Fireplace Doors Buying Guide
You have initiated the initial phase towards acquiring a satisfying door purchasing encounter.
Are you delaying the replacement of your fireplace glass doors because you are unsure where to begin? We recognize that it is a crucial choice and not something you buy often. A good set of fireplace doors is a noteworthy investment in your house that will not only elevate its aesthetics but also improve energy efficiency.
Our team has over 40 years of experience in the fireplace industry, and we have created this guide to provide you with the best advice and information possible. You can trust us to guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision. Our fireplace door consultants will assist you every step of the way, so you can read on without any concerns.
Distinguish between prefab/zero clearance fireplace and masonry fireplace. Identify your fireplace type and explain its significance.
Selecting the correct door for your fireplace installation is crucial to ensure safety. As metal prefab fireplaces possess different ventilation needs than their brick masonry counterparts, it is imperative to conduct due research. Additional information can be found in the National Safety Code 123.
PREFAB:
Prefab, also known as Zero Clearance or Factory Built, refers to fireplaces that are commonly installed by builders in residential areas. These fireplaces are typically constructed in a factory using sheet metal and consist of a firebox enclosed in a steel cabinet. The insert may sometimes feature a metal plate on the upper corner with information about the manufacturer and model number. Popular manufacturers of prefab fireplaces include FMI, Heat & Glo, Heatilator, Lennox, Majestic, Marco, Martin, Preway, Superior, and Temco.
MASONRY:
The interior of the fireplace was constructed by a professional mason using authentic bricks or stones. To ensure proper fitting, it is beneficial to determine the manufacturer, model number, and dimensions (length and height) of your firebox opening since the inserts come in various sizes and the doors fit snugly inside the opening. Our team of fireplace door specialists can assist you with this procedure. Masonry fireplaces consist of a brick or stone firebox, chimney, and surround.
It is important to note some key distinctions between prefab and masonry fireplace doors prior to embarking on your shopping journey. Prefabricated doors are available in a plethora of sizes, potentially requiring a custom-made door for your fireplace. This is why larger retailers, such as Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards, do not offer prefab doors. Meanwhile, masonry doors are generally offered in small, medium, and large sizes, simplifying the purchasing process.
Proper ventilation is necessary to meet national safety codes when installing prefab fireplace doors. Lower-end masonry fireplace doors have a wide frame and an overlap fit, which can cover up the fireplace surround but allows for a lot of room during installation. However, replacing the door for your prefab fireplace is an easy do-it-yourself project that only requires a tape measure, screwdriver, and drill.
Useful advice for selecting fireplace doors.
Fireplace doors can increase energy efficiency by covering the firebox opening when there's no fire. This helps to eliminate drafts and cold air that may come down the chimney into your home. According to the Hearth, Patio, and Barbeque Association, glass doors should be provided for all fireplaces, especially those that burn real wood. By reducing air leakage up the chimney, fireplace doors help to eliminate hearth odors when the fireplace is not in use, and prevent smoke from spilling into your room.
Fireplace doors serve a dual purpose of keeping the cold air out of your house and retaining warmth while simultaneously adding an aesthetic appeal to your fireplace. Post burning of fire, the firebox may appear unattractive with stained walls, heaps of ashes or soot-stained gas logs. Our glass doors come in bronze or gray tint, and they seamlessly hide the remains of a fire. You can pick from a range of anodized aluminum or steel frames with painted finishes in standard black, bronze, pewter, and brass accompanied by clear or tinted glass.
Steel or Aluminum for your Fireplace Frame?
The steel frame is sturdy and long-lasting with no wobbling or shaking. It comes with a powder-coated finish.
The extruded aluminum frame is affordable, won't rust, and has an anodized finish.
Should you opt for mesh doors, curtains, or screens as spark guards?
Mesh curtains are an economical choice for spark guards. Many of the fireplace doors available on our website offer the choice to add a mesh curtain, and some even come with the mesh curtain pre-installed. Despite their durability, hanging mesh curtains lack a secure bottom attachment in the fireplace, and may not effectively prevent logs from rolling out if burning real wood.
Mesh doors are an integral part of the frame of your fireplace door. They are the best option for preventing logs from rolling out of the firebox when burning real wood. Unlike fireplace doors, mesh doors can remain closed while a fire is burning. The high temperatures of vent-free fireplaces can cause discoloration of fireplace doors, even when open. Therefore, it is recommended to use mesh doors instead of fireplace doors if you have a ventless fireplace.
Mesh screens are installed in front of the firebox on the hearth and can be used in conjunction with any fireplace. Although they occupy more space in front of the fireplace, they also provide greater clearance to safeguard pets and young children. Fireplace screens are available in a variety of styles and often feature decorative paneling or metalwork. However, fireplace screens are not anchored to anything and may be knocked over with sufficient force.
Fireplace doors: bifold or cabinet style?
1) The BIFOLD Doors are secured in the track and can be opened up to 90 degrees, offering a restricted view of the fire. There are four glass panels, with two on each side, and the doors conveniently fold, requiring less space than a cabinet.
2) The TRACKLESS FULLFOLD BIFOLD doors do not have a guided track system and can open over 180°, offering a full view of the fire. With four glass panels, two on each side, the doors quickly fold back and take up minimal space, much less than a cabinet.
3) The cabinet doors can be opened up to 180° or more, allowing for a full view of the fire. There are two glass panels, one on each side. However, it should be noted that the doors take up more space than bifold doors.
Should the glass panels be clear or tinted?
Our fireplace doors have the option of tinted glass, which can conceal the firebox and make leftover ashes less visible. Tinted glass is especially useful if you burn real wood in your fireplace. However, if you have gas logs, clear glass may be a better choice as it showcases them when they are not in use. Ultimately, the decision of which glass option to choose is up to your personal preference.
Can I burn my fire with the fireplace doors closed?
One common misconception regarding fireplace doors is often considered the top myth.
Burning a fire with the doors closed is not possible. It is recommended to keep the doors open while burning a fire so that most of the heat can circulate in the room rather than going straight up the chimney. Fireplace doors were originally designed to prevent cold air from entering the house through the chimney. Prior to the availability of fireplace doors, homeowners had to wait until the fire died and the flue was closed before going to bed to keep the house warm. Closing the doors when the fire is dying out helps to keep the cold air out and the warm air inside the room, and also prevents sparks from popping out of the firebox. However, it is important to note that the doors are not designed to be used while the fire is in full blaze, as the tempered glass cannot withstand such high heat and may shatter into the room. It is always recommended to burn the fire with the doors open. In addition, keeping the doors open guarantees that the fire receives sufficient oxygen to burn efficiently.
To select a suitable fireplace door, consider the following checklist: - Energy efficiency - Style and aesthetics - Safety - Simple installation process - Reliable customer support - Reduced cleaning time - Draft and cold air reduction - Warranty coverage.
Misleading marketing can cause confusion for customers who may wonder why they have seen pictures of fires burning with the fireplace doors closed, when this is not recommended. The truth is that fireplace door manufacturers often use photoshopped images of fake fires to make their products look more attractive. At Brick-Anew, we understand the potential for confusion and strive to avoid using such images whenever we can.
Below are some other commonly asked questions that may be of interest to you.
Q: The duration between placing an order and receiving the doors is what?
A: At times, we possess a range of standard-sized doors in stock. Such doors can be shipped quicker than custom or non-standard ones. Kindly contact us, and we will inform you if we have the door you require in our inventory.
Q: Please provide an overview of the arrival process for my doors.
A: The doors will be packaged securely to prevent any damage during shipping. Please inspect the doors upon opening the box and contact us immediately if there are any concerns. The box will include the frame, glass doors, installation hardware, and instructions.
Q: Please provide information on the post-purchase service that will be offered.
A: For more than a decade, we have specialized in offering fireplace doors. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need help - we are always available on the phone. This means that you can unwind and savor your doors for many years.
Q: Is Burning a fire with the doors closed is a possibility?
A: No, your glass might break. Keeping the doors open enables the fire to burn efficiently by allowing enough air.