Which is Best: Glass Doors or Screen?
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Safety is the top priority if you have a wood-burning fireplace, and choosing between glass doors and a screen is a critical decision. Both options offer unique benefits and can dramatically affect the Fireplace’s aesthetics, functionality, and safety.
We delve into the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision.
Glass Doors: Efficiency and Aesthetics
Glass doors are popular because they can enhance contemporary and traditional homes due to their sleek appearance and proactive benefits. One of the primary advantages of glass fireplace doors is that they improve energy efficiency. By creating a tight seal, glass doors prevent warm air from escaping up the chimney when the Fireplace isn’t in use, which can help reduce heating costs in winter.
Additionally, glass doors can make your fireplace safer by acting as a barrier to prevent sparks and embers from escaping into the room, potentially preventing fires. They also are excellent for keeping young children and pets away from the flames.
From an aesthetic standpoint, glass doors offer a clean, modern look that you can customize with different finishes to match your tastes. Glass doors also allow you to enjoy the beauty of the fire by giving you a clear view that screens cannot.
Screens: Flexibility and Traditional
Fireplace screens, on the other hand, offer flexibility and a classic touch. Screens are typically made from metal and come in various designs, from simple and functional to decorative and ornate. Unlike glass doors, you can easily move the screen away when tending the fire, making them more convenient for people who use their Fireplace frequently.
As mentioned, the primary function of glass doors or screens is safety — they keep sparks and embers from escaping — and screens offer the same protection as glass but without the seal.
Screens also allow for better heat distribution when the fire is burning. Since they don’t trap heat behind the glass, the warmth radiates more freely into the room.
Choosing Which is Best for Your Home
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to which you should buy, but here are a few things to ponder to help you decide which is best for your home.
Energy Efficiency: If energy efficiency is a priority, glass doors win hands down. They significantly reduce air leakage from the home, keeping you warmer and lowering energy bills.
Safety and Ease of Use: Glass doors offer a more secure barrier for homes with pets and small children, but both do well at protecting against embers and sparks from spilling out.
Aesthetics: Consider your home’s style and personal taste. Glass doors might suit a more modern aesthetic, while screens blend better in a more traditional setting.
Budget: Glass doors are generally more expensive than metal screens because of the materials and installation requirements. If cost is a concern, opt for a screen.
Usage: If you use your Fireplace frequently for heating, you might prefer a screen because it offers easier access and better heat distribution.
Both screens and doors have their merits, and as we said, there’s no right or wrong choice because whichever you buy will offer protection, which is the primary goal.
Keystone’s Fireplace is the premier fireplace and chimney service in South Central, PA. Whether you need a fireplace screen, chimney sweeping, fireplace makeover, or anything in between, you can count on our expertise and over 30 years of experience. Contact us today at (717)-766-2167.