Do I need a fireplace screen? thousands of fires are prevented every year because of this safety measure, having one is not mandatory but is definitely an important addition to any fireplace, they can also be a great decorative part of your home.
What is the purpose of a fireplace screen?
What is the purpose of a fireplace screen? well, have you ever heard the expression “Sparks are flying!” That is why another name for this vital piece of your appliance is the fireplace spark screen or fireplace mesh screen.
The purpose of a spark screen is to stop any sparks or embers from falling out on a combustible floor like wood or a rug for example.
So really the screen is used as a preventative measure and you could say it is insurance that a fire won’t start from a stray spark.
Is it mandatory to have a screen for my fireplace?
Is it mandatory to have a screen? the simple answer is no, but they should be because of how many possible fires they prevent yearly.
What size fireplace screen do I need?
To help you with this, I have made up 3 steps and tips to follow that will help when sizing your screen.
so follow the guide below and you should have no trouble deciding what size you need.
Screen Tip
Fireplace screens come in different shapes and sizes so it is important to keep in mind that there are single-panel screens or multi-panel or even folding screens, I have made a guide below to make it easier to get the right measurement for your fireplace spark screen.
Step 1
Measure the width of the opening from inside the face of the opening.
Step 2
Measure the height from the hearth floor to the top of the inside opening of the fireplace, this will give you the height.
Step 3
A single panel screen will need to overlap the face of the fireplace on all sides by 1 to 3 inches to stop any stray embers or sparks.
Multi-paneled or folding screens will need some additional length on the sides and you can do this by adding 10 to 12 inches to the total width, (this is an approximate number).
Do I need a fireplace screen if my fireplace is off the ground?
Really you don’t need a screen if your fireplace is off the ground, but it is wise to have one for safety measures.
A floor-standing screen can look strange if you have a raised fireplace so what you can do is install a fireplace mesh screen that is like a curtain and moves on a rod, this is the most aesthetically pleasing way to add a screen to your fireplace if it’s off the ground.
Fireplace Mesh Screen Curtain
These panels are 19″ High. Includes 2 Panels, Each 24″ Wide, but you can choose your size
I need a fireplace screen replacement
If you need a screen replacement that is not a problem, again you can just follow the measurements above for a mesh curtain spark screen or a free-standing spark screen.
What are the different types of screens?
There are many different types and styles of screens they can be simply functional or also decorative even glamorous at times so it all depends on what you are looking for.
Below I have added a few examples of screens to help you choose the right one for your home.
also, you can choose the height you want, some people prefer to have their screen cover the whole fireplace opening others just want a half or shorter screen to see the fire better, it is all up to taste to how much protection you think you need, regardless of what you decide on the are all going to be a protection from sparks or falling embers.
Final thoughts on, Do I need a fireplace screen?
So if you are still unsure and still thinking, do I need a wood-burning fireplace screen? I would say it is a great way to protect your family and damage to your home, and as I have mentioned they can also add a really nice finished look to your home.
If you found this post informative please feel free to share it with the buttons at the bottom or side of your screen, thank you for reading.
