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OBC DIVISION B · PART 9 · SECTION 9.7 — WINDOWS, DOORS AND SKYLIGHTS

What are the requirements for exterior doors on houses in Ontario?

The main entrance needs a door at least 810 mm x 1,980 mm (32 in x 78 in), weather-resistant construction meeting NAFS or prescriptive provisions, secure deadbolt locking hardware, and resistance-to-forced-entry features on swinging entrance doors.

Code reference
Exterior doors must resist wind, rain and air leakage, complying with NAFS or equivalent prescriptive requirements, and be sized to minimum doorway dimensions. Swinging entrance doors to dwelling units must meet resistance-to-forced-entry provisions, including deadbolt locks with minimum bolt throw, reinforced strike plates with adequate screw fastening, and solid or protected construction.
OBC Division B, Subsections 9.7.5. and 9.5.11.

Paraphrased for clarity — open this provision in the BUILDAiD Library for the exact wording.

What this means in practice

Forced-entry rules are the piece builders most often miss: entry doors need a deadbolt (typically 25 mm throw), a properly fastened strike plate, and door/frame construction that resists spreading and kicking; glazing in or beside the door must not allow easy reach-through to the lock unless it is appropriately protected. Sliding patio doors have their own anti-lift and locking provisions. Also coordinate energy performance under SB-12, a landing outside most exterior doors, and safety glass in any glazed door panel.

Plain language

Your front door has to be big enough (about 810 mm wide), keep out weather, and genuinely resist break-ins: a real deadbolt, a solid strike plate with long screws, and a sturdy frame are code requirements, not extras.

Related questions

What standard must new windows meet in Ontario (NAFS)?How much window area is required for natural light in Ontario rooms?

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This page is provided for general information. Building code requirements depend on your specific project, occupancy and municipality, and code editions change. Always verify requirements against the current Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.