Measuring Masonry Fireplaces
Be sure to take all measurements to the nearest
1/16" using a steel tape measure. For complex
custom applications, a photograph of the fireplace
will be very helpful. Be sure to look for
projecting bricks, rotary damper handles, or any
other issues that may cause a problem when mounting
your fireplace door. Click here for
examples of unusual
or custom applications that require consideration
when ordering a fireplace door. For questions
please contact one of our fireplace door experts
Toll Free at 866-Northline (866-667-8454) or e-mail
us at
There are two types fit,
Overlap Fit and
Inside Fit. The
overlap fit is when the fireplace door is larger
than the fireplace opening and the door will overlap
the brick, marble, etc. An inside fit is when
the fireplace door fits inside the fireplace opening
and will be flush with the brick, marble, etc.
The most common is the overlap fit but if you have
rough field stone or bricks protruding, then the
inside fit may be more appropriate. The inside
fit requires more precise measuring and is used
with custom enclosures only. All stock doors
utilize an overlap fit. In general, you will
usually obtain a better fit and easier installation
when you use the overlap fit, when possible.
Overlap Fit
Measure the width of the opening at the top and
again at the bottom. We need the minimum and
maximum width (A). It might be helpful to
print this page and use Figure 1 for all your measurements.
Next, measure the height of the opening
from the hearth (where the enclosure will sit) to
the top of the fireplace opening. 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, you will need to use a suspension bar,
click
here for an illustration. The suspension
bar drops down 5/8", therefore adding 5/8" to the
effective opening.
Inside Fit
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 both the bottom of the lintel
bar, and to the bottom of the finishing material
(brick, marble, etc.) See figure 2.
Notes on Inside Fit Enclosures:
Width - For example, 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 would be a 3/8" gap (in this example)
between the side panel and the fireplace opening
on each side. Generally the clearance
gaps can be filled from the backside of the frame
using high temperature RTV silicone. If the
gaps become excessive (as in a stone fireplace),
it may be necessary to mortar in the enclosure.
Factory tolerance of a fireplace door is
generally + or - 1/32".
Height - If you are planning on installing
the enclosure under the brick, the face of the lintel
bar must be back far enough from the face of
the fireplace for the door to fit, otherwise the lintel will keep the
enclosure from going in all the way flush.
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 form
before we can begin processing your order.
See figure 2.
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