Glass Doors on a Fireplace

Glass doors add a touch of class to fireplaces and, depending on the type of doors selected, can add to the beauty and value of your hearth. Glass fireplace doors are available in a variety of styles and designs and will make your fireplace look clean and inviting. While their appeal is no doubt tempting, it is important to be aware of certain components concerning the installation and use of glass doors on your fireplace. Glass fireplace doors are generally two bi-folding doors, which fold open along a metal track. However, there are single pane doors and even "venetian" type doors with several panes. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal taste as to which doors you choose.

Things You'll Need:

Measurements for your fireplace

Instructions

Step 1

Measure your fireplace opening. Once you have done this, determine what color frame you would like for the doors to go along with your decor. Most fireplace doors are framed with brass (or brass colored heat-resistant alloys), but can also be available in an array of other metallic colors. When you've settled on this, find a retailer that sells the glass doors. Many home centers sell the doors, but you may have to find a recreational store (i.e. one that sells pool tables and spas) in order to find the doors you are looking for.

Step 2

Install your doors. There is no universal means to install glass doors as the methods will depend on the construction of your hearth (i.e. wood, brick and stone). However, given the fact that the doors will be exposed to considerable heat, and abutting potentially flammable materials, you should have the doors installed professionally unless you are a knowledgeable contractor. A professional installation will ensure that the surrounding hearth is afforded any necessary heat protection to prevent the fire from leaving the fireplace.

Step 3

Use your newly outfitted fireplace. Once your doors are in place, you are ready to go. Open the doors as wide as possible. Ensure the chimney flue is open to allow proper ventilation. Proceed with lighting and stoking your fire as desired.

Step 4

Leave your glass doors open while the fire is burning. This will allow good aeration of the fire and will prevent overheating of the frames of the glass doors. If you close the doors, your fire may run out of oxygen and stop burning, your doors could be damaged by the heat, and you could risk explosion of the glass in the doors if the fire is very hot or extremely large.

Step 5

Keep the doors open at least halfway to allow embers to cool once your fire has subsided. Once all embers are extinguished, you can shut the flue and completely close the glass doors.

Tips & Warnings

• It's a good idea to clean and polish the door frames at least once per year to avoid heat oxidation which can cause unsightly pitting in the frame.
• Always be mindful of overheating glass. While all glass fireplace doors are made of tempered, heat-resistant glass, that still does not prevent overheating if the doors are not properly used.