A fireplace can be a beautiful addition to any living room. Whether sleek and modern or large and rustic, it makes an attractive a visual focal point even when not in use. More importantly a functioning fireplace (if used and maintained correctly) can be a great way to heat your home and cut down on your gas and electric bills during cold winter months.
One slightly area of debate is whether or not you should put glass doors on your fireplace. There are arguments for and against glass doors, touching on important points like visual appeal, heat distribution, and the safety of having glass doors. Read on to find out more about some of the benefits and drawbacks of installing glass doors on your fireplace.
Benefits of Glass Doors
Many experts will attest that, despite what you may think, adding glass doors to your fireplace will actually help heat your home more effectively. In any fireplace, much of the heat is lost up the chimney. Glass doors actually help absorb more of this heat and distribute it into your home.
Another benefit of glass doors is safety. If you have pets or small children in your home, it is in your best interest to install a barrier between a roaring fire and your loved ones. While some homeowners make use of screens, glass is your best bet in ensuring that there are no accidents around the fireplace.
Drawbacks of Glass Doors
One downside to having glass doors on your fireplace is that if the wrong type of glass is installed, it could be more dangerous than not having glass at all. Tempered glass should never be used for fireplace doors as it can shatter and crumble at very high temperatures, posing a safety risk. If you are considering installing glass doors to an existing or new fireplace, it is imperative that you check with a specialist to ensure that the glass you have in mind has been approved for fireplace use.
There are also many homeowners who don’t enjoy the visual look of glass doors on a fireplace. This is particularly true for older homes or those with very large and rustic fireplaces where the addition of glass doors does not match the style of the home. If your fireplace has glass doors and you would like to remove them, it is a good idea to check with an expert to discuss what safety or downdraft issues might arise.
Finding a Fireplace Specialist
Regardless of what modifications or updates you’re thinking of making to your fireplace, it’s always best to consult a specialist in order to get trustworthy advice. Fireplace and chimney construction can vary greatly depending on the age and style of your home, so what makes sense for one fireplace will not necessarily apply to all installations.
When looking for a skilled and experienced fireplace or chimney expert, make sure to check online reviews for customer satisfaction. It is important to hire a specialist with extensive experience and impeccable service in order to ensure that the advice you receive is sound and any renovations are high quality and safe.