A wood burning fireplace can be a nice addition to any room, but there are some practical considerations that need to be taken into account. An open fireplace can allow smoke and sparks to fly into the room, which can greatly reduce your enjoyment of the fire. Sparks can create unsightly burns on the floor in front of the fireplace, as well. A good way to avoid these problems is through the installation of fireplace doors.
Mesh and Iron Doors
Some fireplace doors allow the air to move through while they protect the room from flying sparks. Mesh and iron doors can be installed flush with the edge of the fireplace enclosure. There are types of mesh doors that run along a track and can be pulled back like curtains. Iron doors tend to be hinged so that they swing out when they are open. The doors can be highly decorative, or simple and plain.
Glass Doors
To create a more tightly sealed enclosure, you can install glass fireplace doors. The doors will conduct the heat from the fire so that it still warms the room, but they stop any smoke or sparks from escaping the enclosure. Glass doors also allow you an unobstructed view of the fire, so you get to enjoy the warmth and the cheery sight of burning logs without any danger of sparks ruining your floor. There are many different types of glass door arrangements that can be fitted to fireplaces of any size or shape.
Portable Screens
A less permanent option for covering the fireplace enclosure is a fireplace screen instead of fireplace doors. Screens are decorative as well as practical, and they completely cover the fireplace when it is not in use. Fireplace screens can be drawn back when the fire is in use, or they can be left in place to protect the room. Many people find that screens are more obstructive than fireplace doors, however, and the screens tend to be used more during the season when the fireplace is not in use. Screens don’t install directly into the fireplace enclosure, so they can be stored away when not in use, or folded and kept near the fireplace.
form_title= Fireplace Doors form_header= Install your desired fireplace doors. Do you need to remove old doors?*= () Yes () No What is your desired door design?*= _ [50] Will you install the doors yourself?*= () Yes () No
Yes, you can paint fireplace doors to match the room's decor.
If these antique glass doors were not designed for fireplace use then soot and smoke could damage the glass. I would remove them or place another fireplace glass barrier between the fire and the antique doors. If they were designed for use in a fireplace then they should stand up to the soot and smoke from your fire and I would make sure to clean them frequently to avoid build up.
Fireplace doors will be available at the major home improvement centers. Home Depot and Lowe's carry them. There is also an online site called Fireplace Doors Online.
Installing bifold fireplace doors in your home can improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss, enhance safety by preventing sparks from escaping, and add a stylish touch to your fireplace.
place a hearth stone and use a fireplace screen
To properly paint your fireplace doors for a fresh new look, follow these steps: Clean the doors thoroughly to remove any dirt or residue. Sand the surface lightly to create a smooth base for the paint. Apply a primer specifically designed for metal surfaces. Choose a high-heat resistant paint in the color of your choice. Use a brush or spray paint to apply thin, even coats of paint. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. Once the final coat is dry, reattach the doors to the fireplace. By following these steps, you can give your fireplace doors a fresh new look with a professional finish.
To enhance the appearance of your fireplace, consider painting the doors with a heat-resistant paint in a color that complements your decor. Make sure to clean and prep the doors properly before painting to ensure a smooth finish.
When a fireplace is not being used... glass doors are not a good way to stop cold air from exiting the chimney. The first thing that needs to be done is the fireplace damper should be closed to prevent this heat loss. If the damper is not-functional or absent a chimney balloon or chimney top damper can be installed to stop the heat loss.When there is a fire in the fireplace...Fireplace glass doors reduce the amount of already heated interior air that the fireplace has access to. So it does slow down the inside heated air from being cast up the chimney with the fires combustion heat, but glass doors do not stop this heat waste completely. Fireplace glass doors also inhibit the only usable heat the a fireplace produces (radiant heat) from coming into the living area. Standard open fireplaces and fireplaces with glass doors are notoriously inefficient at heating the home. According to the US Department of Energy using a fireplace in the winter will actually make your heating bill go up by 10% on average.
There are three main configurations for glass fireplace doors, these being a single door, one which slides to allow access to the fire and the bi-fold type which folds in two
Installing bifold glass fireplace doors in your home can improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss, increase safety by preventing sparks from escaping, enhance the aesthetic appeal of your fireplace, and provide a barrier against drafts and debris.
Custom made glass doors for fireplaces can be found in a variety of places. Home improvement stores such as Lowes or Home Depot offer a great selection of glass fireplace doors and they will likely be able to customize many aspects of the doors to get you the specific look you are wanting to achieve.