Wondering how to install glass doors on fireplace? Glass doors make for an excellent addition to any fireplace and bring benefits including more safety, better heat efficiency, and a polished appearance.
Whether you’re upgrading your existing setup or adding glass doors for the first time, this guide will walk you through the installation process step-by-step to help you get it done. So, introduce you to fireplace glass doors and how to embrace them with your heart.
Why Install Glass Doors on a Fireplace?
Before explaining how to install glass doors on a fireplace, it’s useful to know why you want to do it in the first place. Here are just a few good reasons:
- Safety: Because glass doors close off the fire, they prevent sparks or embers from getting out and damaging something or starting a fire elsewhere.
- Energy Efficiency: Glass doors can enhance your fireplace’s energy efficiency by preventing the warm air in your room from escaping up the chimney.
- Aesthetic Appeal: A properly fitted set of glass doors can improve the elegance of your fireplace by creating a more modern, polished appearance.
- Cleanliness: A glass door will help keep your hearth cleaner by minimizing the amount of smoke and ashes that escape.
Types of Fireplace Glass Doors
Depending on your fireplace type and aesthetics preferences, there are several varieties of glass doors you can choose from. Here are some types of overhead charges most commonly incurred:
- Bi-Fold Doors – These doors consist of two sections that fold open to the sides.
- Swinging Doors – Not this type require be doored like normal doors, swinging toward the left or right.
- Sliding Doors – Same as the name, these doors slide to the side allowing easy access.
- Single Pane vs. Dual Pane – Single-pane glass doors are simpler and less expensive, while double-pane doors offer better insulation.
The design of your fireplace and your specific needs will determine which type of glass door is appropriate.
Tools and Materials Needed for Installation
You’ll require a few basic tools and materials to install glass doors on your fireplace:
- Glass fireplace door kit
- Tape measure
- Drill with masonry bit (if required for mounting)
- Screwdriver
- Level
- Safety gloves and goggles
- Caulk or fireproof sealant
- Screws and mounting brackets (included in most kits)
These tools are going to ensure that the installation is quick and done properly, the first time.
Step-by-Step Fireplace Glass Door Installation
1. Preparing the Fireplace
Before you start installing your glass doors, make sure that your fireplace is clean and has no debris. If an old screen or screens exist, they are removed if they are already there. Next, check the opening to make sure the fireplace itself is in good shape and that the edges are smooth. Then, measure the height and width of your fireplace to ensure your new glass doors fit.
2. Measuring and Selecting the Right Glass Doors
When you go for the best glass doors, accurate measurement is everything. Most fireplace door kit manufacturers will provide very detailed instructions for measuring your fireplace. Make sure to gauge the following:
- Width: Check the opening of the fireplace from side to side.
- Height: Measure form the floor to the top of the opening.
- Depth: If the door needs to be anchored deeper into the fireplace, be sure to also measure the depth.
After you have your measurements, you can choose the right glass door kit for your fireplace.
3. Installing the Fireplace Glass Door Kit
Fireplace glass door kits usually include a frame, brackets, and screws that hold the glass doors in place. Depending on what kind of door you decide on, no matter what, these steps are pretty standard for installation:
- Attach the brackets to the door frame: Most kits come with pre-drilled holes that make attachment simple. Install screws to anchor the brackets in the frame.
- Install the frame onto the fireplace: Place the frame into the fireplace opening and verify that it is level. Attach the frame to the sides of the fireplace using screws or even anchors.
4. Securing the Glass Doors
After securing the frame, now it’s time to connect the glass doors to the frame. Align the hinges with the doors carefully and attach the doors as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the doors open and close properly, with no gaps around the edges.
5. Final Adjustments and Testing
Adjust the doors once they have been fitted to ensure they are aligned correctly. Open and close the doors to see if they are operating smoothly. For an air-tight seal, use caulk or fireproof sealant around the edge of the frame. Allow the sealant to cure according to the manufacturer’s specifications before operating the fireplace.
Glass Fireplace Doors Installation Tips
- Choose the right glass: Verify that the glass doors you pick are suitable for your particular type of fireplace, such as gas, wood-burning, or electric.
- Ensure proper ventilation: Glass doors improve energy efficiency but should still allow for plenty of airflow. Be sure that you have good ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
- Opt for professional help if unsure: If you are unsure about your skill level or whether the kit you purchased is right for your fireplace, you may want to consider having a professional installation to ensure a safe and effective install.
Cost of Fireplace Glass Door Installation
The installation cost of fireplace glass doors is also determined by various factors, such as the kind of fireplace, the glass doors brand, and the decision to hire a professional to install the doors. DIY kits typically run between $100 and $500, and professional installation can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000 or more.
DIY Glass Doors for Fireplace Installation vs. Professional Installation
Although many homeowners install glass doors themselves, professional installation may be required with complex fireplace designs or simply if you prefer not to attempt installation. Generally, DIY installation is less expensive and more time-consuming.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Glass Doors
- Incorrect measurements: Before you buy a glass door kit, check and verify your measurements.
- Improper sealing: Failure to seal the doors properly can leave the heat escape and make the energy inefficient.
- Forgetting to test the doors: Make sure that the doors both open and close without a hitch before you seal the frame.
Maintaining Your Fireplace Glass Doors
The best way to maintain the good looks of your fireplace glass doors is to clean them with a nonabrasive cleaner every so often. Check the seals and glass for any cracks or chips.
Conclusion
Install glass doors to your fireplace is a great way to enhance the safety, efficiency, and aesthetics of your home. Do-it-yourself or hire a skilled professional, the right installation will ensure that your fireplace will be useful and stylish for many years!