Installing Fireplace Doors

[cards66]

I moved my wood stove insert from one fireplace to another. I took the glass fireplace doors out of one and I am moving them to the other. When i took them out they were just nailed into the mortar through the brackets on the sides of the door frame. I was wondering how I should go about installing in the other fireplace? Can I just nail them into the mortar or do I need to drill into it to first? Any guidance would be helpful. THanks.

 

[gpcollen1]

Most of them come with some sort of clamp system. If not available, I would drill and then bolt/screw it in - no nails. There is never a tremendous load on the doors but you want it to be safe and secure.

 

[ScottF]

Most of them come with some sort of clamp system. If not available, I would drill and then bolt/screw it in - no nails. There is never a tremendous load on the doors but you want it to be safe and secure

I agree, it should have a clamp system that pulls it against the masonry opening. If not use either a tapcon concrete screw or an expanding type of masonry anchor. Do not nail it in as it wont hold and will eventually fail

 

[granpajohn]

Drop by HD or Lowes and look at a new one on display. A good look at the clamp system will be worth more than 1000 words.

 

[cards66]

I will take a look at it when I get home. However, the doors are probably 40 years old and it has been nailed into the mortar for that long I would guess. The other fireplace is in our den so no one is hardly ever in there. Doesn't have to be a professional job. i just want it in there to help block any cold air coming down the chimney. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[ScottF]

Cards66, just remember that the doors usually have a vented open grill area at the bottom to let combustion air into the fire when the doors are closed. That means cold air can come in from the chimney . Dont use the doors as your only way to block cold air from getting in , although they will help if used in conjuction with your damper. Im sure you know this but just in case.

I just repaired a damper for a friend and she was using the doors as a draft stop and just leaving the damper open because the doors were there. The cold air was still coming in through the vents.

 

[cards66]

I am closing the damper and just putting the doors in as extra protection. Not too mention to keep my 2 year old out of the fireplace. A friend of mine who is a chimeny sweep recomended getting a piece of stainless steel and placing it over the top of the chimney and then putting a heavy rock or brick on it to seal it up better. Anyone done this before?