The fireplace is a spectacular detail of the home interior and a convenient option for heating a room. The heating structure is divided into two types, taking into account the external device of the firebox: open or closed. Fireplaces of the second type are supplemented with heat-resistant glass doors and are considered safer. Fireplace glass has its own nuances and characteristics, and is also presented in several versions. These nuances must be considered before purchasing and installing.
Properties and characteristics
The main criterion for choosing a fireplace glass is heat resistance, since the doors are exposed to serious stress from open fire. Fireproof glass intended for a fireplace must withstand sudden changes in temperature. List of main characteristics:
- heat resistance - the material must withstand loads at temperatures up to 500-550 degrees;
- strength - the optimal indicator of thickness is at least 4-5 mm;
- operating time is the best indicator up to 5000 hours;
- appearance and design matching the style of the fireplace.
Thermo glass for the fireplace must undergo a polishing procedure during operation. It helps to make the material more durable and eliminate the possibility of damage.
Advantages of glass doors
Glass for stoves and fireplaces have their own advantages. First of all, this is the ability to observe the flame during the operation of the fireplace, combined with safety and a low level of fire hazard. The glass door allows you to regulate the combustion process; during the operation of such a fireplace, more thermal energy is released.
Fireplace doors perfectly cope with any stress, including exposure to high temperatures. If the glass cracks or bursts, you can immediately change it with your own hands without the need to call a specialist.
Types of glasses
Heat-resistant durable glass for a stove or fireplace can be one of the available types, the characteristics and features of which must be considered before choosing.
Heat resistant
Heat-resistant type protective glass is most often used as a protective screen for fireplaces. It is able to withstand high thermal loads, has an optimal sheet thickness and is characterized by increased strength. The expansion coefficient of temperature is almost zero, so the material will not burst or crack even with strong heating.
Laminated
Laminated glass oven doors are made up of multiple panes held together with a special liquid or film. The glass on such a fireplace panel will not crumble after impact, the fragments will remain fixed on the film. It is advisable to install it for those who are worried about the integrity of the fireplace door and want it to last as long as possible.
Colored
Colored doors are installed as a decorative element, matching them to the overall style of the fireplace. Stained glass options for glasses can solve various problems, including they can hide ash and extinguishing fire inside the fireplace. Colored thermal glass is also suitable for modern stoves.
No soot
Special fire-resistant glass is not capable of accumulating soot and soot, since it is treated from the inside with metal oxide.Due to this substance, the soot burns out without residue and does not leave marks on the glass during the operation of the fireplace. It is the best choice for those who do not have time to clean the fireplace door.
Choosing a brand
The most popular among manufacturers of fireplace glasses is the German brand Robax. This company has been on the market for a long time, its products are known for their high quality level. The working temperature of the material reaches 760 degrees. In addition to this brand, the list of well-known brands includes:
- Nippon Electric Glass. Japanese analogue of the German brand Robax with an increased working life and a maximum temperature of 800 degrees.
- CrossFire Cerama. The Italian brand also has a high level of heat resistance, but its cost is lower compared to the Japanese and German counterparts.
- ABX. Glasses from the Czech brand have a thermal resistance level of 600 degrees, they are not prone to cracking.
It is worth choosing a manufacturer depending on the level of heat resistance. An important factor is the cost - with a limited budget, the options from the Italian brand will be the best option.
Applications
Heat-resistant glasses are used to create doors for stoves and fireplaces, sometimes they are used to equip viewing panels that control the draft in the heating system. It can also be used for a brazier, barbecue and microwave. It is not recommended to use custom-made glass in fireplaces, the operating temperature of which exceeds 750 degrees.
Borosilicate glass is often used to make fireplace doors. It is resistant to aggressive environments and can withstand temperatures up to 450 degrees. It is also used to create screens for lamps or heating devices, laboratory and industrial equipment. Often, this material is used to make a floor covering near the fireplace for safety reasons and to create an additional interior detail.
Features of installation and maintenance
During the installation of the glass door, the coefficients for the expansion of the glass and frame material must be specified. The glass should not come into contact with the frame and fasteners in order to avoid overheating and to prevent impacts when the door is slammed. Care must be taken that the pressure at all attachment points is maintained at the same level without pinching. In case of deformation of the frames, the joints with the glass are supplemented with heat-resistant cords.
The joints of glasses and frames must not be sealed with a heat-resistant sealant, so that cracks do not form on the door.
It takes little time and effort to clean the door. Some modern models of fireplaces are supplemented with a system of burning all the fuel completely, so they do not leave traces of soot and soot. If we are talking about a wood or gas fireplace, additional care is required. The causes of soot formation can be different:
- incorrect amount of fuel in relation to the air entering the gas fireplace burner;
- violation of the supply of gas in relation to air in fireplaces operating on propane-butane, or poor quality of fuel;
- the use of coniferous wood, which forms a large amount of soot during combustion.
To clean the glass screen, you can use special products such as spray or paste, which are sold in stores. The product is applied to glass, wiped with a sponge and the excess is removed with a dry cloth. You can also clean the doors with ash, which is soaked and treated with the sash with newspapers, then washed off with water. Another home remedy is a varnish made from vinegar and water in a 1: 1 ratio.
For safety reasons, the fireplace doors are removed from the base and laid out on the floor. During cleaning, a solution is sprayed on them, after when the liquid dries, the glasses are wiped dry using newspapers.If the doors are hanging on fixed hinges, they are carefully handled with napkins soaked in solution.
