The decision to use a fireplace screen boils down to personal preference. In today’s blog I’m going to discuss a few different types of fireplace screens and fireplace doors, and their functions. Then of course, the decision is yours – Do you need one? Feel free to comment below to let me know your opinions on fireplace screens and doors. Let’s get started…
Fireplace Screens
Fireplace screens are available in a huge variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and finishes. You can buy them to complement nearly any decor. They add a lot of fashion to any room, and are often used as a focal point when they’re not in use.
The functionality of a fireplace screen is something I personally feel is extremely important. 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.
In a nutshell, a fireplace screen is only functional while you actively have a fire burning. Otherwise it’s a conversation piece or another piece of lovely decor near the fireplace.
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 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 of protecting against burning embers.
The Decision is Yours
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.
Whatever decision you make regarding fireplace doors or screens, please use them as intended so there aren’t any accidents due to misuse. Make an appointment with a certified chimney sweep at least once per year to inspect your chimney and flue to ensure proper functionality.