Which Is Best: Glass Doors or Screen?

If you are like most fireplace owners, you enjoy watching the flames in the open, with nothing to impede your view. While an unincumbered view of a fire undoubtedly provides ambiance, it is not the best way to view a fire. Unfortunately, it lacks efficiency and safety. An open fireplace can cause a number of issues. So, installing doors is the best option, but which is best: glass doors or screen? Let’s take a closer look.

Are Fireplace Doors Necessary?

While not a requirement, both screen and glass fireplace doors have a number of benefits, including lower power bills and increased safety. They help prevent sparks and embers from escaping the firebox. They can also improve the overall look of your fireplace. Plus, fireplace doors help regulate airflow, making your system more efficient.

Benefits of a Screen Fireplace Door

Screen doors are excellent barriers for wood-burning fireplaces. They keep sparks and hot embers contained in your fireplace, so you don’t have to worry about a hot ember landing on your sofa or curtains. Screen fireplace doors also keep curious children and pets from getting burned while investigating your fireplace. There are a wide variety of screen doors available, from the functional to the ornate.

Single-screen fireplace doors are an industry standard because they are inexpensive and allow easy access to your fireplace. Curved (also known as bowed) screens tend to be more style-oriented but don’t increase the risk of embers escaping from your fireplace. They are more cumbersome and, therefore, more difficult to move when you need access to the fireplace.

Benefits of Glass Fireplace Doors

Glass doors provide the same level of safety as screen doors, but they are physically attached to your fireplace. Why is that important? During warmer weather, shutting your glass fireplace doors will keep cooler air in and hot summer air out.

There are two types of glass fireplace doors available: cabinet and bi-fold. Cabinet doors open as the doors on any cabinet would straight out and provide full access to the fireplace. They are straightforward and easy to use.

Bi-fold glass doors are more decorative but allow partial or full exposure to a fire when in use. They are usually installed on a track that allows the four panes of glass to slide open and shut easily.

Glass is Superior to Screen Fireplace Doors

Glass fireplace doors provide a higher level of safety than screen doors. You don’t have to worry about your pets or children being burned when the glass doors are shut and safe from harm. Their main advantage over screen doors is energy efficiency. Glass doors allow fires to burn hotter, and they keep muggy air from entering your home in the summer. Of course, some people prefer screen doors to glass. You can remove screens from the front of your fireplace; it is a matter of preference.

Let Felgemacher Masonry Install Glass Doors on Your Fireplace

If you live in Buffalo, NY, Rochester, NY, or Charlotte, NC, and want to install glass doors on your fireplace, contact us today. We will be happy to discuss the benefits of glass fireplace doors and set an appointment to install them in your home. We also offer professional chimney sweeps and inspections to help keep your fireplace system safe and efficient.