matter?

Understanding the direction in which your door swings is crucial for several reasons. First, it affects the flow and usability of a space. Doors that swing the wrong way can obstruct pathways and furniture and disrupt the functionality of your home. 

It’s also crucial for security and weather resistance. The correct door swing ensures that the door properly seals against its frame, which can affect energy efficiency and safety.

Furthermore, knowing your door’s swing is essential when replacing or installing new doors. Incorrect door orientation can lead to costly adjustments or replacements, and nobody has time for that. Identifying the correct door swing from the outset saves time, effort, and money, to ensure a seamless home improvement experience without the headache of needing to redo your work.

How to Tell if an Exterior Door is Left or Right

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Correctly identifying the swing of your door is essential for functionality and proper installation. In this section, we’ll walk you through simple steps to figure out the swing direction of your door. Let’s dive in!

Determining the Outside of the Door

This might sound silly, but it’s important, so pay attention. To determine the correct door swing, start by identifying the outside of the door. Of course, determining which side isn’t always straightforward. After all, the inside and outside of the door look similar, but there are a few different ways you can tell:

1. Are there any identifying marks from the manufacturer? If so, follow those.

2. If you have a peephole, look through it. You should only be able to see from the inside.

3. Is there a door knocker on the door? If so, the side with the door knocker will indicate which side should face outward.

If both sides of the door look identical, it doesn’t necessarily matter which side is facing outward, but you still need to determine its swing.

How to Determine Which Way Your Door Swings

The final aspect of determining door swing is figuring out whether it’s an inswing or an outswing door. Here are a few ways to determine what kind of door you’re working with:

Inswing Doors

If the hinges are on your left from the outside, it’s a left-handed inswing door. If the hinges are on the right, it’s a right-handed inswing door.

Outswing Doors

On the other hand, if the hinges are on your left from the outside, you have a right-handed outswing door. If on your right, it’s a left-handed outswing door.

As we said, most exterior doors open into the home, but some exceptions exist. Knowing whether your door is an inswing or outswing, along with the hand orientation, is crucial for ordering and installing the correct door.

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6 Benefits of a New Exterior Door

Installing a new exterior door isn’t just about aesthetics. It comes with a ton of useful benefits, including:

1. Enhanced Security

New doors feature advanced locking systems and reinforced materials that provide a stronger barrier against intruders and enhance your home’s overall safety.

2. Increased Energy Efficiency

Modern doors are better insulated, which reduces energy costs. They also seal more tightly against the frame which minimizes drafts and improves temperature control within your home.

3. Improved Home Value

An attractive, high-quality door increases curb appeal and resale value.

4. Reduced Maintenance

Newer materials require less upkeep and are better at resisting inclement weather. This means less time and money spent on maintenance and repairs.

5. Better Sound Insulation

High-quality doors block outside noise more effectively to create a quieter and more peaceful indoor environment.

6. Customization

Choose materials and styles that match your home’s decor and your personal taste. Customization allows you to tailor the look and functionality of your door to meet your specific needs and preferences that creates a perfect fit for your home.

Replace Your Exterior Doors with Metrie

Understanding the swing of your exterior door is absolutely crucial in maintaining the functionality and aesthetics of your home. Whether you’re upgrading to a more stylish or energy-efficient model, at Metrie, we offer you a wide range of exterior doors that combine elegance with functionality. 

Explore our extensive product line and transform your home with doors that aren’t just entries but gateways to a better living space. Contact us today to learn more!