Fireplace Mesh Doors, Screens, and Curtains…
Which Choice Is Right For My Fireplace?
Your fireplace is ready to work hard for you during the cold months…but you’ll need to have a mesh protective barrier or spark guard to keep your home safe. You have a few options including the old-fashioned mesh curtain, custom mesh fireplace doors, and free-standing fireplace screens. Read on to find out which type of mesh will work best for you.
Mesh curtains are installed on many zero clearance fireplaces. These curtains hang loosely on a metal rod that runs across the top of the firebox opening. This type of mesh has been around a long time and if yours is several years old, it could be rusted and difficult to open and close. These mesh curtains can be used alone or behind fireplace glass doors. If you already have glass doors, the curtain should be simple to install. Made of heavy 19-gauge stainless steel, in several sizes, the curtains usually come with two panels, in black, with the pulls included. Measure your firebox to order the ones that will fit. While mesh curtains cost less than other mesh options, they are not secure on the bottom of the firebox allowing the possibility for a log to roll out underneath.
Mesh Fireplace Doors fit inside your firebox and are custom made to fit properly. These doors open on each side, cabinet style and fit securely all the way around. The mesh doors can be installed behind glass doors or used alone. The benefit of installing mesh doors in conjunction with glass doors is that the glass doors can be closed after a fire to keep the cold air from coming down the chimney into your room and the Mesh Doors can be used on direct vent fireplaces and are sometimes referred to as a direct vent front. These mesh doors, usually constructed of aluminum or steel, come in a variety of decorative finishes to enhance your direct vent firebox
Free-Standing Mesh Screens are not attached to the firebox but stand alone on the hearth. These type screens come in one piece styles and tri-fold three panel styles. These mesh screens are available in many styles and finishes. They are decorative and come in several finishes and styles. One drawback to the freestanding screen is that it could tip over easily since it’s not attached to the firebox.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do I really need mesh if I already have fireplace doors?
A: Yes!! Fireplace doors are meant to be open when the fire is burning. The mesh keeps sparks from popping out of your firebox onto the floor. You could use a mesh curtain but the best option is to purchase a new set of custom glass doors with mesh doors to get a near perfect fit for your firebox.
Q: How do I purchase a mesh curtain?
A: You can purchase just two of the curtain panels to attach to your existing rod or the rod and the panels.
Q: Why buy mesh doors instead of a mesh curtain?
A: Mesh doors are sturdy and secure on all sides unlike the mesh curtain which hangs loosely. The mesh doors are made to fit your firebox so they look better and will last longer than the old fashioned mesh curtain which can rust and be difficult to open and close.
Q: Why do I need mesh with a direct vent fireplace?
A: A direct vent fireplace has one solid panel of glass over the front. The mesh front is decorative but also provides a safety barrier to the glass, which can get very hot. Our direct vent accessory mesh door
Q: I have a vent free log set. What mesh should I use?
A: Mesh doors are a great choice since you can’t use glass doors with vent free logs.
Q: What’s the best mesh option for my masonry fireplace? I don’t want doors.
A: We love the twin panel mesh aluminum door and the clear mesh aluminum doors. You can choose a specialty finish or standard black. The normandy spark guard is a great choice as well.