Question about garage to interior door

[Robert Jones]

Are the door's that separate the garage from the interior of the home required to be self closing/latching? I did check the IRC 2003 R309.1, and it doesn't make mention of it, just that the door must be fire rated. I was always under the impression that it was to be self closing as well. This home is new construction/2008.

V/R

[hausdok]

Hi Rob,

Not if you read the latest version of the model codes but you need to check with the municipality. Even if they don't require it, it won't hurt to suggest that they add a self-closing hinges and gaskets as an extra preventive safety measure.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

[Robert Jones]

Thanks Mike.

V/R

[Jeremy]

Some muni require them. I personally think they are a waste and not very effective. And a pain. The first thing you are going to do is block it open when it gets in the way, so you still have to manually close it. If you are used to manually closing it without a closer, then it is less likely you will forget to close it when all the groceries are in. I wonder what the statistics really are on that. Was that just a money maker or are there some solid statistical reasons for that rule?