skip to main content

glass doors open....or closed.....what's best?

16 years ago

We have a normal wood burning fireplace. Doesn't get used too much here...only about two months of the year.

But every time it's used the "discussion" starts again....

I get a good fire going and leave the glass doors open.

The father-in-law stops by and proceeds to go on about how much more heat would be 'radiated' into the room if we kept the glass doors shut.

Tired of the yearly banter...I thought I'd ask here.

Does anyone have an opinion about whether you get more heat into the room with the doors open or closed?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (2)

oruboris
16 years ago
Closed: you may get a tiny bit more heat into the room with them open, but it sucks a lot of expensively heated air out the doors and up the chimney.
garyg
16 years ago
If the glass doors are tempered safety glass, as most are, you have to watch that burning logs do no rest against the glass doors or they may shatter/crack. You also have to watch not to overheat the fireplace with the doors closed.

Many high quality fireplace inserts use ceramic glass which is much stronger than tempered glass and allows the radiant heat to pass through the glass. Tempered glass does not allow for radiant heat to pass through.
Related Professionals
Crystal Lake Fireplaces · La Habra Interior Designers & Decorators · Linton Hall Interior Designers & Decorators · Franklin General Contractors · Fort Pierce General Contractors · Hutchinson General Contractors · Lincoln General Contractors · Lincoln General Contractors · Orangevale General Contractors · Palatine General Contractors · Poquoson General Contractors · Rolling Hills Estates General Contractors · Syosset General Contractors · Valle Vista General Contractors · Walnut Park General Contractors

Related Stories

KITCHEN DESIGN Have Your Open Kitchen and Close It Off Too

By Jennifer Ott Design

Get the best of both worlds with a kitchen that can hide or be in plain sight, thanks to doors, curtains and savvy design

KITCHEN DESIGN Open vs. Closed Kitchens — Which Style Works Best for You?

By Vanessa Brunner

Get the kitchen layout that's right for you with this advice from 3 experts

WINDOWS Open Walls Widen Home Possibilities

By Samantha Schoech

Doing away with the boundary between indoor and outdoor living, open walls add space, light and drama to a home

DOORS French Doors: Ooh La La

By Margaret Everton

Open or Closed, Double Glass Doors Add Elegance, Function and Beautiful New Views

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: An 1890s Victorian in Toronto Goes Modern and Open

By Jenn Hannotte / Hannotte Interiors

Out went the closed-in vibe, but much stayed on in this Canadian home's renovation: stained glass, woodwork and a lot of personality

DOORS Opening Acts: Folding, Sliding and Pivoting Doors

By Scheer & Co. Interior Design

Transform your space with glass doors that open dramatically to the breezes and the views

REMODELING GUIDES Material Choices: Translucent Glass Doors

By Becky Harris

Let in Light, Keep Things Open — And Maintain Your Privacy, Too

DOORS The Art of the Window: 12 Ways to Cover Glass Doors

By Jess McBride

Learn how to use drapes, shutters, screens, shades and more to decorate French doors, sliding doors and Dutch doors

MY HOUZZ My Houzz: Family Is Close at Hand in a 19th-Century Brisbane Cottage

By Tamara Armstrong

An Australia couple’s updated home in the city’s leafy hills pays homage to residents past and present

REMODELING GUIDES Pocket Doors and Sliding Walls for a More Flexible Space

By Laura Gaskill

Large sliding doors allow you to divide open areas or close off rooms when you want to block sound, hide a mess or create privacy

Sponsored

Manifesto, Inc.

9 Reviews

Columbus OH Premier Interior Designer 2x Best of Houzz Winner!

More Discussions

I need help figuring out how to stop the draft

2

Gas fireplace - is a hearth required?

1

fireplace mantel color

1

Is this concrete?

2

Napolean Linear Gas Fireplace

2