First off, I found a great discussion thread on the topic here. The best comment was clearly "Creates a clear threshold that magical creatures cannot cross without being invited".
The other one was how it was easier for emergency services to break down the door (and for police, HMRC, etc, too) if it is inward opening.
It seems to be the case that in the UK, and apparently the US, external doors normally open inwards. Some other countries (Sweden was mentioned) do not follow this rule.
I used to have a house that opened right on to the street, and for that an outward opening door (especially with no window) would have been, err, fun. But here I am opening on to our drive.
My reasoning is simple, and applies to both internal and external doors - I want to maximise the space I have been graciously given by my wife for my "man cave", and outward opening doors help with that. The internal door uses the same space as a cupboard in the utility room, so a no brainer - not taking away any extra space doing that. The external door is more interesting.
I can see two obvious downsides to this, and ways to address them:-
One is quite important - the hinges are exposed and someone could break them, cut them off, pop the pins out, or some such. Obviously this would trip the alarm, but a smash and grab could get stuff. The answer is, however, very simple - hinge bolts. They stop the hinge side being forced like that. Only issue is why they are labelled "Window Hinge Bolts"???
The only other real concern (and magical creatures are not an issue, AFAIK), is catching in the wind. I am not sure I need to worry - it will simply be a matter of being careful, but I plan to try installing a concealed door closer in the top of the door limiting it to 110° and closing the door nicely. I may try this on internal door first to see how well it works.
Sandra has a concern if she was to park too close on the drive, but to be honest, I do not see the size of a door being an issue, even if a 3ft wide one.
> Sandra has a concern if she was to park too close on the drive
ReplyDeleteA sensor on the door, at bumper level, which flashes a light at visible-in-a-rear-view-mirror level mounted on the outside of the garage?
I doubt it will be an issue, but I was thinking maybe something ultra sonic to disrupt the parking sensors.
DeleteThose look a bit plasticy? I was expecting something more akin to http://www.solonsecurity.co.uk/assets/images/products/medium/BD0503HingeBoltsACTION.jpg
ReplyDeleteThey are metal and heavy with a white coating.
DeleteNever mind Sandra's parking; what if there's a really heavy snow fall, maybe drifting against the house? You'd be stuck in your cave until spring; just like the neanderthals!
ReplyDeleteHa! For a start, not the only door to the room. Also, quite high off the ground. Really not an issue...
DeleteAs long as there's water, coffee, food, a programmer's workstation and other essentials of life in there, does being stuck actually matter?
DeleteSurely the main reason for opening inwards is to stop the door getting a soaking every time you open it during an English summer.
ReplyDeleteI'd have thought the main reason was so you don't smash people in the face with a door when they visit you :p
DeleteOTOH Given some of the callers I've had I'm starting to warm to the idea of an outward opening door...
I believe it's the norm - required, even - for exit doors in commercial buildings to open outwards. This is because in an emergency, a pile up of panicked people could prevent you from opening a door inwards to escape, while an outwards opening door will always work.
ReplyDeleteI was expecting a whole blog article on the choice of electronic locks!
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing the lock itself is something like this:
http://www.fshlocking.com.au/products/electromechanical-drop-bolts/ve1260
But would be interested in the access control system, as I know you'll have made a good choice!
Sometimes it's quicker to put a window through in fact!
ReplyDeleteThe internal door is a pretty slide fire door with the same locks but probably not quite as sturdy.
ReplyDelete