Do gas fireplaces with glass fronts need safety screens?
Safety Screens a Must for Gas Fireplaces With Glass Fronts New gas fireplaces must come with mesh safety screens, but older models still pose a risk By Consumer Reports December 22, 2015 SHARES Sharing is Nice Yes, send me a copy of this email.
What is a fireplace screen?
A fireplace screen is an object that is designed to sit in front of an open fireplace within, or just in front of, the fireplace opening in order to provide a safety barrier between the room and the fireplace. As all fireplaces are designed differently, a fireplace screen can come in varying sizes, shapes and designs.
What size fireplace screen do I Need?
A fireplace screen should be the right size for an open fireplace so that it helps to provide the best protection possible between fires and the room. A screen that is too small for the size of the fireplace may not provide as much protection as one that covers the whole fireplace opening.
Can you put a screen in front of a wood burning stove?
If a fireplace screen is placed in front of a wood burning stove it may get too hot to touch. Wood stoves are typically far more efficient than open fires and use the body of the stove to help radiate much more heat out into the room.
Does a gas fireplace need a mesh curtain?
Wire mesh for your fireplace is an important safety feature for burning wood or gas fires. It prevents popping sparks and embers from hopping out of your fireplace onto your hearth or the floor in front of your fireplace.
Why is there a screen in front of glass on gas fireplace?
Fireplace screens installed with glass front gas fireplaces have a seamless attachment to the unit, which means that they blend in perfectly with the style of your chosen fireplace. These built-in screens protect children, pets, and unwary adults from harmful burns caused by touching the hot glass fireplace front.
Does my gas fireplace need a glass front?
Not if your fireplace was shipped with a glass panel on the front. Direct vent fireplaces are sealed combustion systems and need the glass on to function properly.
What do you put in front of a gas fireplace?
Gas fireplaces will not damage flooring or other materials that are in close proximity, like a wood-burning fireplace would. The surround, the 3- or 4-inch material surrounding the face of your fireplace, can make a subtle and refined statement. It's generally marble, granite or another stone that reflects heat well.
Should a gas fireplace have a screen?
New gas fireplace safety standards All gas fireplaces and stoves with glass fronts manufactured after January 1, 2015 are required to have a fireplace screen.
Can I use my fireplace without a screen?
There are no regulations stating that a screen is a requirement when having a fire in a wood burning fireplace, but it's another layer of safety to you, your family and your house when having a fire in your home.
Is it OK to leave gas logs on all night?
An overall rule for safe gas fireplace usage is to not let your fireplace—no matter which style—operate throughout the night. Unmonitored gas fireplaces can lead to dangerous, often fatal, outcomes. The two most concerning outcomes of leaving a gas fireplace on for too long are a house fire or a gas leak.
Is it okay to run a gas fireplace all day?
You can run a vented gas fireplace all day with little concern for anything other than gas usage.
Is it safe to leave a gas fireplace on all the time?
But, how many hours can you leave a gas fireplace on? Generally speaking, gas fireplaces that are fully vented (aka direct vent) and have a sealed glass front can be left on for many hours. But models that are vent-free and have front doors that can be opened should only be left on for a maximum of 2 hours at a time.
Can you put a decorative screen in front of a gas fireplace?
Decorative purpose A screen in front of your gas fireplace can make the fireplace look better when it is not in use. There are a lot of decorative fire screens available now so you can easily pick one that is not only functional but also beautiful and fits your house.
How can I make my gas fireplace look nice?
Towards a gas fireplace that looks like a 'real' fireplaceStep 1 | Install the burner bed on andirons with a grate or in a fire basket. ... Step 2 | Invest in beautiful ceramic logs. ... Step 3 | Place a fireback against the back wall of the fireplace. ... Step 4 | Place antique fireplace accessories around the fireplace.
What is code for gas fireplace surround?
The standard building code is 6 inches of minimum clearance around the opening of the fireplace and it must be surrounded by a noncombustible material. However, if the mantel projects more than 1 1/2 inches from the face of the fireplace, the top noncombustible clearance must be at least 12 inches.
What is the purpose of a fireplace screen?
What is the Purpose of a Fireplace Screen. A fireplace screen is an essential fire prevention and safety device. It contains sparks from flying embers in the fireplace and prevents children and pets from accidental burns. An open fire is dangerous for pets and children.
Do glass fireplace screens block heat?
A fireplace screen can therefore (by the very nature of it being a barrier) block some of the heat being a generated by an open fire. Although fireplace screens can block some heat, the amount of heat generated by an open fire can be small and so this blocked heat can be insignificant.
How do you remove a heat and Glo fireplace screen?
0:364:27(305) Heat N Glo Model 6000 TR-OAK Cleaning the glass..YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it's sitting on these two little metal tabs. So when you release it you can just pull towardsMoreAnd it's sitting on these two little metal tabs. So when you release it you can just pull towards you and then lift it put it on the ground clean both sides put it back on put the clamps back on.
Are fireplace screens safe?
Safety screens reduce the risk of burns by creating a barrier that prevents skin from coming into direct contact with the hot glass. Keep in mind, however, that screens can also retain heat, so touching them is never advised, especially for little hands.
Why is it important to have a screen in front of a fireplace?
Screens in front of the fireplace are an important part of keeping you and your family safe, as well as protecting your home from stray sparks or embers.
When did gas fireplaces have to have a screen?
All gas fireplaces and stoves with glass fronts manufactured after January 1, 2015 are required to have a fireplace screen. This safety standard was put into effect by the American National Standards Institute in order to reduce the number of accidental burns associated with touching the hot glass panels of gas fireplaces.
How to update a fireplace without rebuilding?
Fireplace screens are also an easy and inexpensive way to update the look of your fireplace. A sleek, modern fireplace screen can help update a dated fireplace without the cost of a fireplace rebuild. Likewise, if you rarely use your fireplace opt for a more delicate artist created screen. These handcrafted screens can be created using metalwork, paint, and even stained glass to add a one-of-a-kind design element to your fireplace.
What is decorative fireplace screen?
Decorative fireplace screens. While fire place screens serve an important role in protecting your home and family, they don’t have to be a utilitarian or ugly addition to your home. In fact, most fireplace screens come in a variety of decorative styles, allowing homeowners to choose and customize a fireplace screen that fits in with their home’s ...
Do fireplace screens keep pets safe?
Fireplace screens not only prevent hot embers and coals from popping out of the fireplace and onto your floors or furnishings, but also keep curious children and pets a safe distance away from the fire. Fireplace screens can be found as either freestanding screens or be installed directly to the front of the fireplace or stove.
Can you put a screen on a fireplace?
Fireplace screens can be found as either freestanding screens or be installed directly to the front of the fireplace or stove. However, attaching an aftermarket screen directly to the fireplace may change its functionality. Because of this, we recommend having a hearth professional attach any permanent screens to avoid damaging your fireplace unit.
Why are gas fireplaces so popular?
Gas fireplaces are popular because they eliminate the muss and fuss of wood-burning versions. But that convenience comes with a risk you may not be aware of: More than 80 percent of gas fireplaces sold last year have fixed glass panels that can become extremely hot—as hot as 1,328° F—because they don’t allow heat to escape.
Can you get burns from touching a gas fireplace?
Touching the super-heated glass can instantly cause third-degree burns. Each year, those burns lead to about 17,000 medical visits, and up to 11 percent of the burns require surgery. Young children are especially at risk. New gas fireplaces manufactured after January 1, 2015, must come with mesh safety screens that fit over the glass, ...
Why do you need a fireplace screen?
The primary function of a fireplace screen is to keep ash and embers from blowing into the room if you have a down draft or if a drifting log disrupts the underlying embers. Either of those scenarios create the potential for a fire and serious damage to furniture and injury to people or pets who lie near the fire.
Why do fireplace doors work?
The functionality of fireplace doors is quite a bit different from screens, because doors are used to cut the chimney off from the rest of the room. Fireplace doors keep the temperature inside the room without allowing heat to enter through the chimney during the summertime. In a nutshell, the fireplace door helps maintain temperature instead ...
What is a fireplace door?
Fireplace Doors. Fireplace doors are also available in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and finishes. Like screens, they can be purchased to complement nearly any decor, and they add a lot of fashion to any room. The functionality of fireplace doors is quite a bit different from screens, because doors are used to cut the chimney off from ...
Can you use a fireplace screen as a door?
As I stated earlier, the decision to use either a fireplace screen or a fireplace door is entirely up to you. Both have an individual purpose, and serve their purpose well when used as intended. You may even choose to use each to protect your furnishings, pets, and children during times of high usage, and to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling methods during warmer months.
What Is A Fireplace Screen?
A fireplace screen is an object that is designed to sit in front of an open fireplace within, or just in front of, the fireplace opening in order to provide a safety barrier between the room and the fireplace.
Do Fireplace Screens Get Hot?
Fireplace screens used in front of open fireplaces can get reasonably to the touch hot but will depend on how close the screen is to the flames.
Do Fireplace Screens Block Smoke?
Fireplaces screens aren’t typically able to block smoke. Smoke coming into the room from an open fireplace shouldn’t be dealt with by using a fireplace screen.
Do Fireplace Screens Keep The Cold Out?
Fireplace screens aren’t typically designed to keep the cold out. Closing the fireplace damper or using a form of draft stopper will help to keep the cold out and the warm air in. Fireplaces doors can also be installed to help stop cold drafts.
Do You Need A Fireplace Screen (Are They Necessary)?
The requirement for a fireplace screen can depend on the local and national guidelines, but screens are still an essential tool for any fireplace for safety purposes.
What is the purpose of a fireplace screen?
The primary function of a fireplace screen is to prevent sparks from the fire from entering the room. Fire caused by a fireplace is still a common cause of house fires. In addition, a fireplace screen prevents children and pets from coming into contact with the fire.
Why are fireplace screens important?
In earlier times, when the fireplace fire was the only heating for the room, the fire was often built high to provide sufficient heating. The fire was therefore too hot for someone sitting too close to the fire. Fireplace screens therefore protected people from the heat of the fire. These screens could consist of all kinds of materials. Quite common was a metal, often copper, screen on one leg, which could be adjusted in height.
What is decorative screen?
Decorative fireplace screens or summer fireplace screens have the purpose of beautifying the fireplace opening and the hearth when the fireplace is not in use. The size and the material of the fireplace screen are not key for this purpose, and all kinds of non-fire-resistant materials may be used.
Is a fireplace screen good for a gas fireplace?
The use of a fireplace screen is also sensible for a gas fireplace. In this case, it is not against sparks from the fire, but to prevent children, dogs or, for example, newspapers from coming into contact with the fire.
Do you always need a fireplace screen?
However experienced you are with stoking a fire, a fireplace mesh screen is always needed in order to reduce the risk of fire or burns. If you have a carpet just in front of the fireplace or a wooden or plastic floor close to the fire, it is always necessary to put a fireplace screen in front of the fire. If you have a stone floor or a wide stone or metal surface in front of the fire, it is always necessary to put a fire screen in front of the fire if there is no one supervising the fire.
The Truth About the Hearth
Most people refer to the area in front of their fireplace as the hearth. In truth, the hearth is the floor of the firebox. The area in front of the firebox is called the hearth extension and serves several purposes.
The Types of Gas Burning Fireplaces
Many people are unaware or uneducated about the parts of their fireplace. Each part of a fireplace performs an important function in a fireplace. There are some misconceptions about the different parts of a fireplace. You should understand how these parts work together to create a safe environment in your home.
What is a Zero-Clearance Fireplace?
Zero-clearance fireplaces are prefab fireplace units intended to be installed in homes without the need for expensive and heavy masonry. This type of installation allows builders much more flexibility to place a fireplace while controlling costs.
How Safe are Zero Clearance Fireplace Inserts?
Zero clearance fireplaces have an excellent safety record in the United States. Most zero clearance fireplaces have a certifying label from a qualified testing laboratory. These certified fireplaces are extensively tested to ensure they perform as the manufacturer asserts.
Is a Zero Clearance Fireplace A Good Way to Hear Your Home?
Most zero clearance fireplace units won’t provide sufficient heat for your entire house. Many other factors affect how well a zero clearance fireplace can provide heat. Some of these factors include:
Which is Better – Wood or Gas?
Arguments can be made on both sides of this argument for the environmental questions. It is hard to tell which way the scales tilt. There are many other factors to consider when choosing between gas or wood as the fuel for your fireplace. In many instances, personal feelings and opinions are as big a factor as environmental issues.
Where and When Do You Need a Hearth Extension?
In general, if your fireplace burns wood, it should have a hearth extension. Some prefabricated fireplace units that are fully enclosed and burn only gas don’t need a hearth extension. However, in some jurisdictions, local building codes may require different installations.
What is required for a gas fireplace?
A gas fireplace may have requirements for both the hearth on which it sits (such as thickness) and the heath extension that protrudes out the front (such as minimum coverage area).
What does "open front" mean in fireplace?
An open front means that natural vent gas fireplace inserts typically require a more suitably sized hearth for safety reasons.
Why is a direct vent fireplace less onerous?
A direct vent gas fireplace can therefore have less onerous hearth requirements because they will have a glass front.
What is a hearth in a fireplace?
Hearths are the platform on which fireplaces are placed to help protect the floor of a home.
Is a direct vent fireplace a natural gas fireplace?
Direct vent gas fireplaces can come under the category of built-in gas fireplaces and differ to natural vent gas fireplaces in that both waste and clean air is vented externally.
Can a fireplace insert be vented?
They can commonly be found as inserts for installation into existing masonry fireplaces but may also be standalone units that need to be vented through the roof with a pipe.
Do you need a hearth for a gas fireplace?
The requirements for a hearth for a gas fireplace will typically come down to what is required by the manufacturer for that particular model of gas fireplace . However, natural vent gas fireplaces often require a hearth while direct vent and ventless versions may not, depending on the manufacturer requirements and local building codes and regulations.
Why do you need glass doors in a fireplace?from chimneyandwildlife.com
Instead, glass doors are for keeping warm air from escaping up and out your chimney when the fireplace is empty. They can also beautify the hearth, making it look a bit “tidier.”. So, to review: if there is something burning in the fireplace, the mesh curtain should be closed, and the glass doors should be open.
Why are gas fireplaces so popular?from consumerreports.org
Gas fireplaces are popular because they eliminate the muss and fuss of wood-burning versions. But that convenience comes with a risk you may not be aware of: More than 80 percent of gas fireplaces sold last year have fixed glass panels that can become extremely hot—as hot as 1,328° F—because they don’t allow heat to escape.
Do fireplace covers work?from chimneyandwildlife.com
Whether your fireplace is a gas-burner or a wood-burner, both kinds of covers can work together in harmony to keep your home, property, and family safe from potential fire damage. They just have to be installed (and maintained) correctly in order to do their jobs!
Do gas fireplaces have a screen?from chimneyandwildlife.com
Now, despite the fact that gas fireplaces don’t spit out embers the way wood-burning fireplaces do, some gas-burners are equipped with a glass screen AND mesh curtains. There are actually two good reasons for this, and neither of them are “to make the fireplace look more natural.”. When gas fireplaces burn, their glass coverings get dangerously hot.
Can you remove a gas fireplace panel?from chimneyandwildlife.com
First things first: if your pre-fab gas fireplace came with a fixed glass panel covering access to the gas logs, DO NOT REMOVE THE PANEL YOURSELF! Fireplaces that have these covers were designed to work with the glass in place; it is there as a safety measure its removal can create a serious fire hazard.
Can you get burns from touching a gas fireplace?from consumerreports.org
Touching the super-heated glass can instantly cause third-degree burns. Each year, those burns lead to about 17,000 medical visits, and up to 11 percent of the burns require surgery. Young children are especially at risk. New gas fireplaces manufactured after January 1, 2015, must come with mesh safety screens that fit over the glass, ...
How hot does a gas fireplace get?
The fact is glass panels on gas fireplaces can heat up to over 350 degrees fahrenheit. Each year consumers are hurt when this hot glass comes in contact with fingers, hands and skin. In many cases, the glass will remain hot for at least 30 minutes even after the gas fireplace is turned off.
Can a safety screen be attached to a gas fireplace?
Our simple safety screen easily attaches to virtually any gas fireplace in three easy steps. Remember, no screen, can prevent heat from being conducted. With the addition of a simple safety screen barrier, you can rest a little easier knowing there is an extra layer of protection between you and hot glass.
