Knowledge Builders

what do fireplace screens do

by Lisandro Fahey Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The purpose of a fireplace screen is to:

  • Help provide a barrier between the opening of a fireplace and the room.
  • Help prevent any hot embers potentially being spat out from an open fire from coming into the room past the end of the hearth.
  • Keep young children and/or pets out of the fireplace, both when it’s in use and when it’s not.
  • Make a fireplace look more attractive and decorative.

Firescreens in the modern home have become decorative shields of sheet metal, glass, or wire mesh that can be placed in front of a fireplace opening to protect the room from open flames and flying embers that may be emitted by the fire.

Full Answer

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.

Are metal mesh fireplace screens any good?

Metal mesh fireplace screens don’t fully seal the fireplace so it allows the heat to flow and circulate better. On the other hand, glass fireplace screens offer better protection from embers, sparks, and smoke but it isn’t as absorbent compared to metal mesh. Get the right fireplace screen size to ensure a proper fit.

What is a fire screen made of?

Made of tempered glass for safety reasons, it features a thick steel frame and legs, with a black iron finish. This fire screen is as sturdy as it is simple and is an ideal way to safely showcase your fireplace with less worry.

Does a fireplace screen stop smoke coming into a room?

A fireplace screen doesn’t provide a tight seal around the opening of a traditional wood burning fireplace, and so a screen should not be used to help prevent smoke from coming into the room.

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What's the point 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.

Are fireplace screens necessary?

Fire screens are an essential safety accessory for homeowners with an open-hearth unit. They keep dangerous sparks and embers from escaping into the room. If you burn wood in your open-hearth, it's impossible to prevent all sparks from popping out of the firebox.

Does a fireplace screen need to cover the entire opening?

For wood-burning fireplaces, the screen should be flush with the opening of the firebox or built into the opening. This avoids any sparks popping out of the top, sides or bottom of the fireplace opening. If the fireplace is gas-burning, the screens are not a necessity and do not need to cover the entire opening.

Why do fireplace screens block heat?

Although fireplace screens are typically made from metal, and metal can be a good conductor of heat, a fireplace screen may not actually get that hot because: Open fires don't typically radiate that much heat compared to other types of fireplaces such as wood stoves.

Do you need a fireplace screen for gas?

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.

Do fire guards stop heat?

DOES A FIRE GUARD STOP THE HEAT? In short, no. Guards with limited detailing, predominately mesh will direct heat upwards into the room.

Does a fireplace screen get hot?

Do Fireplace Screens Get Hot? Fireplace screens are made from a fire-resistant and non-combustible materials, and so do not typically get hot unless placed unnecessarily close to the fire.

How much of fireplace should screen cover?

Wood Fireplace Sizing Guidelines Flat Fireplace Screens- Should overlap the opening by 1” (or up to 4”) on top and sides. Folding Fireplace Screens should be 3-4” taller than the fireplace opening and 10-12” wider. This will ensure that your screen stands on it's own.

How do I choose the right size fireplace screen?

To determine which screen size is right, measure your fireplace opening, adding 10 to 12 inches to the width, and 3 to 5 inches to the height. To make it even simpler, Hayneedle offers a handy “shop by size” feature. Single panel screens are the easiest to fit and create simple, streamlined beauty.

How much heat does a fireplace screen block?

A good quality screen can reduce the amount of heat loss from your fireplace by up to 50%.

Are glass fireplace screens good?

Increase Safety Glass fireplace doors reduce the risks associated with burning logs in an open hearth. They are stronger than mesh screens and act as a protective barrier to prevent sparks and burning embers from escaping the fireplace and causing fires when they land on combustible materials such as carpets.

What do you do in front of a fireplace?

30 Romantic Things to Do In Front of a FireplacePlay board games.Share a candlelight dinner.Roast marshmallows.Watch a romantic movie.Give each other a massage.Have an indoor picnic.Go indoor camping.Complete a puzzle.More items...

Is it OK to close the glass doors on a fireplace?

The doors should always be fully open or fully closed. Glass doors should be fully open when starting a fire and when the fire is burning strongly. The glass doors should be closed as the fire dies down to minimize the amount of room air going up the fireplace chimney.

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.

Why is there a glass cover on a gas fireplace?

The fact that they are airtight and sealed means that the room is safe from exhaust fumes. All Escea gas fireplaces are all glass fronted because this is the only way to seal the combustion area of the fireplace.

Are glass fireplace screens safe?

Increase Safety They are stronger than mesh screens and act as a protective barrier to prevent sparks and burning embers from escaping the fireplace and causing fires when they land on combustible materials such as carpets. Also, fireplace glass doors increase safety around pets and small children.

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.

What is a glass fireplace screen?

Glass fireplace screens provide a crystal clear view of your fire. They also absorb and then release heat from the fire, creating efficiency in heating the room. From a design perspective, the minimalist look of a glass fireplace screen is ideal for a contemporary or modern look.

Does Stoll make fireplace screens?

For 50 years, Stoll has hand-forged products for the fireplace—the heart of the home. Find a Stoll dealer near you and let us help you create a long-lasting fireplace screen that will be perfect for your fireplace and your home.

Why install a fireplace screen?

Here are some of the many benefits of installing a fireplace screen to help you decide on whether you should get one for your home: It provides safety to your home. As mentioned earlier, an open fireplace presents potential dangers to your home. Installing a fireplace screen will act as a protective barrier.

What is glass screen fireplace?

Glass - Glass panel screens provide a unique contemporary design to your fireplace. They are available in fixed and custom sizes and have a variety of different styles to choose from.

What is a fireplace mesh curtain?

Fireplace mesh curtains can be install ed in either masonry or prefab fireplaces . Our mesh is made from high quality 19 gauge steel, and comes standard with a 40% fullness. This means the mesh will have extra width to be able to "bunch up" within the opening.

Why do you need a mesh screen for a fireplace?

Having a fireplace mesh screen installed is a fire preventive measure as even tiny embers can cause big fires once it gets in contact with your rugs, carpets, and even clothing!

What is a hearth gate?

The hearth gate shown to the left is all you need to make sure your kids and pets are safe from your stove, fireplace, or fire feature. It features a non-toxic black powder coat and is made with heavy duty steel.

What is direct vent fireplace?

Direct vent fireplaces are self contained units. They pull combustion air from the outside and expel exhaust through the chimney system. All direct vent units feature a glass panel surrounded with a metal frame, this can be removed but is required when the unit is operating.

What is a folding screen?

Folding - Folding screens consist of 3 or 4 hinged panel sections, which allows the screen to fold as needed. They are available in fixed and custom sizes. Folding screens are able to block off the firebox more effectively than traditional single panel screens.

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.

Why is a fireplace screen important?

The most important function of a fireplace screen is increasing safety. On the one hand, by preventing sparks from the fire from getting into the room and on the other hand by preventing children and pets being able to get to the fire.

Why put a spark screen in a fireplace?

The advantage of placing the fireplace screen in the fireplace, and not in front of it, is that the open-hearth screen draws less attention, and the beauty of the fireplace remain s more of a focus. In addition, placement of the spark screen in the fireplace makes the room look larger than with a placement in front of the open fireplace. This effect also applies for a fireplace screen of one panel that stands directly in front of the fireplace opening.

How tall is a fireplace screen?

Most old and antique fireplace screens are around 50 cm (19.7") tall, while the average fire height on andirons and grate or in a fire basket is about 10 cm (4") tall. This height of the fireplace screen is sufficient if well-dried (e.g. dried at least 2 years), slow-burning wood is burnt, such as beech, oak, and birch wood. Fast-burning wood types like spruce, pine, and poplar wood produce so many sparks that only a hermetic closure of the fireplace with the fire screen provides sufficient protection.

What are the disadvantages of a fireplace screen?

The disadvantage is that the fire is seen more through the fireplace screen than would be the case if the fireplace screen were a bit lower.

How to contact Firebacks about fireplace screen?

Should you still have doubts about which fireplace screen would fit best, then you can feel free to call us (+31.653493998) or e-mail ( [email protected] ). With the sizes of your fireplace and a photo if possible, we can undoubtedly make a good recommendation.

How high should a fire screen be?

On average, fires are burned at a height of 10 cm (4") above the hearth floor. If dry wood is burned and the fire is of average height, then a height of 50 cm (19.7") is sufficient for a fire screen. If your fire is located higher above the hearth floor, then the minimum height of the fireplace screen has to be adjusted accordingly. The same applies if you make very large fires, so that the fire height ends up being higher.

How big should an open hearth screen be?

The breadth of an open-hearth screen with a single panel should be at least 5 cm (2") larger than the breadth of the front of the fireplace. How much greater than 5 cm (2") is a matter of taste.

What is a fireplace screen?

A fireplace screen is an essential accessory to enjoy your fireplace safely and comfortably. 1 Available in a range of styles and sizes, fireplace screens protect the room from sparks or embers and also act as an additional barrier to the firebox. Both wood-burning and gas fireplaces should have a fireplace screen. 2

Why do you need a fireplace screen with doors?

A fireplace screen with doors is a convenient option since it provides easy access for tending the fire or cleaning up ashes. Instead of moving the screen out of the way, you can open one or both doors for access to the firebox.

How to protect a fireplace from sparks?

As moisture or resin is released from logs in the fire, sparks can shoot out from the fireplace. 5 Choose a fireplace screen that is tall enough and wide enough to provide adequate protection from sparks and embers that could otherwise burn people, pets, or objects in close proximity. Both wire mesh and solid panel fireplace screens can offer the necessary protection. Another important safety consideration if you have children or small pets is the stability of the fireplace screen. Look for a model with legs to stabilize the screen or a curved or folding model that offers a wide base for stability. 1

What is a Pottery Barn fireplace screen?

For a functional fireplace screen, look no further than the Pottery Barn Classic Triple Screen. This must-have fireplace accessory is constructed with three wire mesh panels and two doors that open in the center, providing quick access to tend the fire or clean up ashes. It stands out for being constructed of pounded cast iron, while many other fireplace screens are made of powder-coated steel. Keep in mind that it will also be heavier than most other models. However, with the center opening doors, you won’t need to move the screen often and it is incredibly sturdy—making it less likely to be moved or knocked over by pets and kids.

How much does a fire screen weigh?

It weighs about 14 pounds and is sturdy but simple to move. The black iron finish is basic enough for most décor schemes and the mesh panels allow for heat transfer.

What is the best frame for a glass fireplace screen?

Choose between solid brass or polished stainless steel frame. Either option will give your room a glamorous look while protecting furnishings from sparks and embers. Like other glass fireplace screens, you’ll appreciate the ability to admire the flames behind the clear glass screen.

How many panels are in a fireplace screen?

This fireplace screen features three panels that provide a sturdy base or fold for storage.

What are fireplace screens?

Fireplace screens are a fabulous addition to your fireplace hearth and we offer one of the largest selections of screens available anywhere! Our fireplace screens are available in a huge selection of styles, including single panel, three panel, bowed, summer screens, and glass fire screens to fit any home. Add beauty to your fireplace while protecting the surrounding area from flying sparks and keeping kids and pets safe from the fireplace.

Why do we need a summer screen for a fireplace?

Summer Fireplace Screens. Summer fireplace screens are used for many reasons but most of all to add beauty to a fireplace that is not in use, keep pets and children out of the fireplace and to add some life to a plain fire place while in the off season.

What is a bowed screen?

Bowed Screens add a three dimensional look to your fireplace along with giving you superior coverage and ease of use. Handles allow you to easily pick up the screen and set it aside for loading firewood.

What is a child guard for a fireplace?

Child guard fireplace screens help protect little ones from getting too close to a fireplace or wood stove. The HearthGate version offers the most protection and flexibility with it's optional extension panels available in 8" and 24" widths. The HearthGate can be securely attached to walls and has a heavy-duty gate allowing entry. Other styles are also available.

Do people think of screens when they want fireplace doors?

Many people think of a screen when they're really wanting a fireplace door. Here we have a large selection of stock and custom fireplace doors for any fireplace size.

Do you need a screen for a fireplace?

For large or unusual sized fireplaces you may need a custom screen. In this section we show a number of styles and options for screens custom made just for you.

Can you fold a fireplace screen?

Folding fireplace screens allow for a three dimensional look as well as making loading your fireplace very easy. You don't have to move the entire screen to add wood just open one side and leave the rest in place. Also they are easy to fold up and store during the off season. Large screens can be awkward and hard to move so handles are placed on each side panel to make it easy.

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