Most people don’t think twice about the door between their garage and home—until something goes wrong. Turns out, that “just a door” plays a major role in keeping your family safe from fires and fumes.
It’s one of those things you really want done right.
We’ll walk through what’s actually required—from code compliance to fire safety features—and how to make sure yours is up to the job.
Key Notes
- Doors must completely seal to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home.
- Installation requires proper fire-rated frames and perfect self-latching functionality.
- NYC code prohibits windows unless specifically fire-rated.
- Incorrect installation can cause failed inspections and safety hazards.
Door From Garage to House Code
New York State Residential Code says that if your garage is attached to your house, here’s what the door between them must have:
- At least a 20-minute fire-rating
- Solid wood (min. 1 3/8″) or solid steel construction
- Self-closing and self-latching hardware
- No windows unless fire-rated
- Must not open directly into a bedroom
- You must also ensure the wall around it is sealed and fire-rated
Why Are Fire-Rated Doors Non-Negotiable?
Garages store the type of goods that fires love. Gas cans, paint thinner, oil-stained rags – you name it. If that goes up, the door between the garage and your house becomes your last line of defense.
A fire-rated door slows flames and smoke long enough to give your family time to react.
According to the NFPA, U.S. fire departments respond to around 6,600 garage fires in homes each year. These fires cause an estimated $457 million in property damage.
What Type of Door Between House and Garage?
New York follows the IRC, which lays out exactly what the door between the house and garage needs to do.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Material: Solid-core wood, steel, or a door that’s officially labeled as a 20-minute fire-rated door. Hollow-core is not allowed.
- Thickness: 1 3/8″ minimum for solid wood and steel.
- Fire-Rated Label: Check the edge of the door for a certification sticker or stamp.
- Self-Closing: Required. This isn’t a “maybe”. A spring hinge or hydraulic closer gets the job done.
- Self-Latching: The door needs to latch every time it closes to stay sealed during a fire.
- Glass? Not unless it’s fire-rated too. Most aren’t.
Where the Door Swings Matters Too
Here’s where it gets technical.
The door swing from garage to house code doesn’t say which way the door must swing, but it makes one thing clear: whatever direction it swings, it has to self-close completely.
In practice, pros recommend swinging into the garage. That way, if pressure builds up during a fire, it pushes the door tighter into the frame, not open into your home.
Protecting Against Carbon Monoxide
It’s not just fire. That interior door leading to your garage also needs to protect against fumes, specifically carbon monoxide. It’s silent, deadly, and sneaks in fast through unsealed doors.
To keep it out:
- Install proper weatherstripping
- Use a raised threshold or seal the floor gap
- Pick a tight-fitting door with minimal warping over time
Garage Door Interior Options That Pass Inspection
Whether you’re shopping for a new door or checking the one you already have, here are your main compliant choices:
| Door Type | Fire-Rated | Self-Closing | CO Sealing | Glass Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solid-Core Wood (1 3/8") | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Steel Door (1 3/8") | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Fire-Rated Fiberglass | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ (if rated) |
| Hollow-Core Interior Door | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
How to Install Your Door Correctly
You’re allowed to DIY, but if you get it wrong, it could delay your permit, inspection, or resale.
Here’s what to watch:
- Use a frame rated for fire doors
- Install spring-loaded hinges or an automatic closer
- Seal the frame to stop smoke and fumes
- Test the close — it needs to latch every time
If your door sags, drags, or doesn’t latch on its own, fix it. That’s a code violation and a safety risk.
What Happens If You Skip Code Compliance?
Ignoring the code for the door between your garage and house doesn’t just leave you exposed to risk, it can void your homeowner’s insurance.
If a fire breaks out and your garage door interior isn’t up to code, your claim might get denied.
And if someone gets hurt? Legal trouble follows fast.
The right fire-rated door for your garage isn’t a nice-to-have, and getting it wrong can cost more than the door itself.
Save yourself the hassle. Code matters.
Your Home's Safety Is Not Worth the DIY Risk
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fire door between my garage and my house in New York?
Yes. If your garage is attached to your home, New York code requires a fire-rated door between the garage and your house. This rule applies whether you’re building new or renovating.
What are the fire door to garage requirements for self-closing?
The door must close and latch automatically. You can use spring hinges, hydraulic closers, or other code-approved hardware. If it doesn’t latch shut on its own, it fails code.
Is a fire-rated door for a garage to house required if the garage is detached?
No. Detached garages aren’t required to have a fire-rated door because they don’t connect directly to living spaces. But always check your local zoning for exceptions.
Conclusion
That door between your garage and house does more than separate two spaces—it’s a key piece of your home’s safety system.
From fire-rated materials to self-latching hardware, getting the details right means you’re protecting your family from risks that are easy to overlook. Whether you’re installing new or fixing what’s there, it pays to know the code and not cut corners.
If you’re unsure about your current setup or just want it done right, we’re here to help. Book a free appointment today and let us handle the install or repair—safely, smoothly, and up to code.
