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The Old House Porches & Decks Remodeling

30" Double 6 lite doors. Are (2) 30" doors too small for a front door?

2 years ago

We currently have a door and side lights. We want to change that to double doors. Our current setup is close to a one wall, so by doing (2) 30" doors, we gain a little more space on that side.

We have asked around and have received mixed opinions.

Here is the style door we are looking at and the current door setup.

Featured Answer

PRO

myricarchitect

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

Yes it actually works out very well and IMHO the proportions look better on an old house. We had a big front door and sidelites and replaced with a pair of French doors for light and views. I’ll try to find a pic. See if your existing rough opening is 5’-4” wide, use the entire width for the new pair of doors. You say the door is close to a wall inside, you can make that side the passive door.

We added surface mounted head and foot bolts to seal the door closed at the top and bottom since we did not use the manufacturer’s multi point lock hardware.

The original wood door rotted and leaked, ruined the floor and subfloor in the door area. The replacement doors never had a problem with water or air intrusion.

When we moved large furniture in and out we opened both doors, but that was rare.

Just be aware there is a possible building code issue though if this is considered the home’s egress door, depending on how the code official interprets the IRC language about what counts as clear passage. Some interpretations are that an active panel door smaller than 3’ wide is not sufficient to meet 32” wide clearance, and that the passive door can’t be included in the width, some say it can. Usually there is a back or side door that can be the 3’ egress door of the house.

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Comments (6)

millworkman
2 years ago
30" is definitely too small. I would absolutely not go with anything narrower than 3'-0", even in a pair of doors.
User
2 years ago
Think about what needs to go through doors, furniture & appliances. I agree 30" is much too narrow.
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HU-968198033
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
There are (2) 30" doors. This makes it a 60" opening. There would be no issue getting furniture/appliances through.
millworkman
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
I personally would not want to have to walkthrough my front door at 30" with anything in my arms. Double doors are also not that easy to operate the inactive leaf with things in your arms. Then there is the fact that double doors do not seal as well as single doors and thus are more prone to water and air infiltration. It is your house do what you want but you asked peoples opinions. Not sure if you truly wanted opinions or confirmation of your decision.
PRO
myricarchitect
2 years ago
Here’s the front door that was replaced with a pair of French doors 5’-4” wide, for more light & view

(Several other 6’ wide doors w/ sidelites were replaced with 5’ wide ones like the ones below. It was not a problem with width, the passive panel could be opened when needed. I don’t have before pics, this was part of the 2004 case when Marvin replaced all existing doors & windows because of a finish problem.)

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