Standard Mounting Method: Design Specialties Factory Built Fireplace Doors

Design Specialties fireplace doors for factory built fireplaces come with all of the mounting hardware you'll need for a simple installation. Due to the vast number of manufacturers of factory built fireplaces, the standard mounting method has been found to be compatible with a large variety of models. Fireplace glass door hardware includes standard mounting brackets, screws, and hex and wing nuts. Fireplace Doors Online believes that this task can be accomplished by virtually any homeowner; however, fireplace door installation can be carried out by a professional just the same.

Here is the hardware you'll receive in your standard fireplace door mounting kit (left), and the tools needed for installation (right):

  

Instructions:

• Place a mounting bracket in one of the inside corners of the fireplace. The front edge of the bracket should be aligned with the front of the fireplace. (In other words, the small tabs will face the front of the fireplace as shown in Figure #1 below - click on picture to enlarge.)
• Use your pencil to mark the locations of the main bracket slots (A). 
• Repeat steps one and two for the remaining 3 corners.
• Using a 1/8" drill bit, drill a hole at each marked A-slot location (there will be 8 altogether, among the 4 brackets).
• For each corner - place a bracket into position, then use a Phillips screwdriver and the screws provided in your standard mounting kit to attach the brackets to the fireplace through the A-slots. See Figure #2 below (click on picture to enlarge).

• Now it is time to install your new fireplace glass door! Place the door into the fireplace opening, aligning the frame studs (on the backside of the door) with the B-slots. See Figure #3 above (click on picture to enlarge). It may be necessary to move the stud up or down slightly in the frame to achieve alignment. To do this, loosen the stud with a 3/32" Allen wrench. Slide the frame stud up or down in order to line it up with the B-slots on the brackets; then retighten the stud.
• Because clearance between the door and the inside of the firebox may make using wing nuts difficult to tighten, hex nuts are also included for your convenience. Using either the hex or wings nuts provided, slide the hardware over the frame stud and tighten with pliers or a 11/32" wrench to secure the fireplace door to the brackets.

Fireplace Door Adjustment:

Fireplace doors come fully assembled and adjusted prior to leaving the manufacturer. However, shifting of the glass doors during shipment may occur. In this case, a quick adjustment to ensure the glass door hang properly may be necessary.

After installing your new Design Specialties zero clearance fireplace doors, check to see how they open and close. Look for gaps at the center, as well as between the glass doors and the frame.

If the gaps in the center are the same, but the tops are not in alignment (See Example #1 below - click on picture to enlarge), you may need to move the bottom frame over to make the tops of the doors level with each other. Loosen the hex or wing nut behind both of the bottom brackets; then shift the bottom of the door over until the glass is adjusted correctly. Retighten the hex or wing nuts.

If the gap between the glass at the center appears different from top to bottom (See Example #2 above - click on picture to enlarge), a hinge adjustment will be needed. Keep in mind that the gap between the two center glass panes should be approximately 1/8 of an inch. You will need to determine which hinge is out of alignment. Using a Phillips screwdriver, loosen the screw that secures the hinge to the frame (see Figure #4 - click on picture to enlarge). Slide the hinge over slightly and retighten. Check the door and repeat this procedure as necessary. 

Please note:

It is up to the installer (be it homeowner or contractor) to determine the best method of ensuring the fireplace door is mounted securely to the opening. At times, the use of an alternative mounting system (in place of or in combination with standard brackets) may be necessary to achieve the best results.