A Guide to Shopping for Glass Fireplace Doors

Choosing a door for your fireplace isn’t something you should take lightly. It is essential to choose the right door to capture all the sparks and to keep the logs from rolling out of the hearth. Not only will the right door provide safety, it will also increase energy efficiency. Glass fireplace doors in particular are great choices, because they keep the heat stored inside, which will keep you warm even after the fire goes out.

Before shopping for a door, you need to first determine which type of fireplace you have: masonry or factory built. Factory built, also known as zero-clearance, are made out of metal. Even if the hearth is lined with firebricks, if your chimney is made out of metal, you have a factory built fireplace. Likewise, if it is made out of brick and mortar, you have a masonry fireplace.

Once you determine which one you have, you can begin searching for a glass door. It’s important to find the right make and model for a factory built fireplace. You need to look for a metal tag with the manufacturer information model number. Look online to see what type of glass fireplace doors are available that will work with the model. It is important to get the right glass doors so that the cooling air can flow the way the manufacturers designed it to flow.

For masonry doors, you will have to take measurements manually. The good news is that you will have more options, since masonry hearths can accommodate a variety of doors just as long as they fit properly. You can choose between an overlap fit or inside fit. An inside fit means that the door mounts inside the opening, and overlap means it mounts outside the opening. Each type of fit requires a different set of measurements, so make sure you learn how to measure your hearth for the right door.

Some other aspects of glass fireplace doors you need to consider are the design and color. Do you want a traditional door or modern? Or do you want a unique door specially customized for your hearth? You will want to choose something that will look great with surrounding décor. Trackless, folding doors with thin frames have been a really popular choice as of late, as many people find them convenient and attractive. Dealers are giving consumers numerous choices in fireplace products, so you should easily be able to find something to suit your budget.

Painted or stained glass really looks great. You can choose from a variety of colors, including bronze, pink, silver, and white. There are also mirrored and beveled glass choices. A beautifully designed door will allow you to see the fire when it is burning, but will hide the dirty fireplace whenever the fire is out. They don’t require a lot of maintenance, although you should touch up and polish the frames at least once a year.

Whether you decide to shop for glass fireplace doors or have one custom made, it’s important that installation be undertaken carefully. The door needs to fit securely in place in order to increase both energy efficiency and safety. If you’re afraid of an improper fit, hire a professional installer to come in and help you.