How to Clean Fireplace Glass Doors

Fireplace glass doors give your home fireplace an elegant, finished look. Fireplace glass doors are available in a variety of designs, including bi-fold and tri-fold glass panes. A lit fireplace creates dust from ash from wood and coal fuels that build up on fireplace glass doors quickly. Ash residue on fireplace doors is difficult to clean and ruins the look of the fireplace. There are several ways to clean fireplace doors…

• Soft cloths and a basin of sudsy water
• Household ammonia and water in a ratio of one part ammonia to three parts water
• A dampened newspaper roll and fireplace ash
• A razor blade
• Hire an experienced contractor - Save yourself a Messy Chore

Soft cloths And a Basin of Water

This is not exactly the ideal way to clean your fireplace glass doors. The cloths tend to create streaks on the glass, the basin of water is awkward to transport, not to mention, the water quickly becomes a thick mass of ashy sludge.

Household Ammonia and Water

Household ammonia always has to be used with care. The noxious fumes are unpleasant even when ammonia is neutralized in a ratio of one part ammonia to three parts water. It's important to ventilate the room where the fireplace is located properly to avoid a reaction to ammonia vapors.

Using a Razor Blade to Clean Fireplace Glass Doors

This is most likely the least safest way to clean fireplace glass doors. There is also the possibility of seriously scratching glass panes in the fireplace door frame. This depends on how much residue will be removed. Take extreme care when using a razor blade for this job.

Hire an Experienced Contractor - Save Yourself a Messy Chore

There's no avoiding the job of keeping fireplace glass doors clean. It's a chore that can't really be ignored for very long. It just doesn't have to add to other domestic chores. An experienced contractor can save you from a messy chore. In addition, your contractor will offer a regular annual maintenance contract that tracks each cleaning of your fireplace doors.

This post was brought to you by Phil Henderson, President of Henderson Properties, a leading community association management company based in Charlotte, NC.

May I Also Suggest: 

Brick Fireplace Cleaner

Fireplace Glass Doors

Black Firebox Paint

New Look to my Outdated Brick Fireplace

I just had to write to tell you about the new look of my fireplace.  I always hated the dated look of my fireplace but the cost to replace would have been way out of my price range.  So I did some research on the internet and your blog came up.  I was skeptical at first - but decided to order.  Well, that was the best order of ever placed.  Family and friends can't believe the change.  Brick Fireplace Paint Kit is the best kept secret - everyone who owns a dated fireplace should try your product.  Thank you, thank you, and thank you again.  Attached are my before and after photos - see for yourself.

So Very Satisfied, thank you so much for your recommendation.

Carmel

Things to Consider When Selecting the Right Glass Doors for Your Fireplace

Short description: Fireplaces are known to be fire hazards, hence the need for glass fireplace doors. Glass fireplace doors are ideal for preventing escaping embers that can jump to your rug. However, there are some things you have to consider before you buy them.

Though it sounds like a good idea, roasting chestnuts in an open fire is not a very good idea even if it is holiday season. Fireplaces are known to be fire hazards and one of the leading causes of household fires. Embers can jump from the fireplace to your rug. Inquisitive children and playful pets might get burned if they get too near. That is why it is important that you install glass doors on your fireplaces to minimize risks.

Before you start shopping for your glass fireplace doors, there are some things that you need to consider. Careful planning is important so that you will not end up wasting time, money and effort in selecting and installing your glass fireplace doors.

Doing Research

The first step in your search for the perfect glass fireplace doors is to do your research. Take note of what your needs are. Crack open the yellow pages, pick up the phone and call companies that manufacture glass fireplace doors. Go online and browse the Internet to check out prices, types of glass used and sizes. The more informed you are, the better because you know what questions to ask to the salesperson once you start your shopping.

Types of Glass

There are actually several types of glass used for glass fireplace doors. Each type has its own pros and cons; the key to your selection is to choose the glass type that has the most advantages for you. Glass fireplace doors are made from safety glass, or glass that has been toughened to prevent it from splintering when it gets broken. They are also heat-resistant. Here are some of the glass types used for fireplace doors: 

• Tempered Glass – this type of glass is made to be tougher than standard glass. It also has enhanced thermal resistance which makes it suitable for glass fireplace doors. When it breaks, tempered glass does not shatter in shards but rather in small beads. The weak points of tempered glass are located at the edges due to point-fixed glazing and thermal breakages.
• Laminated Glass – this type if glass has a layer of polyvinyl butyral that bonds the two layers of glass together. Laminated glass is very tough and just like tempered glass, it does not shatter into shards if it breaks.
• Ceramic Glass – ceramic glass is not really glass but rather, it is a transparent ceramic material that only looks like glass. It has high resistance to heat so they are suitable materials for glass fireplace doors. When it breaks, ceramic glass will only crack and will not fall apart like tempered glass.

Measurements

An important consideration when you shop for glass fireplace doors is the size. As you do your measurements, determine the type of fireplace you have. Some pre-fab fireplaces have glass fireplace doors available in different sizes; however, if you have a masonry fireplace, you may have to order a custom-made glass door to make sure it will fit. Make sure that your measurements are accurate: measure to the nearest 1/16 of an inch and write these down.

Budget

Glass fireplace doors are available in a wide price range so there is one that will surely fit your budget. The factors that can affect the price include the materials used, the brand name, how it is constructed and manufacturer warranties. However, you should not go immediately for the cheapest glass door you can find. The key here is getting value for your money.

McIntyre Masonry provides stone masonry services all over Scotland and in areas north of England. This article is written by one of their regular contributors.

GUEST POST BY Robert Kirk - RFK Solutions Ltd

Keeping Your Fireplace Glass Doors Spic and Span – Some Cleaning Tips

Fireplace Glass Doors: Keeping the Ashes At Bay

Keep your fireplace glass doors looking as good as new with these cleaning tips

Come winter time, everyone loves to hangout in a warm room, and there's no denying that a gas fireplace is one of the furnishings at home that can provide such a convenience. All too often, natural gas fireplaces are fitted with glass doors, which are noted for their functionality and aesthetics. These hardworking features help contain the ashes, smoke and sparks into the fireplace, prevents cold air from entering a room, and decrease the potential of fire and injury.

After enduring months or years of searing-hot blazes, however, fireplace glass doors collect stains from the ashes and soot coming from the fire. This in turn makes them look dingy and can also make the entire fireplace appear entirely shabby. So before the wood-burning season begins, you need to examine your fireplace glass doors and take an hour or two to do some elbow greasing to clean it up and refresh its look. Below are some cleaning tips you can follow to keep your fireplace glass doors spic and span.

Tackling the cleaning job with commercial cleaners

Probably the easiest solution to your fireplace glass doors' carbon or other gunk buildup is for you to use commercial cleaners. While you might want to resort to the usual glass cleaners that you see in your local store, take note that they are no-match for the soot that have collected on your fireplace doors. So it is your best bet to settle with products that are especially formulated to clean carbon-rich stains, and there are numerous brands from which you could choose from. More often than not, these commercial cleaners have a paste-like texture and work well with plain paper towels or a clean cloth. Here is a great fireplace cleaner that has everything you need. 

Before applying the cleaner, try vacuuming the glass doors' surfaces first using an ash vacuum to remove loose soot and other particles on the glasses. After which, apply the cleaner to the towel following the manufacturer's recommended amount. Depending on the cleaner that you choose, it might be necessary that you use it on a damp cloth, so make sure that you read the label before use. Rub it over the stained areas on your fireplace glass doors, especially the corners, with a gentle pressure and let it sit for awhile. When all stains are removed, wipe the glasses with a clean cloth.

Remember, when cleaning a new section on the glasses, make sure that you use a clean area of the cloth or better yet a new paper towel so that the carbon residue will not be transferred onto the surfaces that you are going to clean. It is also wise to wear rubber gloves when cleaning since some commercial cleaners contain strong properties that can be harmful to the skin.

Combating ashes with ashes

Although a commercial cleaner can be effective in removing carbon-rich soot on fireplace glass doors and does not necessarily require extraneous amount of effort on your part, the strong odor as well as its chemical properties might put you off. So if you are not too keen about using a commercial cleaner, a cheap and great alternative that you can use are several pieces of damp old newspapers dipped in ashes. Yes, you read that right, ashes. And they are truly effective in removing the build up on your fireplace glass doors, though their use may require a bit more elbow greasing.

Start by removing loose dirt on the glasses of your fireplace doors. Dampen the newspapers with water and dip them into the ashes. Gently rub the newspapers on the stained areas until the carbon deposits are removed. Then wipe the glasses with a clean cloth.

If it's taking you a little while to remove the baked soot, it might be useful if you utilize a flat razor blade to loosen up the stubborn deposits. Then, rub the ashes on the surfaces again. For a shiny finish, spray both the interior and exterior of your glass doors with a mixture of water and vinegar, then pat them with a dry cloth.

Additional cleaning tips

Take note that not all fireplace glass doors are created alike. Hence, some might be easier to clean, while other may require time and effort to completely remove the stains. However, there are a few cleaning tips that can truly make the task a bit easier regardless of the type of glass fireplace door you are using.

First is that you should regularly clean the doors so that the soot will not buildup on the glasses. During winter, it is your best bet to clean the doors at least once every two weeks to maintain the cleanliness and aesthetics of your fireplace glass doors. Another tip is for you to remove the glasses of the doors, as this will let you clean all the corners including the hidden areas in the frames. Also, do not forget to let the doors cool down before cleaning because hot glasses can be dangerous not to mention that they can burn your hands. If you are really busy, however, and you cannot spend too much time cleaning, it might be a good decision to opt for tinted fireplace glass doors which are easier to clean since the tint helps avoid soot from baking onto the glasses.

GUEST POST BY: Robert Kirk RFK Solutions Ltd 

We Do Boxes is a UK-based company that supplies high quality and affordable cardboard packing and moving boxes. This article was written by one of their regular contributors.

May I also suggest a beautiful inexpensive Fireplace Glass Door?

Kitchen remodeling for the Jetsons

Guest Post by David Coeyman

Kitchen remodeling has gone hi-tech.  The home theater system, which used to be located in the den, has found its way to the kitchen, in modern times.  The modern kitchen takes the place of the living, dining room, and den – combined.  It has become the central hotspot of the house for large parties, small group gatherings, or simply hanging out with the family.

Women have known all along that the kitchen is the heart of the home, but with the Sci-Tech boom, men are now more freely accepting of roles that they can take in the kitchen as well.  Of course, men may feel that their kitchen role might just be to party and watch the game.  Regardless of gender, the kitchen is a social gathering for both men and women, as we all love to talk while food is being prepared, and to snack while watching the game.

It starts with the most simple form of entertainment, known as the breakfast bar, also called the kitchen island.  The breakfast bar provides just a little extra preparation space, and is often used for eating quick meals, but has now been tapped in with USB ports and LCD televisions.  Kids can plug in to their music while doing their homework and charging their mp3 players.  If they need to rely on the Internet, they can simply log-in via the kitchen island.  No longer is the breakfast bar just that extra space for preparing food.

How does your hi-tech kitchen help you?  Well it’s easy!  Modern technology has allowed us to clean with the push of a button.  For example, dishwashers these days can clean your dirty tableware with 170 degree steam, in less than 15 minutes.  Remember when glass-tops were only available in electric stoves?  Well not everybody likes electric stoves; in fact, most cooks prefer gas stoves to their electric counterparts.  Now, glass-tops are available on gas stoves with retractable burners.  The burners can be retracted to be flush with the glass-top, making cleanup a cinch!  This leaves the stove with a sleek and modern look.

We know it’s not only about practicality, it’s about entertainment.  Touch screens have invaded the kitchen, and can control nearly every appliance.  New recess lights allow you to change colors to set the mood in your kitchen.  LCD televisions can also be found in the range’s vent hood.  What a better time than to watch the Food Network while sautéing garlic scapes and zucchini in EVOO also known as extra-virgin olive oil, while your girlfriends, keeping you company, aren’t missing the show!  LCD televisions can even be found on the refrigerator door!

As the modern family is living in a smaller home than they did 10 years ago, space must be used wisely.  When remodeling your kitchen, think about the heart of your home.  Where should it be?  Where could it be?  The kitchen is an ideal spot!  The kitchen is the den, the living room, the family room, and the dining room combined – keeping the party all in one spot!


If you are ready to take your kitchen from the dark ages to modern day, Aspect contracting is available to assist you with any kitchen remodeling in Maryland inquiries.

A Not-So-Open Fire: The Benefits of Glass Fireplace Doors

Some Reasons Why Glass Fireplace Doors are Needed - Guest Post

Fireplaces are major fire hazards so safety should be your primary concern. Aside from regularly cleaning the fireplace and the chimneys, you should also install glass fireplace doors to contain the embers and prevent small fingers from getting burned.

Fireplaces are essential fixtures in some homes, especially those that are located in areas with harsh winters. However, fireplaces are also major fire hazards and they have caused a lot of household fires in the past. This is why fireplace safety should be a top priority; this is to prevent accidents and other untoward incidents from happening. 

One way to keep your fireplace safe is by installing glass fireplace doors. These doors are not just mere accessories for fireplaces. There are plenty of advantages in installing these doors for your fireplace. Here are some of them.

Protection

The primary benefit of installing glass fireplace doors is it offers protection for you and your family. These doors reduce the risk of damage to your home. They keep logs inside the fireplace and prevent them from tumbling out. They also prevent embers and sparks from escaping the fireplaces. Burning logs, sparks and embers are dangerous and can cause significant damage to rugs, carpets, tiles and wood flooring. These hazards can also melt linoleum or burn people and pets that are standing too close to the fireplace. Glass fireplace doors also prevents small children and pets from burning themselves on the flames of an open fireplace. These doors also serve as a pest control method because they keep out the pests that can enter the house via the chimney.

Energy Efficiency

Having fireplace glass doors is also an excellent way to make your home more energy efficient. Your fireplace will work better because the glass fireplace door will serve as a barrier between your home and the chimney. The glass fireplace doors keep the warm air inside the fireplace and prevents it from escaping; they are a big help in minimizing the amount of warm air lost so you do not have to crank up the heater or thermostat during the cold winter months.

Aesthetics

Aside from their functionality, glass fireplace doors also provide some aesthetic value to the home. You can choose to have decorative glass fireplace doors that come in various designs, sizes and shapes to match the décor of your home. You can also have your glass fireplace doors customized to make sure that yours is one-of-a-kind.

Easier Fireplace Cleaning

Fireplaces require regular cleaning which can be a tiresome chore. Glass fireplace doors can help reduce the amount of work that you have to do because the ash, cinders and other fireplace debris are contained within the fireplace. With glass fireplace doors, you never have to worry about doing heavy duty cleaning in the areas around your fireplace again.

Steel Buildings Design offers high quality bespoke steel buildings for clients all over the U.K. This article is written by one of their regular contributors.  

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FIREPLACE GLASS DOOR CHOICES
CLICK HERE FOR SUPERIOR FIREPLACE DOOR CHOICES

Moving Checklist: The Right Fireplace

What makes up your "must-have" list when shopping for a new house? For my wife and I, in our next house, a fireplace is near the top of the list (along with a swimming pool, bigger dining area, and a golden-egg laying goose. Hey, we can dream right?).

After a long day of seeing house after house with your real estate agent, it can be easy to go back over the list of houses and mark off "fireplace" as included, on every property that had one. But don't short yourself, just because a fireplace exists in the home doesn't mean it'll satisfy what you're looking for. Be sure to consider the following before buying and moving into a new place:

Does the fireplace work? Is the vent clear? Does the stack hold the smoke inside? Did the previous owners only use it as decoration, thinking it would be fun to paint it with something unsafe to light a fire near? Buying a foreclosure will make it harder to answer these questions, but having an expert inspect the fireplace before you buy can save you from a huge, expensive headache and hours of DIY projects later.

Will the location fit with your furniture? If you've got a favorite couch or armoire that you'd never part with, it's important to take some measurements, and even sketch out a scaled down model of the room on paper to see how your beloved pieces will fit around the fireplace (after all, a fireplace can be slightly harder to move across the room than a couch or coffee table. And by "slightly harder" I mean almost impossible).

Do you like the design? Moving out of a home without a fireplace can make it easy to excitedly jump at the first chance to move into a new home with one. But after a few days or months, you'll start to notice things about the fireplace that you wish you'd have shopped specifically for before buying the house. Take notice of the shape, the height of the mantel, the color of the brick, or, if the brick is painted, decide if you like/dislike the fact that the original rough brick look is gone.

In today's market, it takes falling in love with (and putting offers in on) several houses before the right offer goes through. Don't let that frustration rush you into the next house you see. Even if you're just looking for a rental, a fireplace can be one of the most important focal points and family gathering spots in the house, if you've got the right one. So take a few minutes before leaving on your next house shopping adventure to define your favorite fireplace colors, designs, and features. It'll be worth every second when you're escaping the fast-approaching winter cold with your loved ones and a cup of hot chocolate by your perfect fireplace.

Consider: Fireplace Glass Doors

About the Author:

Daniel hopes to one day own a fireplace (attached to a house, of course). His favorite activities include landscaping his backyard, off-roading in his Jeep, and eating. Yes, eating counts as an activity. He also works for HireAHelper - the best place to compare and book your movers once you finally find that house with the perfect fireplace. 
On Google: https://plus.google.com/109132367672293413676?rel=author

Photo Credit: Landscape Design Advisor on Flickr

Easy Fireplace Door Installation Tutorial

Okay, so the last nine days or so I have had a ton of request's to give a little more insight into how easy it is to install a fireplace glass door so I pieced together a little bit of information that I was given permission to use for those of you who think that you can't do it yourself. Here is what you need and here is a step by step on how you can have a beautiful glass door for a fireplace and install it yourself. 

What Tools Do I need?

You will need a Phillips screwdriver, an electric drill, and masonry drill bits. Masonry drill bits are drill bits that can go into stone. That's it!

Getting Ready

Unpack your fireplace glass doors and do a quick inventory. Make sure and keep all packing supplies as you will need these in the rare event your fireplace doors are defective or do not fit. Use this video as your guide.

Installing the Fireplace Doors

1) You want to make sure your fireplace glass doors go in the right way - not upside down! Look for two spacer brackets - these indicate the bottom of the doors. It is important that the frame be installed with the correct side up to insure smooth operation of the doors and proper flow of cooling air.

3) Remove the four Phillips screws from these tabs. Now you will get out the four mounting brackets, which are packed with your fireplace door. Using the four screws you just removed, attach the mounting brackets to the sliding tabs. You can loosen these tabs to move up and down for fine tuning the location of the mounting brackets. This ensures you will be able to affix the mounting bracket to a solid mounting service. For instance, you want to affix the mounting brackets into brick versus mortar, as mortar crumbles easily. 

4) Next, you will make pilot holes for the mounting brackets. Center your glass doors and hold them in place where they will go - Once again, make sure they are right side up. Through each of your four mounting brackets, mark a hole for drilling. Make sure and use something very visible like a sharpie. Also make sure you are marking on solid brick and not mortar. This will ensure that the doors are held securely. Now, take the doors back out of the fireplace and get ready to drill! 

5) On the four spots you marked with a sharpie, drill the pilot holes. You will want to look at your particular model's instructions* to find the right sized pilot hole for your doors. 

6) Now put your doors back in place within the fireplace. Find your sheet metal screws, which are packed with your fireplace doors. Using a drill driver, snug each screw through each corresponding bracket and into each corresponding pilot hole making sure not to over tighten. 

7) Centering the Doors - You are almost done! If you need to fine tune the centering of the doors, you can loosen the screws through the mounting brackets on one side, and then tighten them on the other. This will be very intuitive once you have the doors installed.

8) Putting the Doors into their Frame - Fold the glass panes together or slightly open with the handles up. Tilt the doors at a 45 degree angle and insert the bottom pivot pin into the retainer clip located in the bottom corner of the door track. Stand the door up vertically and snap the top pivot pin into the retainer clip located inside the top corner of the door track. Repeat the same procedure for the other pair of doors. You're done!!!

CLICK HERE AND CHECK OUT THIS SELECTION OF FIREPLACE GLASS DOORS

FIREPLACE GLASS DOORS

Where there’s fire there’s smoke - Cleaning a Brick Fireplace

Where there’s fire there’s smoke, so a working fireplace naturally accumulates smoke and soot. The stains and residue from smoke and soot can be especially hard to clean. If you are not careful, you might damage or discolor fireplace bricks. The following guidelines can help you clean brick fireplaces safely and effectively. 

Smoke
Smoke is a difficult stain to remove. Try scrubbing with scouring powder (preferably one containing bleach) and a stiff bristle brush. You can also try alkali detergents and commercial emulsifying agents; apply these with a brush or spray and be sure to give them sufficient time to work. Test these chemicals on a small area that is not too visible before using them on a large area. (These compounds have the added advantage that they can be used in steam cleaners.)
For small, stubborn stains, a poultice using trichloroethylene will pull the stain from the pores. Exercise caution when using Trichloroethylene in confined spaces. Ventilate the fumes.

Soot
For small areas of soot, press light-colored children's molding dough onto the brick and lift the soot away. (Be careful--you don't want to pull off any surface material.) Or dip a scrub brush into a pan of full-strength white household vinegar. Scrub a small section at a time, working up. It may take a lot of elbow grease and several applications to remove all of the soot. 

Bucket and Brush Hand CleaningThis is probably the most popular but most misunderstood of all the methods used for cleaning brick masonry. Its popularity is due to the simplicity of execution and the ready availability of proprietary cleaning compounds.

To select the proper cleaning solution (proprietary compounds, detergents or acid solutions) follow the steps outlined below:

1. For proprietary compounds, make sure that the one selected is suitable for the brick and follow the cleaning compound manufacturer's recommended dilution instructions. Brick-Anew fireplace cleaner is specially formulating for just this purpose, unlike many commercial cleansers. Although these other cleaning solutions generally perform in a satisfactory manner, you should test each product being considered in an inconspicuous spot.

2. Detergent or soap solutions may be used to remove mud, dirt and soil accumulated during construction. A suggested solution is 1/2 cup dry measure (0.14 L) of trisodium phosphate and 1/2 cup dry measure (0.14 L) of laundry detergent dissolved in one gallon (3.9 L) of clean water.

3. For acid solutions, mix a 10% solution of muriatic acid (9 parts clean water to 1 part acid) in a non-metallic container. Pour acid into water. Do not permit metal tools to contact the acid solution. There is the temptation to mix acid solutions stronger than recommended in order to clean stubborn stains. The indiscriminate use of any acid solution may tend to cause further stains.

Caution
Improper or overzealous cleaning may damage even new brick. If your fireplace brick is old and crumbling, any cleaning may cause damage. Test any cleaning material in an inconspicuous spot. To remove soot from brick that is not in good condition, mix a 50/50 solution of laundry bleach and water, pour into a spray bottle, spritz the bricks, then scrub with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with water.

Painting Stained Brick
Fireplace bricks that are permanently stained, discolored, or damaged may not be worth the time and effort to clean. Another option is painting the fireplace brick. Although many people are opposed to painting brick “on principle,” in reality this may be your best option for unsightly or ugly bricks. Try an all-in-one fireplace paint kit for an end result that has the look of real brick.

Also Consider these products as I did:

Brick Fireplace Cleaner

Fireplace Glass Doors

Fireplace Paint Products

What Is Fireplace Door Replacement Glass and Is Your Fireplace Safe?

Fireplace doors require special glass to withstand the demands of your fireplace. We carry replacement tempered and ceramic glass for fireplace doors.

• If you have a standard every-day fireplace, tempered glass is a strengthened glass that can withstand the high temperatures and the falling tools and logs around your fireplace.
  
• Ceramic Glass is for the person that wants the highest quality glass available. People that use it in fireplace doors if they want the added protection ceramic glass offers or the like to burn their fires with the doors closed. If you have a B vent fireplace or a wood burning stove with broken glass, you will want to get ceramic glass as it can withstand the even higher temperatures these appliances produce.

Does your fireplace glass door need replacing? Are you worried for the safety of your home? Check out a wide variety of glass doors for fireplaces and make your fireplace safe before the cooler weather gets here. Here are a few suggestions:

Tempered Glass Fireplace Doors

Ceramic Fireplace Glass for Fireplace Glass Doors

What Kind of Fireplace Glass Doors are you looking for?

A Brick Painted Fireplace Must See!

I just had to share my friend Jackie's brick fireplace transformation! She was so excited about the finished product that she has told and showed dozens of our friends and neighbors. She was tired of the same old red brick fireplace and wanted to add some warmth to her beautiful living room. I of course suggested my most favorite brick paint kit. She knew already from all my postings and coming over to my house that I absolutely love the Twilight Taupe color themed paint. What she didn't know was how to do it on her own and then of course getting the hubby on board. Once she had completed it she knew she had made the right decision. I am so thrilled she loved it. The most amazing thing about Brick Anew's Brick Paint is that it is not like regular paint that even when trying to use all these various techniques, regular paint just doesn't not have the finish that leaves your brick looking like "real brick".

I am tickled that she sent me the photo's even though I saw the final outcome, but hey, now I get to share them with you.

May I also suggest some more suggestions to help make your fireplace even more beautiful?

Masonry Fireplace Glass Doors

Prefab Fireplace Glass Doors

Fireplace Glass Doors

The Practical and Beautiful Fireplace Door

If you have a fireplace in your home, it's a wise idea to make sure you have fireplace doors. Fireplace doors are often considered to be mainly a design feature and they can certainly be very attractive. However, they're not just for looks. Installing glass doors on your fireplace has significant safety benefits. As well, they're an energy efficient choice for your home. Read on to find out some of the advantages of fireplace doors.

Properly installed fireplace doors will help save you money on your energy bills. In winter, they stop the escape of hot air from your home through the chimney. And in summer, they keep out large quantities of hot air that you'd have to pay to cool down with your air conditioning system. Fireplace doors can reduce the loss of air from your home by up to 90 percent. It's essential that they remain closed when the fireplace is not in use.

Another reason for having fireplace glass doors is for enhanced safety. Glass doors are very effective at keeping sparks and other burning particles from leaving the fireplace and doing some damage to your room. They also provide a barrier between the fire and your small children or pets. Be aware, however, that the doors will become very hot while the fire is burning. Your children will get burned if they touch them. Ensure that you teach your children about the potential dangers of a fireplace.

Most fireplace doors are made of glass. This way you can enjoy the beauty of your burning fire while having the doors closed. There are some that are made of screen, but they don't offer the same advantages of glass fireplace doors in terms of energy efficiency and safety.

COMPLETE THE REST OF THE ARTICLE - Click Here: Factory Plaza

CHECK OUT THIS AWESOME SELECTION OF: Fireplace Glass Doors

Fireplace and Home Fire Safety

Article by USFA Fireplace and Hearth 

More than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary heat sources in their homes. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels.

Heating fires account for 36% of residential home fires in rural areas every year. Often these fires are due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently.

The United States Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to practice the following fire safety steps to keep those home fires safely burning. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility ...Fire Stops With You!

Keep Fireplaces and Wood Stoves Clean

• Have your chimney or wood stove inspected and cleaned annually by a certified chimney specialist.
• Clear the area around the hearth of debris, decorations and flammable materials.
• Leave glass doors open while burning a fire. Leaving the doors open ensures that the fire receives enough air to ensure complete combustion and keeps creosote from building up in the chimney.
• Close glass doors when the fire is out to keep air from the chimney opening from getting into the room. Most glass fireplace doors have a metal mesh screen which should be closed when the glass doors are open. This mesh screen helps keep embers from getting out of the fireplace area.
• Always use a metal mesh screen with fireplaces that do not have a glass fireplace door.
• Install stovepipe thermometers to help monitor flue temperatures.
• Keep air inlets on wood stoves open, and never restrict air supply to fireplaces. Otherwise you may cause creosote buildup that could lead to a chimney fire.
• Use fire-resistant materials on walls around wood stoves.

Safely Burn Fuels

• Never use flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Use only seasoned hardwood. Soft, moist wood accelerates creosote buildup.
• Build small fires that burn completely and produce less smoke.
• Never burn cardboard boxes, trash or debris in your fireplace or wood stove.
• When building a fire, place logs at the rear of the fireplace on an adequate supporting grate.
• Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Soak hot ashes in water and place them in a metal container outside your home.

Protect the Outside of Your Home

• Stack firewood outdoors at least 30 feet away from your home.
• Keep the roof clear of leaves, pine needles and other debris.
• Cover the chimney with a mesh screen spark arrester.
• Remove branches hanging above the chimney, flues or vents.

Protect the Inside of Your Home

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside of sleeping areas. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year. Consider installing the new long life smoke alarms.
• Provide proper venting systems for all heating equipment.
• Extend all vent pipes at least three feet above the roof.

PLEASE VISIT THE USFA FOR MORE FIREPLACE SAFETY
Also Check out these great Fireplace Glass Doors - Safety for your Fireplace

DIY Fireplace Glass Door Installation in Minutes

Well, after much researching and countless hours spent on all the pro's and con's of fireplace doors my husband and I finally reached a decision on what to do with our brick fireplace.  We have been wanting to change it for safety reasons for quite some time, but even more so after we had the fire spark a few times and land on our beloved carpet. Not to mention the logs that have rolled out onto the beautiful painted brick we had recently painted.  We decided after studying the fireplace glass doors and then speaking to the folks where we got our brick paint kit that we had a masonry and not a prefab fireplace and could easily get a fireplace glass door by simply giving them our measurements.

When we received our fireplace door we were a little intimidated to say the least but each piece was easy to identify and the installation was a breeze. My husband wanted to make sure he handled everything properly and like a man, he wasn't all about reading the directions which plainly stated everything he needed to know. He picked up the phone and called. Once he confirmed what I already knew, we got a screwdriver and in a matter of 15 minutes our fireplace door was installed.

We are in love with our door and can't wait to get to the cold weather, no more dangerous sparks or rolling logs. We can actually sit back and enjoy the fall and winter months with our beautiful new door.

We also got a super special REBATE because we ordered BEFORE the change of the season:

REBATE OFFER CLICK HERE

Here are the things we used for our fireplace DIY remodel:

Fireplace Glass Door - Black Trim

Twilight Taupe Brick Paint

Majestic Fireplace Doors

Check out my articles when I was searching for my door and how I made my decision:

Good, Better, Best, Fireplace Glass Doors

Fireplace Glass Doors, Get Ready For Cooler Weather Now

Great Summer Pricing for Fireplace Glass Doors

Fireplace Glass Doors For Superior Fireplaces

Fireplace glass doors offer a safe window into our fire, keeping ash, smoke and excessive heat inside the fireplace, where they should stay.  They are made to tolerate the high heat of the fire, to which they are in close proximity.  The glass doors improve general fireplace safety, protecting the immediate area around it, facilitate ease in caring for the hearth, and add elegance to the look of a fireplace.

• For 7 years we have successfully updated hundreds of Superior fireplaces, turning fireplaces across the USA into beautiful showcases.

• All of the superior fireplace doors below are engineered to fit your Superior fireplace and meet national code standards.

• They are available in a variety of frame and glass colors and all of our doors come with a Lifetime Warranty on the Glass, Free Shipping, and a No-Hassle Satisfaction Guaranteed 

• Buying Fireplace Doors for your Superior Fireplace Tips and FAQ's

If you have a Masonry Fireplace (a fireplace constructed of brick and mortar by a craftsman, like the kind typically found in older homes) rest assured that if you can use a tape measure and a drill with a masonry bit, you can install these fireplace glass doors in just a few hours - no contractors needed. 

If you have a Prefabricated Fireplace (also referred to as a Zero Clearance Fireplace), we have a factory built fireplace glass doors that will fit the exact make and model of your fireplace. We can make your fireplace glass doors based on this model number found inside the firebox of your fireplace or by the measurements of your firebox. 

Majestic Fireplace Door information can be found here.

Whatever your needs our for your fireplace, no matter who your manufacturer is, you will find what you need and get an AWESOME rebate: CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS