Fireplace Glass Door

Thermo-Rite, the originator of tempered glass fireplace doors, is one of the hearth and fireplace accessory industry's largest suppliers of both stock and custom fireplace doors made from solid brass, brass plated steel, anodized aluminum or welded steel.

Since 1943, discriminating homeowners and apartment dwellers alike, as well as architects, builders and decorators have demanded Thermo-Rite elegantly designed fireplace glass doors for quality and craftsmanship in wood and gas burning masonry fireplaces and in today's prefabricated zero clearance fireplaces.

There are two door styles to choose from -- Clearview® Bifold and Clearview® Full Swing -- which come in seven finishes including custom and combination treatments.

Each Thermo-Rite model line, including the popular Regal, Heritage, Decor, Original, Celebrity, Z-Door, Z-Rite, Z-Track, Classic, Cameo, Revere, Prism, Phantom and Laser brands, comes standard with 1/4" bronze colored glass that's backed by a lifetime factory warranty

The company's reputation for popular styling and exceptional pricing is only exceeded by its ability to regularly introduce innovative products like the Z-Door line to decorate popular zero clearance fireplaces. In addition, Thermo-Rite distributes energy efficient heaters like the Cozy Grate and Gas Log brands as well as fire screens, brass surrounds, and hoods. The company also takes pride in the fact that for over 55 years, every Thermo-Rite enclosure has been 100% made in the USA.

Superior Craftsmanship
Every Thermo-Rite product, without exception, is made in the U.S.A. Every process – from design and manufacture to assembly, final inspection and packaging – is controlled at our modern plant in Akron, Ohio. Since 1943, the name Thermo-Rite has stood for elegance, quality and superior craftsmanship in tempered glass fireplace enclosures.

Types of Fireplaces

There are two types of fireplaces, masonry (brick & mortar) and metal prefabricated fireplaces, sometimes called zero-clearance fireplaces. If you look inside your fireplace and see brick and mortar with a brick chimney then you have a masonry fireplace. If what you see is a metal box (some have firebrick lining) and a metal pipe for a chimney then you have a zero-clearance fireplace. Masonry fireplaces have a brick and mortar chimney while zero-clearance fireplaces have a metal chimney pipe usually enclosed in a framed in chaise with the metal chimney extending out the top. You will need to identify which type of fireplace you have. One type will not fit on another.

If you have a zero-clearance fireplace you will need to locate the metal tag inside the fireplace which has the manufacturer and model number on it. With this information, you will find your doors on our Accessories page.

Measuring Your Fireplace Opening
After you have determined which type of fireplace you have, you are ready to measure your opening. This is the most critical step in ordering a set of fireplace doors. Please follow these instructions carefully. If your fireplace is masonry, please click here.

Zero Clearance Fireplaces
Determine the manufacturer and model number. This information is usually located high on the inside wall of the fireplace above the refractory panels or behind the mesh curtain on the inset return. Once this information is obtained, put this number into our search box to determine if a stock enclosure is available. If the fireplace manufacturer and model are not listed, give us a call toll free at 1-877-669-4669.

Custom Z Door - Measure the width and height of the steel opening where the enclosure will fit. See Figure 1. This will be the same position that the manufacturer's enclosure would be installed. Do not measure the finish material; brick, stone, marble, slate, tile, etc. You may need to remove the track to install the Z Door, so measure accordingly. It is very important, however, not to modify or remove any other component of the fireplace. Determine if Air Studs or an Air Draft Bar should be used. The Air Stud will not add any thickness to the enclosure, and is used when there is an "ash lip" in the refractory or there is not enough inset depth. The Air Draft Bar is used more with "masonry appearance" type zero clearance models. The Air Draft Bar will add 5/8" thickness to the enclosure, making the enclosure extend forward. Air Stud Example: If the inset is 1", and the thickness of the enclosure is 1 1/8", the enclosure will extend forward from the face of the fireplace 1/8". See Figure 3.

Thermo-Rite will manufacture the enclosure (less the cooling air intakes) based on the opening dimensions you provide.

Masonry Fireplaces

All Types of Fit: Be sure to take all measurements to the nearest 1/16" a using steel tape measure. Note any irregularities around the opening, such as projecting or recessed brick, and advise us if you call to order or in the notes if you order on line. For complex custom applications, a photograph of the fireplace will prove very helpful.

Overlap Fit is when the enclosure is larger than the opening. Measure the width of the opening at the tope and again at the bottom. We need the minimum and maximum widths. See Figure 1.

Next, measure the height of the opening from the hearth (where the enclosure will sit) to the brick, marble, slate, etc. When ordering Regal, Original, make sure you do not overlap the opening more than 3 1/4" when using mesh curtains. When ordering Cameo or Classic with mesh, indicate on the Custom Order Form the thickness of the lintel bar, as we must allow the mesh angle assembly to clear under the lintel bar. If there is no hearth extension or you have a raised firebox, you will need to overlap the bottom of the opening (Picture frame mount). To aid in this installation, use the suspension bar (SB-1). The suspension bar drops down 5/8", therefore adding 5/8" to the effective opening.

Inside Fit is when the enclosure is smaller than the opening. Measure the width of the opening at the top and again at the bottom. We need the minimum width. See Figure 1. Next, measure the height of the opening from the hearth (where the enclosure will sit) to either the bottom of the lintel bar or the bottom of the finishing material (brick, marble, etc.) See figure 2.

Notes on Inside Fit Enclosures:

Width - If the top width is 42" and the bottom width is 41 1/2", we will make the enclosure 41 1/4" wide allowing 1/8" clearance tolerance on each side. This means that at the top, there will be a 3/8" gap between the side panel and the frame on each side. You may reduce this gap by ordering exact overall frame size, but remember to allow enough clearance for the enclosure to fit into the smallest width dimension (Factory tolerance is + or - 1/32"). Another option may be to use the Laser enclosure. Generally, the clearance tolerance gaps can be filled from the backside of the frame using high temp silicon RTV. If the gaps become excessive (as in a stone fireplace), it may be necessary to mortar in the enclosure.

Height - If you are planning on installing the enclosure under the brick, the face of the lintel bar must be 1 1/8" back from the face of the fireplace, otherwise the enclosure will protrude out, as the enclosures are 1 1/8" thick. The distance from the face of the fireplace to the face of the lintel bar must be indicated in the area provided on the custom order forms before we can begin processing your order. See Figure 2. In general, you will usually obtain a better fit (and easier installation) when you overlap fit the enclosure to the fireplace.

Stone Fireplaces: If the stone is smooth enough, you can overlap or inside fit as described above. Most of the time, however, the enclosure will need to be mortared in. On certain size applications, Thermo-Rite's Install-Rite will be a tremendous aid in this process. It is usually best to select a smaller size enclosure (than the opening) and mortar in from the sides rather than overlapping and trying to mortar behind the side panels. This also tends to give the appearance of a concrete box in front of the fireplace with an enclosure up against it rather than the "built in" look. The best person to select a size enclosure for this type is the person that will be installing it. When you order an enclosure for rough stone, we suggest that you do not try to provide us with opening dimensions; simply indicate "stone" on the order form and indicate what size outside frame dimensions you need.

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All custom orders should be directed to the manufacturer at Thermo-Rite@thermo-rite.com