Fireplaces can be a beautiful addition to any home, but they come with the added responsibility of cleaning and maintenance. Fireplace doors are necessary to ensure that the fire is contained and doesn’t spread throughout the house and keep embers from spilling out of the opening. This blog post will discuss how to safely remove fireplace doors and the best practices for doing so.
Why You Should Remove Your Fireplace Doors
If your fireplace doors are old and outdated, removing them can give your fireplace a fresh, new look. Plus, it can also make cleaning your fireplace much more accessible. Here are a few more reasons why you should remove your fireplace doors:
1. To Update the Look of Your Fireplace. If you want to give your fireplace a facelift, removing the doors is a quick and easy way to do it. You can add new doors or leave the opening bare for a more modern look.
2. To Make Cleaning Easier. Fireplaces can be challenging to clean, but removing the doors will make the task much more accessible. You won’t have to worry about scrubbing around the door handles or getting in all the nooks and crannies.
3. To Prevent Unwanted Sparks and Ash. Sparks and ash can escape through even the tiniest cracks, so removing them is a good idea if your doors don’t fit snugly. This will help to prevent any accidents and keep your home safe.
How to Remove Fireplace Doors
If you want to remove your fireplace doors, there are a few things you need to do first. First, make sure that the doors are cool to the touch. Then, open the doors and remove the screws that hold them in place. Finally, lift the doors off of the fireplace.
What to Do With the Gap Left Behind
If you remove your fireplace doors, you may have a gap between the firebox and the surround. Here are a few options for what to do with that gap:
– Install new doors: If you want to keep your fireplace open but don’t want the hassle of doors, you can install new doors that fit the size of the gap. This way, you can still enjoy the look of an open fireplace without worrying about drafts or debris getting into the firebox.
– Fill in the gap: Another option is to fill the hole with something like mortar or caulk. This will close the opening and prevent anything from getting into the firebox. This is a good option if you’re not planning to use your fireplace much or live in an area with mild winters.
– Leave it as is: If you don’t mind drafts or debris getting into the firebox, you can leave the gap. This is probably not ideal if you have young children or pets who could accidentally fall into the firebox, but it’s an option if you’re not concerned about those things.
How to Prevent Future Damage
If you want to prevent future damage to your fireplace doors, you can do a few things. First, make sure that you clean your fireplace regularly. Ashes and soot can build up on the glass and metal of your doors and, if not cleaned off, can cause permanent damage.
Second, don’t use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean your doors – this can also lead to scratches and other damage. Finally, be careful when opening and closing your doors – slamming them shut can cause the glass to break. If you follow these simple tips, you should be able to keep your fireplace doors looking like new for years to come.
Conclusion
Removing fireplace doors is a relatively simple job that can be done without the help of a professional. With the right tools and materials, you should have no problem removing and replacing your old fireplace doors with new ones. Following these steps, you should find it relatively easy to safely remove your existing fireplace doors and make your home look fabulous again. Good luck!