I have a newly built screen porch. Everything is screened, and I’m about to install the door that leads to the outside. For traffic flow, it would be really useful to have this door swing both ways. I figure I can use a spring loaded, dual acting hinge to accomplish this. The question is, how insect proof does the seal between the door and the jamb need to be? If the door swings both ways, it will be necessary to not have stops. If I keep the gap around the door to a minimum, will that be enough, or do I need to abandon the idea of having the door swing both ways?
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Depends upon how big the bugs are . . .
Bugs can fly in while the screen door is open, so a biswing hinge set makes some sense (it's less likely to get propped open for convenince).
Some of those hinges wear out, as the spring is what keeps them closed up. Adding an extra hinge is a good idea. For a three-hinged door, I like putting a fourth midway between the center and the top hinge.
Oh, and a fan on Low usually has enough breeze to keep bugs from lighting on you, and adds a few more pleasant days to the porch.
You could use a roll up screen instead. This setup is a self-contained, vertical, spring loaded tube attached to a frame with the screen rolling up into the tube when opened. Magnetic strip holds it closed very well.
Can be had at Lowe's for about $125 DIY. A better unit is available for just over $300 but it's not DIY.
One brand is called Phantom screen. You could GOOGLE the particulars.
You can always install a sweep on the edge of the door.