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Most of the time, the direction your door swings does matter. Your door’s swing is also called its handing, and it determines how your door opens. The layout of your home probably only gives your door enough room to hang and swing in one direction. On the other hand, it might not matter if your door can open freely in either direction without inconveniencing you and your household.

You should rekey your house every three years to minimize the chances of someone gaining access to your home. You can do it more than that, but it depends on the level of foot traffic and visitors you get. Businesses, for instance, routinely rekey their locks every six months to a year. If you experience a break-in or a house key has gone missing, rekey the locks immediately. The same goes if your lock becomes damaged.

WD-40 can be used on squeaky door hinges, but it is generally considered a temporary, short-term solution rather than a long-term fix. While it can silence a squeak in a pinch by breaking down rust and grime, it is not a true lubricant, as it contains only a small amount of lubricating oil that evaporates quickly. Using WD-40 alone may lead to the squeak returning and can attract dirt and dust, potentially causing more wear on the hinge over time. For a more effective and lasting solution, it is recommended to first use WD-40 to clean the hinge, then wipe it clean. Afterward, apply a dedicated lubricant such as silicone spray, white lithium grease, a metal or plastic lubricant, or an oil-based product like petroleum jelly.

When choosing a door for the space between your garage and house, steel is your best bet for fire safety. While wood—and sometimes glass—doors are common, they have lower fire-ratings. Fire-rated steel doors can withstand flames for up to three hours—double what wood can manage (90 minutes). Glass, while non-combustible, can crack under extreme heat. Steel may cost more, but it also offers the best protection. Steel isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing choice, but as long as your door meets the International Residential Code (IRC) standards, it’ll do its job in protecting your family and home.