Fireplace Safety Screens

Safety First!

2016 Trends: Fireplaces Are Hot; Fireplace Safety Screens Help Reduce Burns

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The 2016 International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas Jan. 19-21 was a big hit, showcasing all the latest trends in home building. And, according to Houzz, fireplaces will continue to be a top trend this year.

AFTER: featureing our Mission style screen with operating doors. Of course since this is a wood burning fireplace, you need to have operating screen doors. We removed the glass doors and the hanging mesh curtain. Of course the homeowner added some decorations.

Manufacturers showed off their latest designs and new products, including the newest versions of popular fireplace brands such as Heat & Glo, Innovative Hearth Products, Mendota, Travis Industries and Napoleon.

The annual builder’s show is a great reminder that fireplaces continue to be a popular feature for homeowners and hotel guests.

Fireplace Safety Screens Help Protect Children From Getting Burned

But, since new 2015 safety regulations went into place requiring safety screens on all new gas fireplaces, homeowners, landlords and hospitality clients need to understand their options for protecting people from getting burned from touching hot glass.

Replacing an outdated gas fireplace is a costly and time-consuming venture. Thankfully, adding a simple safety screen is a cost-effective and convenient way to reduce burn injuries by creating a barrier between your hand and the hot glass. And, the screen can improve the dated look of an older gas fireplace.

fireplace safety screen - AFTER:Mission style safety screen with opeating doors. We ihstalled this Mission style screen and now this fireplace look like a true wood burning fireplace. You really can't tell that this is the same fireplace, it is that dramatic.

Safety screens are customized to fit any gas fireplace with heavy-duty magnets that connect to the metal frame and put at least a half-inch of space between the screen and glass. This creates a barrier to prevent hands or other body parts from coming into direct contact with glass that can heat up to 350-degrees Fahrenheit. While screens still conduct heat, they greatly reduce the chance of burns.

All gas fireplaces should have a safety screen or a safety gate to keep everyone safe while they enjoy the beauty and warmth of their fireplace.

Other tips for keeping you and your family safe while enjoying the warmth of a fireplace:

  • Never leave children or pets unattended near any fireplace;
  • Teach children at an early age to stay a safe distance from the fireplace;
  • Keep gas fireplace remotes away from small children;
  • After turning off your gas fireplace, wait at least 45 minutes for the appliance and glass panel to cool before letting children near the fireplace.

To learn more about whether a safety screen is right for your gas fireplace, click here.