Upgrading your Heatilator fireplace with new glass doors not only enhances its appearance but also improves safety and energy efficiency. In this DIY guide, we'll walk you through the steps to install your Heatilator fireplace doors, with expert tips from a fireplace door specialist.
Reasons to Upgrade Your Fireplace with New Doors
Fireplace doors provide an additional safety barrier, preventing pets and children from coming into contact with the open flames.
They also help to reduce heat loss, by acting as a barrier between your home and the chimney, preventing cold drafts from entering and warm air from escaping when the fireplace is not in use. This makes your fireplace more energy-efficient.
New doors also improve the look of your hearth, giving it a more polished and finished look.
About Our Fireplace Door Options
We only sell Heatilator fireplace doors specifically for Heatilator fireplaces. These bi-fold glass doors have been specifically tested for use with Hearth & Home Technologies fireplaces (Hearth & Home is the parent company of Heatilator).
Many websites will sell custom-made fireplace doors, that MIGHT be able to fit, but more often than not they don't fit correctly and are not specifically made to fit Heatilator fireplaces.
Step-By-Step Heatilator Fireplace Door Installation Guide
- Fold one pair of doors. Insert the pin into the large hole located at the bottom outside corner of the fireplace opening.
- Tilt the doors toward the center of the fireplace, so the pins clear the top door track edge. Slide the pin into the top door track until the pin snaps into the hole in the spring clip.
- Doors may be adjusted by repositioning the spring clips in the screw slots, by loosening the screws and then retightening. Do not overtighten the screws!
- If removal becomes necessary, depress the spring clips located in the upper corners of the fireplace and tilt the doors towards the center of the fireplace opening.
Additional Steps for Use on Reveal Series Appliances
- Door installation on the RBV4236 or RBV4842 requires longer pins. The longer pins and screws to attach them are located on the valve bracket of the appliance
- Remove the shorter door pins using a Phillips screwdriver and replace them with the longer pins
Additional Steps for Use on Odvilla-36 or Odvilla-42 Outdoor Woodburning Fireplaces
- Remove the screws from the door track area before placing the door tracks on the fireplace. Once in place, reinsert screws.
Proper Operation of Bi-fold Glass Doors
- Close the fire screen when burning the fireplace.
- Do not use the fire screen or glass doors to hold burning material in the fireplace. Firescreen controls sparks, and glass may break, or burning material may roll out.
- Doors must be fully opened or fully closed when operating the fireplace. Partially opened doors may draw flame, smoke, or heat from the fireplace.
- Fully Open: Correct
- Fully Closed: Correct
- Partly Closed: Incorrect
- Partly Open: Incorrect (pic)
Other Safety Precautions
- Wear protective gloves and safety glasses during installation to avoid injury from sharp edges.
- Before burning the fireplace for the first time, wipe the trim with a clean, dry rag to remove all smudges and fingerprints. Failure to do so will cause smudges and fingerprints to be burned into the finish of the trim.
FAQs:
How Do I Determine My Fireplace Make and Model?
You can locate your fireplace model number and the date code on the interior plate of your fireplace. The date code typically consists of a 4-digit number, such as 6391.
Each Heatilator fireplace features a rating plate located either inside the operation door or in the lower control cavity. This plate displays your fireplace's model and serial numbers.
For wood-burning fireplaces, a metal serial/model plate can be found on the upper left or right side of the firebox, or riveted on the smoke shield behind the screen.
Gas-burning fireplaces and inserts have a serial/model/rating plate in the lower control cavity area.
What If I Don't Have a Heatilator Fireplace?
Because our doors will only fit Heatilator-brand fireplaces, the above installation instructions may not be appropriate for you. However, the below steps should help you install other standard size fireplace doors and custom-made fireplace doors.
Tools and Materials: What You Might Need for the Installation
- Measuring tape
- Electric drill with regular drill bits and masonry drill bits
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Socket wrench
- Hammer
- Level
- Pliers
- Hardware (included with fireplace doors)
- Safety goggles
Measure the width, height, and depth of your fireplace opening, and record these measurements to ensure you purchase the correct model.
Installation Guide
- Remove the existing fireplace screen or doors if present.
- Unpack and inspect your new fireplace glass doors and the included hardware, such as lintel clamps, angle brackets, and sheet metal screws.
- Attach the angle brackets to the door frame using a Phillips-head screwdriver and the provided screws.
- Position the door frame in the fireplace opening, ensuring it is level and centered.
- For masonry fireplaces, mark the locations of the mounting holes on your fireplace wall using a pencil. For pre-fab fireplaces, locate the metal lintel bar and mark the screw holes on the lintel.
- Remove the door frame and drill holes at the marked locations using an electric drill with the appropriate drill bits (masonry drill bits for masonry fireplaces, regular drill bits for pre-fab fireplaces).
- Attach the door frame to the fireplace using the provided lintel clamps, sheet metal screws, or other hardware as specified by the fireplace manufacturer.
- Install the door handles, surround, and doors according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Check that the doors open and close smoothly for smooth operation, and make any necessary adjustments to the frame rail or pivot pin.
- Clean the glass panes with a soft cloth and glass cleaner to remove any fingerprints or smudges.
Precautions to Take During Installation
Keep yourself and your home safe by following these essential safety tips during the installation of fireplace doors:
- Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from dust and debris.
- Ensure there are no combustible materials near your work area.
- Make sure your fireplace is cool and has not been used recently before starting the installation.
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for your specific fireplace doors.
Tips for Maintaining Your Fireplace Doors
Ensure the longevity and beauty of your newly installed fireplace glass doors with these maintenance tips:
- Clean the glass regularly with a soft cloth and glass cleaner to keep it looking its best.
- Inspect the door gaskets and hardware periodically for signs of wear.
- Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and guidelines.
Enhance Your Hearth's Look and Functionality with Accessories
Discover additional fireplace accessories and upgrades to complement your new doors and elevate your fireplace experience with items such as:
- Fireplace screens
- Fireplace tools
- Hearth rugs
- Log holders
Tips for a Cozy and Efficient Hearth
Maximize your fireplace's warmth and ambiance with these tips for a cozier home:
- Use seasoned firewood to reduce creosote buildup and improve efficiency.
- Clean and inspect your chimney regularly to ensure proper ventilation.
Share this blog post with friends and family who may be considering a fireplace door upgrade!