Q: I have a fireplace without glass doors. It currently has a screen in front that is not attached to the fireplace. It is a free standing screen. I would be looking for a door/screen kit to mount onto the fireplace. Any ideas or manufactures that sell them.
A: I sell the Portland line of glass doors. You need to know if you have a prefab or masonry fireplace. Different doors go on the prefabs due to the way they cool. A masonry door on a prefab fireplace can be a fire hazard.

Q: Are you ever supposed to close the glass doors while a fire is burning? How does this effect general heating?
A: Never close the glass doors on a "loud roaring fire". Closing the doors lowers the radiant heat of the fireplace. Therefore the fire will not seem as hot right at the hearth. However, the other side of the room should feel warmer due to the air not crossing the room to go out the chimney.

Q: Do glass doors make the fireplace produce additional heat?
A: No. A glass door will keep the opposite side of the room warmer because the doors slow down the air being sent out the chimney. Glass door make the fireplace "feel" cooler right next to it because the glass blocks some of the radiant heat. A glass doors main "plus" is safety. You can leave the room or go to bed before the fire is completely out without the fear of a spark popping out into the room. So, only buy the door if safety is your main issue, not additional heat.

Q: We're considering installing glass doors on our fireplace to stop the cold drafts that develop whenever we have a fire going. It seems like a fairly simple task. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.
A: Fireplace glass doors usually install with just a screwdriver and pliers or adjustable wrench. Unless you have a very rough rock fireplace, it is an easy do it yourself project.

Q: How do you reach the inside of the glass doors for cleaning, since they fold together when open?
A: At the hinge at both top and bottom is a piece of spring steel. Place your finger on the bottom piece of spring steel (you will have to reach around to the inside of the "V" the doors make). Hold this piece down while raising up on the door and sliding the bottom toward the center and remove the doors from the frame.

Q: My air-tight wood stove glass gets all covered in soot. It gets so bad that I can't see the flame! Is there any way to have a fire without soiling the window?
A: Some older wood stoves had very poor, if any, air wash for the glass. Newer wood stove glass stays mostly clean. Here are a few tips. Build a hot fire, not the overnight smoldering fire. Add more air to your fire. Keep wood close to the glass. If possible stack wood front to back rather than side to side for better air flow. Clean glass frequently. The easiest way to clean the glass is (with stove cold) use a damp rag dipped into the ashes and wipe the glass.

Q: Do the glass doors on my fireplace have to be closed when the outside air kit is open, or can they be left open like a more traditional fireplace?
A: Almost everyone leaves the glass doors open during use, and with the outside air kit open. The draft of the fireplace will assure none of the cold air from the intake will get out into the room. But, it must be closed when a there is no fire or cold air will spill into the room. This is due to there not being a lot of draft to pull it out of the chimney.

Q: What can I use to clean the glass & brass doors in front of my fireplace?
A: The glass can easily be cleaned when cold by dampening a rag or good paper towel and dipping it into the ashes from the fireplace. Clean the glass. Rinse with water. You must be careful when cleaning the brass. Most good quality glass doors have a lacquer coating over the brass so it does not require polishing. To polish with metal polish would ruin the door. A soap - water solution it all that is recommended.

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Last modified: August 13, 2010