Fireplace Door - Hidden Air Draft Assembly - Part 2

In my last post I discussed the primary purpose of a hidden draft assembly. In this post I want to discuss a secondary, yet somewhat controversial purpose of the draft assembly.

Here is the issue - you can technically burn a fire with the fireplace doors closed and the draft assembly opened. The draft assembly will allow enough combustion air to feed the fire rather than having your glass doors wide open. How does this benefit you? Having the glass doors wide open means that a substantial amount of air from your room is feeding the fire. This is air that you have paid to heat – since you typically are using the fireplace in the winter time. Keeping the fireplace glass doors closed will limit the amount of air that the fire is using, which in theory will save you money because you are not using as much conditioned air. I have talked to a number of homeowners that tell me that when they have a fire burning in the fireplace with their fireplace doors wide open their furnace will be constantly running. This is because so much of the conditioned air is being sucked out of the room and up the chimney. When you combine the savings you receive by keeping the fireplace doors closed with the radiant heat from the fireplace, your net heat is substantially increased when you burn a fire with the fireplace doors closed.

So if the above method is a cost savings and even preferable; why is it controversial? The reason is that all fireplace door manufacturers warn that if you burn a fire in the fireplace with your doors closed, the lifetime warranty on the glass is voided. In other words, if the glass breaks while your burning with the doors closed, you will be responsible to replace the glass.

Your fireplace doors use tempered glass which is rated up to approximately 600 degrees Fahrenheit. This should be sufficient for any normal size fire however there are other factors that can contribute to glass breakage. Since each fireplace is unique and these factors unforeseeable, fireplace door manufactures require that you burn the fire with the doors open.

I would never tell you to do something that would void your warranty – BUT… if you were still going to do this despite your warranty being voided; here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

1. Always keep the doors open when using gas logs. Do not ever burn gas logs with the fireplace doors closed. A gas fire is hotter than a wood burning fire.
2. Don’t burn a bonfire in a fireplace! Keep the size of the fire reasonable.
3. Keep the fire at least 6-8 back from the glass.
4. Don’t go from 0 to 60 in 6 seconds! What I mean by this is; don’t get the fire too hot too quick. One of the reasons for the glass breaking is the quick change in temperature. All things in moderation.
5. If you are really set on burning a hot fire with the fireplace doors closed, consider purchasing a fireplace door that features ceramic glass - such as the Sentry Fireplace Door. It's not inexpensive but it may be worth it depending on your desired application.
6. If you were to have glass breakage - don't freak out. You can purchase replacement tempered glass on our website and it is really easy to install. It's also not that expensive.

So there you have it – everything you could have ever wanted to know about the hidden draft assembly for a fireplace door – and then some!

Fireplace Door - Hidden Air Draft Assembly

Often, customers looking to purchase a fireplace door have questions regarding the hidden draft assembly feature:

• What is it?
• What purpose does it serve?
• Is it necessary?
• Why is it hidden?

Let me take a few moments to answer these questions in detail.

Question: What is a hidden draft assembly on a fireplace door?
Answer: The hidden draft assembly is located on the bottom of the fireplace door frame that allows you to control the flow of air from your room into the fireplace. It typically is a ¼” slot that runs the length of the fireplace door frame and is operated by a hinge.

Question: What purpose does it serve?
Answer: The hidden draft assembly is primarily used when the fire is dying out. The homeowner can close the fireplace doors for the night and open the hidden draft assembly so combustion air can still feed the fire allowing it to burn out.

Question: Is it necessary?
Answer: It is not essential to have a draft assembly with your fireplace door. In fact, many budget doors do not feature a draft assembly. However, be aware that if you close the fireplace doors on a burning fire, the fire will suffocate and create lots of smoke. This smoke may leak into your room and be very unpleasant to say the least.

Question: Why is it hidden?
Answer: It is hidden primarily for aesthetic reasons. Older fireplace door models featured a draft assembly masked by a filigree design. It was operated by a knob located on the face of the fireplace door. Once the filigree design was no longer popular, the hidden draft assembly replaced it as the preferred design.

There is another purpose for the draft assembly but it somewhat controversial. Many homeowners like to burn a fire with the doors closed and the air draft assembly open. There are some important things to consider before you do this. I will cover this issue in my next post.

The air draft assembly is more than just a frill, it's an important component of your fireplace door. The fact that new designs have hidden the draft assembly simply enhances the overall attractiveness of the door and contributes to the newer, sleeker styles that you are seeing in the most popular fireplace doors.

How to Install Fireplace Doors

Ever buy something from the store and when it arrives at your home you think- how in the world am I going to install this by myself? Our fireplace glass doors can be installed by YOU. You do not need to pay extra money for someone else to install your new fireplace glass door-you just need to find the right tools. To begin this installation guide, here are four items that are required for installation of any fireplace glass door:

• Power Drill (Cordless recommended)
• Masonry Drill Bit
• Hex Head Drill Bit
• Felt Tip Marker

Most glass fireplace doors arrive fully-assembled. Keep in mind that the aluminum doors are made of four separate pieces that have been attached together. This design allows the aluminum doors to be flexible and fit almost any fireplace. Aluminum doors can create more of a hassle if your firebox is uneven or has unique elements. They require adjusting the frame to make the doors aligned correctly with your fireplace face.
Steel fireplace doors are made as one complete unit. They are typically laser cut from one solid sheet of steel which causes the door to be sturdy and unchanging. The lack of flexibility makes this type of fireplace glass door easier to install. No adjustments are necessary to mount a steel fireplace door which will cut the installation time in half! Aluminum doors will sit on the face of the fireplace and attach to the back of the frame. On the other hand, steel fireplace doors contain a back-frame that will sit inside the fireplace face. Before installing your glass fireplace door, you should always read the instructions in their entirety so that you fully understand the process.

The following is a summary of how to install a Fireplace Glass Door (please note that the example photos are taken of the Hammered Edge Fireplace Door which is made of steel):

TIP: Before installing your new fireplace glass door, remove the glass panels and mesh screens. For some door styles, the glass panels and mesh screens will easily lift off the hinges.


1) Position the door frame against your fireplace opening. Make sure the frame is lined up correctly so that it is flush to the fireplace.


TIP: For an aluminum door, you will need to attach the mounting brackets prior to Step 1. You will also need to adjust the mounting brackets so they match up with the mortar joints.

2) Locate the premade drilling holes on the frame or mounting brackets. Use the Felt Tip Marker to indicate at what spot you need to pre-drill holes in the masonry in order to attach the frame to the fireplace.


3) Remove the frame. Use a power drill with the masonry bit to pre-drill a hole in each spot that you previously marked on the fireplace.

TIP: You want to pre-drill holes into the mortar joint. If the frame does not match up with the mortar joint, drilling into the brick is acceptable.

4) Reattach frame to the face of your fireplace. Make sure the holes you just pre-drilled match the space provided for the screws to attach the door to the fireplace.

TIP: Aluminum doors may include fiberglass insulation. If provided, place the insulation between frame and fireplace face.

5) Using the screws provided, secure the frame to the fireplace.


6) Reattach mesh screens and glass panels.


TIP: With Aluminum doors, they will need to be adjusted until the glass doors are aligned with the frame correctly.

DONE!

The installation of your fireplace door may differ slightly than the above instructions depending on the manufacturer. We do offer installation support through our instructional videos, technical sales staff, and the instructions that will arrive along with your fireplace glass door. With the right tools and a good attitude, you can make your hearth look great and create a mesmerizing focal point for your home.

Click Here to View our Fireplace Glass Door Collection

Check out this How to Install a Minuteman Fireplace Door Video

How to Clean Fireplace Glass Doors

Picture this- You have completed your hearth décor with some great looking fireplace glass doors. You are enjoying each fire showcased by your beautiful new enclosures, but after a while you notice that your fireplace glass doors have collected some unpleasant things. This residue, that is caused variables in your fire, can create a nasty build up on your fireplace glass door. You will need to clean your fireplace glass doors regularly to keep them residue-free and looking their best. Cleaning a fireplace glass door is not a difficult task but if done incorrectly can ruin your enclosure. I am going to point out a few tricks of the trade in how to clean fireplace glass doors safely and efficiently.

First things first- GET THE RIGHT CLEANING PRODUCT. There are a lot of different myths of what is the best thing to use when cleaning the soot off your glass doors. Depending on what kind of fireplace you have determines what cleaner is best for you. Using the wrong cleaner can make ugly streaks or scratches on your nice fireplace glass doors. So, which product do I recommend? Here are some of my suggestions:

For a gas fireplace, I would advise using White-Off Fireplace Glass Cleaner. It is a cream solution rather than the normal spray-on cleaners. The White-Off glass cleaning cream is made to remove the white residue on your fireplace glass doors that is created by gas log fires. It is a guaranteed non-abrasive cleaner that will remove the residue without scratching your glass. The White-Off Fireplace Glass Cleaner does not only clean fireplace glass doors. It can also be used on ceramic cook-tops, stainless steel, composite sinks and fiberglass showers.

For a wood-burning fireplace, I recommend the Fireplace Glass and Hearth Cleaner. It is a spray-on and wipe-off type of cleaner that will not run. That’s right- it’s a spray-on cleaner that sticks to the glass without running down to the floor. This thick “Ultra-Cling” formula makes it easy for you to remove creosote, soot, and grime off your fireplace glass doors. The Fireplace Glass and Hearth Cleaner can also be used to clean different surfaces of your hearth that have been claimed by the grime.

Another product to consider is the Pellet Stove Glass Cleaner. It can be used to clean fireplace or woodstove glass doors as well as coal burning appliances. It is a streak-free cleaner that is easy to use because of the pump-spray nozzle design. The Pellet Stove Glass Cleaner will remove the residue from your fireplace glass doors that is left behind after a great fire.

Cleaning fireplace glass doors has never been easier thanks to new products that have developed over the years. You do not need to keep gambling if you are going to scratch the glass or not while you try to scrap off the grime with a razor blade. Put the razor down and pick up a great fireplace glass door cleaner and wipe your worries away. These efficient and easy to use cleaning supplies will save you time and money!

Click here to check out all of our fireplace cleaning materials.

Replacement Fireplace Doors On A Budget

Do you ever look at your hearth and think that you want some nice fireplace glass doors… but you don’t think you can afford them? Well look no further! Nothing is impossible when you are ready to put away that old worn out door and replace it with a stunning new fireplace glass door. You do not need to sacrifice beauty in exchange for a lower price! I have some tips that should help you find a classy fireplace door at a very reasonable price.

Here are a few things to consider:

1. DO IT YOURSELF! The process will be a lot cheaper if you install the doors yourself- and you CAN do it! The process is not difficult but can be time consuming depending on the variables at hand.

• TIP- It is easier to install a solid steel door rather than an aluminum or folded steel door. A solid steel door frame will not compromise its shape or form. For this reason, the glass doors will rarely need to be adjusted. Solid steel doors also have a back frame that fits inside the fireplace opening and mounts to the interior. On the other hand, aluminum and folded steel doors sit on the face of the fireplace and are attached with a bracket located on the back of the frame. They are adaptable so that they can be used with various fireplace styles. However, it does make installation more difficult because they will need more attention in adjusting the doors so they line up correctly. Aluminum and folded steel doors are less expensive but requires more work to complete the installation as opposed to a solid steel door.

2. What is most important to you in choosing a fireplace door? Price? Finish? Style? Quality?

• You get what you pay for! If you buy the lowest priced door on the market – it probably will not have all the extra options that come with the higher-end enclosures. For example, the low-end fireplace doors have about five different finish options compared to the twenty-plus that the high-end have to choose from. Five is a small number of options, but all of our finishes are very classy and will add a nice charm to your hearth.
• Price is also determined on what type of material is used to manufacture the door. Aluminum is the less expensive option, but solid steel is better quality in my opinion. However, both aluminum and steel do withstand the test of time.
• Would you like bifold doors that sit on a track or that open up away from the fireplace? Fireplace doors that sit on a track can only slide as far as the fireplace opening. Bi-fold trackless doors can be pulled away from the fireplace opening up to 180 degrees and can also be folded in half to make your fire more accessible for maintenance.
• The inexpensive fireplace doors don’t offer many distinctive designs. Their style is very basic but attractive. You do not need a fancy designs to make your hearth look great. You just need to find a door that compliments your home décor.

Here are three different doors I would suggest for those of you who are in the market for a new fireplace glass door – they are certainly affordable and you can definitely install them on your own:

The HearthCraft Slimline Fireplace Glass Door features an attractive price along with a classic style. It is made of folded steel which allows for a range of flexibility that can fit almost every fireplace. The Slimline does come with bi-fold trackless doors that extend outside of the fireplace up to 180 degrees which makes it easier for the homeowner to tend the fire. It is available in multiple finishes and three different glass tints. The Slimline does come standard with a mesh curtain and an adjustable damper control vent. It usually will ship within one business week.

The ThermoRite Décor Fireplace Glass Door is very similar to the Slimline but features a slightly more modern style and additional options. The Décor is made of aluminum material and does have the option of adding a mesh curtain or a mesh door. It has a thick frame to help stabilize the glass. The Décor has multiple finish options that include various inserts that slide into the exterior frame to create a smoother look. With three glass tint options, you can customize the look of your fireplace glass door to match any home!

The Minuteman Fireplace Glass Doors are a bargain considering they have a great price point and they are made of solid steel vs folded steel and aluminum – and remember, a solid steel fireplace door is easier to install than a folded steel or aluminum fireplace doors. The Minuteman fireplace doors do come standard with a mesh door even though they only offer one type of finish and one glass tint. It also comes standard with a damper control vent that is hidden to enhance the appearancee of the product. There are three variations of this type of door- the Modern, Shaker and the new Windsor. They are nearly identical except for the door styling. The Modern Fireplace Glass Door has bifold glass doors while the Shaker Fireplace Glass Door has cabinet style doors. The Windsor Fireplace Glass Door features bifold trackless doors with a distinctive arch design. These fireplace doors don’t offer customizing options because they are premade with one finish in specific sizes. Because of this, these fireplace doors qualify for our “Quick Ship” program. If you need a quality fireplace door in a hurry and you have a standard size fireplace – I recommend these fireplace doors.

Fireplace Glass Doors have evolved from the ugly brass fireplace door that your grandmother used to have to a plethora of modern designs and styles. Now you just have to pick one! You can have a beautiful new fireplace glass door to showcase your hearth at a price you can afford. Installing the fireplace doors yourself is a feasible process and we do have many different support methods available to help you. Installation support is available through the instructional videos we offer online, our technical sales staff, and the instructions that will arrive along with your fireplace glass door.

Click Here to check out our selection of Fireplace Doors and help guides.
The “do it yourself” approach will not only give you a sense of pride but will also be easy on your budget!