Looking for an entry door with window/screen

[Contrary1]

I would really like to replace the steel entry door from the garage. There is a wonderful breeze that would help cool the house in the summer.

Normally, it would just take a regular storm door to give us a screened window, but the problem is that the steel entry door opens inward. There are 3 steps down from the garage to enter the house, and the concrete at the base of these steps was poured at a slight slant, so a door opening the other way is not an option.

Also, there are pets involved, so one of those instant screen things wouldn't work either.

I have looked all over, and cannot find a regular entry door with a slider window/screen option. A storm door alone would be too cold and costly in the winter.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. :hi:

[marybourg]

1. How about a "dutch door", into which a screen could be fitted at the top? nt

[Contrary1]

2. That's a great idea!

I hadn't looked at that type of door. It probably wouldn't be too hard to build a frame and screen that would fit.

I am owned by several kitties, so maybe a heavier screen material?

Thanks! I will check this out to see if I can adapt one to our needs.

[NMDemDist2]

3. better check your building codes

those are usually fire doors and are installed by law

:shrug:

[Whoa_Nelly]

4. That is correct

Building code re: garage door must meet the 20-minute fire block as garages are considered to be a source of fire due to vehicles parked there, as well as many having water heaters and/or furnace/AC units.
This is not usually just a state-by-state code, but an International Building code as codified back in 1988.

Couple of links for reference:
http://www.reedconstructiondata.com/building-codes/

http://www.buyerschoiceinspections.com/garage-fire-safety

Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taZ_snEEhgU

[Whoa_Nelly]

5. Maybe a top hung barn door type slider screen?

has a track above the door, hangs by rollers and can be slid into place to provide open screen door when you want ventilation coming through.

Similar to this, but using a single panel screen door and adapting it to hang form the track overhead


there are also retractable screen doors that store in a single side column tube.