I desperately would like to install my doorbell, but have not yet acquired the screen door, which will obviously impact the location. In trying to determine the swing of the screen door, I am presented with obviously two options, left hand and right hand. The entry door is a left hand swing, and by that I mean when pushing the door in, your left arm hits the hinge side. In the one scenario, i feel that by doing hinges on opposite sides, there is a natural flow into the house. With hinges on the same side, i find I have to go around the storm door so to speak, but access to the lockset on the interior door is better with hinges on the same side. hopefully the picture is clear.
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I think you will find popular convention to be hinged on the same side, a more natural arrangement. Do you want to have to switch hands to open doors? It also would make a little difference if there was some obstruction outside that would cause it to make more sense to do opposite.
We do it both ways.
Natural traffic flow is one consideration.
Another is prevailing direction of wind.
The most common reason I have replaced storms is when the HO refuses my advice to pay attention to wind direction. A storm panel poorly latched in a gale wind is going to wave good bye. Then there are the folks who say they will always latch it securely, who don't think about all the JWs and salespersons who go around sticking flyers in the storm doors.
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THanks for all the responses. I had never considered the wind factor. I'll doublecheck, but I"m pretty sure the wind direction will support the prevailing suggestion of hinges on the same side. So it's settled then. Thanks to you all, I knew I came to the right place.
Neil
some progress pictures of the garage/warehouse i'm converting into my home.
http://neilpuck.photosite.com
The pic on the right is right... Piffin makes a good point about wind, but being that I don't live on an island or windy mountain top, I've never considered that.
I lived 20 odd years with the opposite hingeing (left photo) and 20 years since with the same side (right photo). The 'left' style doesn't feel all that weird and I've never known anyone else to comment on it, so I wouldn't go too far out of my way to avoid it.
In fact when the wind is blowing from the hinge side of the storm, your now-ungloved hands are sheltered as you fumble with your keys to unlock the inside door, and less wind and snow gets inside the actual house.
- Used to live in a snow-belt.
Hinged on the same side is more common and feels more natural. You won't be in a tight spot unlocking the main door. But the other way is acceptable if you have good reason.