A sturdy and reliable door gives you peace of mind since you know your mobile home is secure. If your exterior door has damage, you might notice drafts or have trouble locking it. In that case, it’s time to shop for a new door. Once you take measurements, you’ll need to decide which direction the door should open.

When deciding between outswing vs. inswing doors, which is right for you will depend on your climate, security needs, and space allowance. We’ll explain these factors in more detail below.

What’s the Difference Between Outswing and Inswing Doors?

As the names suggest, these types differ in the direction they swing open. Outswing doors open to the outside of your mobile home, while inswing doors open into the room.

For example, say you’re standing on the stoop outside your front door. You’d pull an outswing door toward you to open it, while you’d push an inswing door to go inside your house.

Protection From the Elements

Outswing doors feature compression gaskets that create a stronger seal against high winds and rain. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, outswing doors offer better protection from the elements.

Inswing doors use sweep gaskets, which form a seal when the rubber lip on the bottom of the door brushes the threshold. Because of the friction, this type of seal wears out more quickly. That said, inswing doors are safer in snowy climates. If snow piles up against the door, you can still get out because the door opens into your home.

Security Features

Outswing doors are nearly impossible to kick in, making them a better choice for safety. Some outswing doors have removable pins on the outside, which intruders could remove. Luckily, it’s easy to find mobile home front doors without removable pins.

While inswing doors can be easier to kick in, you can counteract this by installing a deadbolt and a strike plate with longer screws.

Space Allowance

Outswing doors take up more outdoor space because they swing outward. If you have a small stoop, opening an outswing door can be awkward. If there’s a strong wind, the door could swing backward and damage the hinges or the exterior of your mobile home.

Inswing doors are more traditional for front doors. They make it easier to enter your home, but they do limit the space in your entryway. To make the best choice, you should consider the square footage on either side of the door.

If you’d like more information about our mobile home exterior doors, reach out to our product experts for guidance. We’d be happy to help you choose the right type for your home, whether it’s an outswing or inswing door.