Hello, I am looking to purchase and install fireplace doors on an open fireplace. I would like to do this to minimize draft and heat loss, but also to eliminate as much popping/ fire noise as I can (I love the noises, certainly) to help a sensitive dog who goes into bad anxiety symptoms with these kinds of noises (fireworks/gunshots also)....It is the way it is, training him out of it is proving to be very difficult. I would appreciate guidance on selecting the best solution, thanks so much.
Fireplace Doors
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Michael6268
Minister of Fire
In the past, doors were designed to be used only in the open position. They were not to be used closed while the fire was burning. Not sure if that still the case today. May have new types of glass today.
Smoked
Feeling the Heat
Found this with a quick search. http://wilkeningfireplace.com/pdfs/brochure_customsealdoors.pdf
I think any of the true air tight burn closed doors are very expensive. Is it a masonry fireplace?
I think any of the true air tight burn closed doors are very expensive. Is it a masonry fireplace?
Ashful
Minister of Fire
A few questions:
1. What is your goal when using the fireplace? Heat? Ambiance?
2. What are the interior dimensions of the fireplace?
3. Do you know the construction? (masonry, zero clearance, etc.)
4. Do you know that you could be using that fireplace to heat your house with wood, if you install an insert or woodstove?
Neurotic dogs here, too. Mine don't have anxiety problems, but bark annoyingly at every noise, right down to a gnat farting a half mile out. In any case, we're burning two woodstoves, and they're dead silent. The dogs can usually be found passed out behind (or under) one of the stoves.
1. What is your goal when using the fireplace? Heat? Ambiance?
2. What are the interior dimensions of the fireplace?
3. Do you know the construction? (masonry, zero clearance, etc.)
4. Do you know that you could be using that fireplace to heat your house with wood, if you install an insert or woodstove?
Neurotic dogs here, too. Mine don't have anxiety problems, but bark annoyingly at every noise, right down to a gnat farting a half mile out. In any case, we're burning two woodstoves, and they're dead silent. The dogs can usually be found passed out behind (or under) one of the stoves.
Ok, I was a little concerned about the insert producing too much heat in this particular room, but I may find an appropriate option. Thoughts on a medium to low heat producer that would be quiet this way? Appreciate anything you've got, thanks.
Grisu
Minister of Fire
A bit more info about the fireplace and your home would be helpful. Like dimensions of the fireplace (maybe a pic?), length and inner dimensions of chimney, size of room it is in, size of area to be heated, level of insulation, a rough floorplan if possible etc. Also, are you prepared to split and stack several cords two to three years in advance that they can dry below 20% moisture content? Woodheat is great, IMHO, but also quite labor intensive. Be sure you know what you are getting into just because your dog is a bit sensitive.
Ashful
Minister of Fire
Both low cost, low performance options. If looking for low cost, consider Englander.
If you want low and slow burn profiles ( continuous low heat), then look at cat stoves. Buck, BLaze King, Woodstock...
If you want low and slow burn profiles ( continuous low heat), then look at cat stoves. Buck, BLaze King, Woodstock...
Michael6268
Minister of Fire
I had a century stove in the past. Loved it! Worked and built well. Threw out some crazy heat!
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xman23
Minister of Fire
30 years ago my brother put doors on his fireplace, with the hope to control the draft and get heat off the glass. After breaking 2 or 3 glass panels he was told the closed doors got the glass to hot. They would just explode into small pieces. I wonder if these prefab firehouse can take the heat. I recall seeing a prefab fireplace that was small. I was told it was made for small fires.
BKVP
Minister of Fire
I might offer a tip on the dog. I have owned many bird dogs and a few were gun shy. So I purchased one of those little toy cap pistols and each time I fed the dog, I would walk far enough away and fire of a cap. After about a week, I was able to stand right over the dog, fire a cap....as he associated the noise with feeding time. Darn things always swallowed my quail after that
Just kidding.
BKVP
Minister of Fire
And I can vouch for the build quality of Gary Wilkening's fireplace doors and fireplaces!! Superb quality and excellent build technique.
I might offer a tip on the dog. I have owned many bird dogs and a few were gun shy. So I purchased one of those little toy cap pistols and each time I fed the dog, I would walk far enough away and fire of a cap. After about a week, I was able to stand right over the dog, fire a cap....as he associated the noise with feeding time. Darn things always swallowed my quail after that
Got a cat that that stands next me and does not flinch when I fire a gun. She was standing ten feet away when I shot the coyote that was after her and I swear she smiled at me . Dogs are woosies.
Few years ago she was sitting in my lap when a dog came charging out of the woods for her. The .380 shot hit a tree five feet from him and he hauled ass. She laid back down and went to sleep.
BKVP
Minister of Fire
Yes but she's deaf.Got a cat that that stands next me and does not flinch when I fire a gun. She was standing ten feet away when I shot the coyote that was after her and I swear she smiled at me . Dogs are woosies.
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