What kind of door should go between garage and house?

Question

Are there specific requirements for the door that is the garage access door?

Answer 1

Same as an exterior door with good locks. You won't want someone to break-in thru' your garage.

Answer 2

I agree with Chinara.  Personally, I like metal doors as they are more fire resistant than wood doors and more secure.

Dave

http://www.single-family-home-remodeling...

Answer 3

Code says you need a 1 hour fire rated solid core door between any living space and the garage.

The door that goes to the outside can be anything exterior rated.

Answer 4

No not usually, just make sure it's not easy to break into. Buglers look out for weak side doors to bust through! In my house we have a solid heavy metal door. It's not pretty but it's heavy as h**l! I don't think anyone can break in through it, and if they do they deserve an applause!

Answer 5

depends on the fire codes in your area... check with your local building inspector for the info for your area!! or call a couple of contractors as well.... they should know if there are any codes or laws to this!!

Answer 6

In my area our building code requires an exterior door (which is  1-3/4" thick) and has no glass in it.  A good example is a 6 panel or flush (no panel just flat) steel or fiberglass door unit.   However, I've known people to replace them after inspection with exterior doors that have glass in them such as a 9 lite top (looks like panes) 2 panel bottom steel or fiberglass door units.  I would recommend replacing the whole unit (includes the jamb & exterior brick moulding) as each door manufacturer has their own hinge placements as well as exact heights & widths.  An example size is a 2'8"  x 6'8"

(32" x 80") which the actual measurements may be

31-3/4" x  79-1/4" by one manufacturer and something different by another.

Answer 7

Code in our city requires even the wall between house and garage to be fire rated at 2hrs. this means double layer of 5/8" Type x drywall on one side of the wall.

The door then needs at least a 1hr. rating which can be provided with a metal door and frame (commercial steel door and frame). If you local code does not demand this, I would at least put a 20minute rated wood frame with a solid core door (no glass).

Many new builders don't put the fire wall between the house and garage, because no inspectors ever check for it.

Answer 8

It should be fireproof since many people store flammables in the garage. Many Codes make this mandatory. It should also seal tightly to prevent fumes from entering the home.

Answer 9

chinera answered best many codes require that these doors also be self closing.