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Information
about choosing a fireplace screen!
Folding
Screens:
Folding screens are fireplace screens that have seperate panels
that are hinged in some manner to allow the width to be adjusted by
folding the side panels out narrower or wider. They are available with
various amounts of panels ranging from 3 panel, 4 panel, and 5 panels.
3
panel screens are the most popular because they do not have a hinge
right down the middle which will obstruct the view of the fire.
However,
for larger fireplaces, a 5 fold screen may be your best alternative
due to the extra width offered by more panels.
Folding Screens
are designed to sit in front of the fireplace on the hearth and should
overlap the sides by at least one inch. For wood burning, your screen
should be 3 or 4 inches taller than the opening to minimize sparks
that jump over the screen.
For gas logs,
it is OK for the screen to be slightly shorter or even with the top of
the fireplace.
The width of a
folding screen is usually measured by the maximum width when the
screen is stretched out flat. Be sure to deduct at least 8" from this
measurement to determine the minimum width at which the screen will
fold without falling over.
Single Panel
Screens:
Sometimes referred to as "Spark Arresters", single panel
screens offer excellent spark protection and are one of few
alternatives that will keep pets (particularly cats) out of the
fireplace.
You will find
them slightly less convenient than folding screens because when you
need to access the fireplace, you will probably have to pick the
screen up and place it on the floor next to the hearth.
This can pose a
problem if you have carpet around the fireplace as the screen will be
dirty from ashes...so keep this in mind when considering this type of
screen. Ideally,
a single panel screen should be at least 1" wider on each side of
the opening as well as 1" taller. Wider
than the ideal size is OK but may not have the same appeal as a
folding screen which can be adjusted in width. So...be
sure to note how much of the face of the fireplace will show through
the screen before ordering. |
