Fireplace/Indoor Stove = Hot Glass
Most fireplaces and indoor stoves have glass doors in them that can be made of tempered glass or ceramic glass. The type of glass used will depend on a few factors, including how much heat the glass will need to withstand.
Temper, Temper!
Using a heating or chemical process, tempered glass is created to be more durable for heat and pressure than regular glass. Fireplace doors are usually made of tempered glass, since fireplaces are usually used with the doors open.
Ceramics in Stoves
Indoor stoves have ceramic glass rather than tempered glass, because a wood, pellet, or coal stove is usually used with the doors closed. This creates more constant high heat, which is higher heat than tempered glass can withstand. Ceramic glass also has less resistance, so the amount of heat which is allowed through the glass is substantially higher. The approximate temperature of ceramic is 648°C (1200°F) as 0pposed to tempered which is approximately 260°C (500°F).
Hot Stuff!
As per Fireplacedoorsonline.com, “Tempered glass is far more common when it comes to fireplace doors! Since you shouldn’t burn your fireplace with the fireplace doors closed, tempered glass isn’t exposed to the extreme heat that could potentially damage or shatter it. It tends to be less expensive than ceramic glass, making it easier to replace damaged panels on your fireplace door.”
Tempered or Ceramic?
Ceramic glass is better suited for extreme high-heat situations than tempered glass, but tempered glass tends to be more economical and is still extremely durable. Tempered glass is usually used in places where people may need to replace the glass (like in fireplace doors). Ceramic glass also expands and contracts less than tempered glass, but this isn’t usually a concern in the fireplaces and stoves people have in their homes.
Talk To Our Experts
Bottom line? People will usually have tempered glass in a fireplace door, and ceramic glass in a wood, coal, or pellet indoor stove. Contact 4 Seasons Home Comfort or visit our showroom at 3620 9th Ave North in Lethbridge, and talk to our experts to discuss adding an indoor fireplace or stove to your home.
