subject: The Importance Of A Fire Guard [print this page] The beauty of the soft firelight, the smell of burning wood, the crackle and pop of the flames - everything about a fire invites comfort and intimacy. You do not need very much to have a great experience owning a fireplace.
You will have to have your chimney cleaned professionally from time to time, though aside from this everything you need to maintain the good function of your fireplace can be kept handy right inside your home. All you need are a few fire tools, any necessary fire guards, and something to neatly store your fuel in.
Fire guards are simple pieces of equipment that act as a barrier between the live fire and the room the fireplace is located in. A fire guard is usually lightweight so it can be easily moved about. It will also always be made from a non-flammable material with heat resistant qualities.
Most guards are made of metal and to prevent accidental singing and burns, this metal is often coated with a ceramic or enamel finish to insulate it from too much direct heat. A well-designed fire guard will not impede your enjoyment of the fire. Guards feature a fine gauge mesh that lets through all the light and heat of the fire without sacrificing any degree of safety.
A fire guard is one of the most important safety features that needs to be in place in order to use your fireplace responsibly. Even though fireplaces are designed to be used as often as you like, accidents can still happen; live fire can be a dangerous thing if not handled correctly. Some fireplaces are built with mesh screens that can be drawn across the opening.
If your fireplace does not have a screen or if you desire an extra level of protection from any possible flying sparks, and then simply place a fire guard in front of the fireplace opening. This will catch any stray embers that pop out from the wood or are tossed up and out as the logs get smaller.
At the same time that a fire guard provides an essential safety measure to your home fireplace, it will also add a decorative element to the space. Fire guards are often made to be pleasant to look at and shaped to compliment the fireplace itself.
Some guards feature polished metal to add a posh look to the room while others are made with sleek, modern lines that will look right at home inside any contemporary living space. To get a better idea of what fire guard you would like for your home, simply visit a house ware store or a shop specializing in fireplaces and fireplace accessories.
