Do You Need A Fireplace Screen

In addition the fireplace screen has a decorative function.

Do you need a fireplace screen.

This image also from better home and gardens shows an arched screen covering a standard rectangular opening. Fireplace screens are detachable or sometimes freestanding constructions that serve primarily to prevent embers and ash from be blown into the room in the event of a downdraft. The fireplace screen is also used to fill the empty hole of the fireplace when the fire is not lit. Do you always need a fireplace screen.

If the fireplace is quite large and there is a semi arch you can have the screen stop at the height where it begins to arch. The primary function of a fireplace screen is to keep ash and embers from blowing into the room if you have a down draft or if a drifting log disrupts the underlying embers. This safety standard was put into effect by the american national standards institute in order to reduce the number of accidental burns associated with touching the hot glass panels of gas fireplaces. If you have a carpet just in front of the fireplace or a wooden or plastic floor close to the fire it is always necessary to put a fireplace screen in front of the fire.

A fireplace screen can be typically found as a wire mesh surrounded by a sturdy frame which can be placed on the hearth of a fireplace. Mesh fireplace screens and curtains are used to protect your home from sparks and embers that can occur with the use of a wood burning fireplace they are also designed to withstand high temperatures. Either of those scenarios create the potential for a fire and serious damage to furniture and injury to people or pets who lie near the fire. This helps to keep the room clean and prevent accidental fires.

All gas fireplaces and stoves with glass fronts manufactured after january 1 2015 are required to have a fireplace screen. You may have luck with a fireplace that produces less heat features a deep mantel and strong. However experienced you are with stoking a fire a fireplace screen is always needed in order to reduce the risk of fire or burns. A fireplace screen is needed to help prevent any hot embers from spitting out into the room which is particularly important when the fireplace located is near wooden floor or carpet.

This also applies for a gas fireplace. Only mount a tv above a fireplace if temperatures in that spot do not surpass 100 degrees fahrenheit. Mesh curtains minimize the risk of hot embers or sparks popping out of your fireplace and burning your flooring or catching your home on fire.