Summer Covers (or summer doors) were part of a 3 part system designed for old coal burning fireplaces.

The surround served as a frame for the fireplace. The tabs shown to the inside opening held the coal basket. 

There was also a removable door (pictured right) that closed off the fireplace when it was not in use. This served as a fireplace damper of sorts, helping to keep the warm air from exiting the chimney and to help stop cold air from dropping down into the house.

The removable cover or door is often missing, and we're constantly asked about replacement covers. As each surround had its own door made to fit it, this is not a standard item to replace. We do not have a source for them - check antique stores where you might be lucky enough to find one that would fit. We offer them for sale when we find them, so check out our current inventory of antiques to see our full selection.

The reason the cover is missing is part of American history. During World War II the government collected scrap metal for the war effort, and these covers were often donated to the cause. If you have a surround and a missing cover, a sympathetic patriot may have once lived in your house.

How the surrounds were installed. Originally there were iron wires embedded into the mortar as the fireplace was built. Usually you'll have to demolish the fireplace in order to remove a cast iron surround. When we reinstall them, depending on the condition of the fireplace, we use masonry anchors and/or RTV silicone and attach them to the front face of the fireplace.