A Fireplace Screen and Other
Outdoor Fireplace Accessories
A fireplace screen can be both functional and decorative. A simple metal screen can easily complement a modern fireplace design. Other useful fireplace accessories include:
- fireplace blowers which blow warm air from the fireplace into a warm area like an enclosed porch;
- fireplace grate which holds wood while it's burning in the fireplace;
- fireplace bellows which blow air over the fire to help start the fire or keep it going;
- fireplace damper which shuts off the chimney so that warm air does not escape while the fireplace is not in use.
Fireplace Screen
The purpose of a screen is to keep fireplace embers inside the firebox. These screens come in a wide variety of styles and materials. A fireplace screen is made of glass and either stands separately from the fireplace or is combined with the fireplace doors. Others are made of metal and are ornately decorated. Still other screens are made of metal mesh that allows you to enjoy the heat from the fireplace while still protecting you from sparks.
Fireplace Blowers
The simplest of blowers consists of a motor and a fan. Their purpose is to blow hot air from the firebox into a room. A blower is not too useful on an open patio, but in an enclosed porch, they can greatly increase the efficiency of the fireplace. Fireplace blowers are designed to be used with masonry fireplaces. They can sit completely inside the masonry firebox, and as a result can be used with a stand-alone glass fireplace screen. Blowers that sit completely in the firebox come as one unit that includes:
- A grate to build a fire,
- Hollow steel tubes to circulate air,
- A motor to drive air inside the steel tubes,
- Intake vents to take in cool air,
- Exit vents to expel the warm air.
Fireplace blowers that sit partially or completely outside of the firebox will only come with a motor and fan to circulate warm air. These blowers will not work with a stand-alone glass fireplace screen because it will not be able to enclose the firebox.
Fireplace Grate
This item consists of a criss-cross of short thick metal bars shaped like a basket that are designed to contain the wood within the firebox. A fireplace grate also lifts the wood off the bottom of the firebox and allows air to pass under the wood for a more even burn. You can purchase grates that are quite decorative, and they can complement a more ornate fireplace style.
Fireplace Bellows
This is an item that blows out air so that you can start a fire or keep a fire going. Fireplace bellows were more popular in the 19th century. However, these days bellows aren't necessary with the advancements in fireplaces and fireplace logs.
Bellows are composed of leather and wood. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Even though they may not serve a practical purpose these days, many people still use them as decoration. These fireplace bellows make a wonderful addition to a traditional fireplace design.
Fireplace Damper
A damper is a vent in the chimney above the firebox. Fireplace dampers are opened to allow a fire to vent or closed to keep warm air in the room when the fireplace is not in use. These vents are generally used in masonry fireplaces.
The venting is necessary to allow pollutants (i.e. carbon monoxide) from wood burning fireplaces to escape up the chimney. Fireplace dampers are also required for vented gas fireplaces because these fires also produce harmful emissions.
If you purchase a fireplace insert, you will still need a working damper. If your insert is wood burning or a vented gas, the need for the damper is obvious. However, in many areas, local codes specify that even if you install a ventless gas fireplace insert, you will need a damper.
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