Problem: Sparks and embers can pop out of wood-burning fireplaces, damaging floors and causing a fire hazard.
Solution: Glass fireplace doors are energy-efficient and protect your home while allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your fire.
Equipment list:
Drill with masonry bit and drill stop
Phillips head extension bit
Lead anchors
Phillips head and flat head screwdrivers
Hammer
Adjustable wrench
Safety goggles
Work gloves
*Be sure to take your fireplace measurements with you when you buy your fireplace doors.
Prepare the fireplace area
- Clean the fireplace area.
- Position the riser bar. The fireplace doors will rest on this piece.
Prepare the fireplace door unit - Unscrew the doors from the frame to make the frame lighter and more maneuverable (figure A).
- Attach brackets to the mounting tabs on the frame (figure B).
- Lift the frame into place on the riser bar (figure C), and use the brackets as guides for marking drill holes on the fireplace brick (figure D).
Drill mounting holes
- Drill holes in fireplace brick using marks as guides (figure E). Be sure to wear your safety goggles when drilling.
- Place a drill stop on your masonry bit (figure F) to keep from drilling too deeply.
- A hammer drill can make masonry drilling projects easier.
- You may need to pull the bit out of your drill hole periodically to remove the dust.
- Tap lead anchors (figure G) into place in the mounting holes (figure H).
Install insulation on frame
- Position fiberglass insulation (included in fireplace door kit) on the rear of the frame around the perimeter (figure I).
- Be sure to wear work gloves when handling fiberglass insulation.
- Keep the mounting brackets loose when installing the insulation.
Mount the frame to the fireplace
- Secure the brackets and lift the frame into place.
- Fasten the brackets to the brick by screwing them into the lead anchors (figure J).
- Reattach the doors to the frame.
- Remove any plastic film from the polished metal.