Is Fireplace Screen Needed?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A fireplace screen is

needed to help prevent any hot embers from spitting out into the room

, which is particularly important when the fireplace located is near wooden floor or carpet. … ‘Use a metal mesh or screen in front of the fireplace to catch flying sparks that could ignite or burn holes in the carpet or flooring.

What size should my fireplace screen be?

To ensure you have about an inch or more of overlap for the screen at the face of the fireplace opening, choose a screen that is

at least one inch taller than the height and two inches wider than the width of the fireplace opening

for a safe, attractive fit.

How big should your fireplace screen be?

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 you measure a mesh fireplace screen?

When ordering both a Rod and Valance Kit and a screen choose a

screen size 2 inches (5.1 cm) shorter than the height of your fireplace opening

. For example, if the height of your fireplace opening is 25 inches and you subtract 2 inches for the valance, then you would need a 23 inch screen.

Do I need a fireplace screen for gas fireplace?

Jim says the answer is

YES

. While they are not necessary to prevent sparks and burning logs from escaping OUT into your room, some gas log manufacturers do require the use of a screen with their product. This is largely to prevent any flammable object from going INTO your fireplace.

What do you call the thing you put in front of a fireplace?


The hearth

refers to the horizontal floor area of stone directly in front of the firebox opening. A hearth is usually as wide as the firebox and the legs combined.

What’s the point 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.

Are you supposed to close the glass on a fireplace?

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 do fireplaces have glass doors?

Glass doors actually

help your fire burn better

. By enclosing the burning area, firewood is able to burn greater and produce more heat. The glass doors also absorb and radiate heat into the room better than a fireplace without doors.

How many hours can you run a gas fireplace?

The 3 basic gas fireplace types

Vent-free gas fireplace – these gas fireplaces work similarly to ovens and don’t exhaust their fumes outside of your home. That’s why they should never be left running for

more than two or three hours at a time

and the rooms they are in should always be well-vented themselves.

Should my fireplace screen cover the whole opening?

Gas Fireplace Sizing Guidelines


Flat Fireplace Screens should overlap the opening by 1”

. Folding Fireplace Screens need to be 1” taller than the fireplace opening and 10-12” wider. This will ensure that your screen stands on it’s own.

How far away should furniture be from a gas fireplace?

Almost every insurance company and government-sponsored organization recommends placing furniture at

least three feet

from a fireplace. Any closer than three feet, and the risk of an ember landing on a flammable material increases dramatically – even for fireplaces with screens.

Do fire guards block heat?

Fire guards are

heat resistant

, strong, sturdy, steel structures that should be screw fitted in place to ensure the ultimate safety should a young child come into contact with the guard.

How much is a fireplace insert?

Fireplace insert prices cost an average of

$2,500 to $4,500

, which includes a chimney liner and installation. They can cut energy usage from 10 to 40 per cent in the building because of the heat that they emit.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.