Many options for decorative framing of fireplaces allows you to choose almost any model for a harmonious combination with the overall interior. With all the diversity, all fireplaces can be divided into two groups: with an open flame and with a closed one.
- Open flame fireplaces look more attractive. You can not only admire the burning process, but also listen to the characteristic crackling of firewood. However, the potential danger of sparks on the floor surface or surrounding objects is increasingly forcing designers to choose closed fireboxes.
- In the closed version, you can not do without glazed elements. These are observation windows, doors, and sometimes even the walls of the hearth themselves. But we know that glass at an elevated temperature loses its strength and can break down. Modern technologies have made it possible to create “tempered” glasses that can withstand heating up to 1000 ° С degrees.
Today we’ll talk about fireplace products, which are used to create tempered glass.
Refractory Glass Properties
The use of refractory glasses in the manufacture of fireplaces is made possible due to their unique qualities. They have a small coefficient of thermal expansion, due to which the required strength is achieved.
The glass fireplace gives an excellent overview, which allows you to admire the flames from any angle and distance. The soundproofing properties of glass cannot be attributed to either advantages or disadvantages. The ability to hear the sounds that accompany burning does not appeal to everyone.
Refractory glass practically does not heat up from the outside. This makes it safe in the apartment if there are children nearby. The main task of transparent material is not only to provide an overview, but also to ensure safety during the operation of the fireplace.
Manufacturing Technologies and Characteristics
Each new owner wants the purchased device to last as long as possible. To do this, you need to not only service it in a timely manner, but also make the right choice when buying. Knowing the main characteristics of tempered glass, you can easily choose the option according to your needs.
First of all, you need to know that such glasses are made according to certain technologies. They are kept at high temperature and are subject to spraying with special products that increase their strength.
Fireplace glasses differ from other types by the presence of a film of iron oxide. It is applied so that it is easier to clear such glass of soot. The most famous representatives of fireplace glasses include quartz and borosilicate.
The main characteristics that are indicators are the maximum temperature and the duration of the operation. Often such parameters are inversely proportional. Therefore, before buying a particular fireplace made of glass, decide what interests you the most. The manufacturer indicates all parameters in the corresponding product passport.
Where is glass used?
The use of refractory glasses in the design of the fireplace gives them great importance. Thanks to the transparency of the focus, the effect of a live picture is created, only absolutely safe, excluding the occurrence of a fire. Usually a glass fireplace is not equipped with a chimney, so we can conclude about the type of fuel on which it works.
The number of glass elements can be completely different. There are foci made of metal, but having panoramic doors, which must be glass. Such fireplaces use both gas and firewood as fuel.
It is worth noting that, due to the strength of tempered glass, the boundary of its applicability covers all types of fireplaces. Fire resistance and strength have led to yet another application. Such glass is often framed with a floor surface in the immediate vicinity of the fireplace. It is not afraid of falling small objects and remains safe for a long time.
Types of fuel
By its technological properties, tempered glass allows it to be used in fireplaces of various types of fuel. But transparent elements have one significant drawback - the inevitable coverage of combustion products (soot). Wood fireplaces emit it in large quantities, so it is irrational to carry them out of glass.
Gas leaves much less products after combustion. The flame of fire looks quite attractive, so they try to demonstrate it as much as possible. There are options in which gas fuel creates the illusion of burning wood, for which dummies are used.
Biofuels are alcohol-based and have high environmental performance. Such a fireplace usually contains a large number of glass surfaces.
Electrical analogues certainly provide parts of glass, giving a full view of the simulated fire.
Kind of design
The presence of a flame behind the glass prompted developers to create several versions for various applications of fireplaces. The main models are:
- Wall fireplaces.
- Portable fireplaces.
- Outdoor fireplaces.
Floor options are a glass frame that is built along the wall. It can be of various sizes, but designers recommend not stint in matters of dimensions. In addition, there are models encircling two walls at once. They are made in the form of an angle and look like a fiery hoop.
Portable or desktop options are remarkable for their mobility. You can not stop enjoying the comfort of the fireplace, moving from room to room. The small size is offset by the visibility that glass gives. To avoid dependence on accumulated fuel, portable fireplaces most often use biofuel. This avoids the need to equip the place with electricity or firewood.
Wall-mounted fireplaces - a modern design option that fits into the modern or high-tech style. Only the front part of the fireplace is made of glass, since the rest of its faces are recessed in a specially prepared niche. Framing in the form of a frame can be made of various finishing materials.
Fireplace Care
Over time, in any fireplace, glass elements will lose their former transparency. About the integrity of the surface, you can not worry. Strong glass is reliably protected from small scratches and chips. The only thing the owner will have to worry about is cleaning the soot from the inside. It can be produced by any detergents, since refractory glass is resistant to aggressive chemicals.
Manufacturers are trying to increase the service life between the general cleaning of the fireplace body. For this, gas recirculation and afterburning systems are used at high temperature. However, the maintenance process cannot be completely avoided.
Choosing a fireplace with glass elements, you can always count on a full review of what is happening in its firebox. Such an apparatus will certainly give you the pleasure of seeing the combustion process.
Features
A fireplace stove is made of heat-resistant materials: heat-resistant glass and a metal frame. The latest models are made entirely of glass. Due to this, you can admire the fire from all sides from the fireplace and install it in the center of the room. The main requirements for it are compliance with the necessary safety standards and functionality. Glass doors perform a number of functions.
Consider the main parameters.
- Safe monitoring of fire (a transparent shutter reliably protects the room from flying sparks and embers).
- Blocking the spread of odor that is released as a result of fuel combustion (the built-in system for blowing glass from the inside contributes to this function).
- Isolation of noise from fuel combustion (this function is relevant in rooms where you need to observe silence, for example, in a bedroom).
- Increased heat loss (due to open doors, traction becomes stronger, the amount of heat increases).
Advantages and disadvantages
The scheme of work of fireplaces with glass has advantages and disadvantages. Consider the positive qualities.
- Economy and compactness. A small firebox is able to provide sufficient heating, consuming a minimum amount of fuel.
- Environmental friendliness. The glass fireplace system provides for control of the burning of firewood, as well as the re-burning of unspent fuel. Emission of toxic gas is minimal.
- Small dimensions of the heating device, which does not affect the quality of protection against cold.
- Simple operation. You do not need to have special knowledge and skills to use a glass fireplace (the system is maximally simplified).
- Beautiful appearance. Such a fireplace looks impressive in any interior.
Fireplaces with glass have cons.
- A glass fireplace is an expensive design. To equip and connect it, additional costs will be required.
- Permanent maintenance of the glass is necessary, which can be covered with a layer of dust or soot. However, many modern models are equipped with a glass blowing system from the inside, which prevents soot from accumulating and settling.
Types of structures
The fireplace can be made of different materials in different designs. The glass door may have additional decorations. The main thing is that it meets its basic functions. Its standard design includes a metal frame and a double-glazed window. To connect them, use special loops and a tight seal.
As additional elements, a shutter mechanism is used, handle, air vents for oxygen access and curtains that control its intake. The door may vary in size. It depends on the entire fireplace stove. Its maximum width is 20 cm, the minimum is 15 cm, the height can vary from 80 to 120 cm. The opening mechanism can be lifting or sliding.
Refractory glass can also be installed on a wood fireplace. During its installation, all safety measures must be followed. However, during the operation of such a design, soot and ash will constantly form on the glass; therefore, such a design is quite rare.
Glass fireplace can have three varieties:
- with thickened doors (3 glasses),
- with flat doors (1 glass),
- circular (glass surrounds the structure on all sides, which allows you to install it in the center of the room).
There are combined models, for example, a cast-iron fireplace with heat-resistant glass. The stove can be supplemented by forging or molding, glass can be tinted, laminated, stained glass or mosaic. Glass fireplace can run on different fuels. Depending on this, two types of design are distinguished: gas and biofireplace.
For the operation of the gas species, gas (propane-butane) is used. It is arranged in such a way that the fuel tank is inside, only ceramic imitation of charred firewood is visible to those around. This fireplace turns on and off remotely. Using a special remote control, you can control the power of the flame. Due to the plant origin during combustion, fuel does not emit harmful substances into the air, which makes it possible to install such a design in any premises. A hood in this case is not required. Biofireplace can be of three types, consider the nuances of each.
Tempered
Tempered glass can be of different types depending on its features.
Note the main ones.
- Thermal expansion when heated. Upon contact with high temperature, it expands 30 times less than other types of glasses. Expansion rates may vary.
- Glass must be heat resistant to withstand high temperatures. The indicators of heat resistance vary between 500 - 1000 degrees C, depending on the model of the fireplace.
- For furnaces, glass of a certain thickness (from 4 mm) should be used. For heavier and larger furnaces, thicker glass is used.
Durability matters too. This indicator is determined by the temperature that is maintained in the outbreak. At 500 The service life of tempered glass can be several thousand hours, at 700 degrees C - no more than 100 hours. To increase the number of hours, the hearth must not be overloaded with firewood; conditions must be created for the maximum possible traction. In addition, heat-resistant glass has several varieties.
Design
Glass fireplaces in the interior often have an exclusively decorative purpose. They do not have a chimney, do not emit smoke, therefore they are suitable for installation in any room. The design of the fireplace directly depends on the room in which it will be installed, as well as the style and availability of free space. Usually he is chosen to complement the areas of high-tech, grunge, loft. A glass fireplace is considered a neutral object, it will look equally good in any style of room.
The fireplace can be equipped with additional decorations: forging, carving. Glass can have a different color and relief. Usually a glass fireplace is made in the form of a geometric figure. It can be simple (square, rectangular) or complex (multifaceted). In this case, the glass fireplace can be completely transparent on one, two, three or four sides. The round model with panoramic glazing is very popular.
One of the original solutions is the fireplace table. Use it as a dining table with a hole for fire in the middle. From all sides the firebox is fenced with glass. The hearth can be covered from above with a special cover: the fire will burn inside the structure.
Recently, it has become popular to install glass doors on a sauna stove. Due to this, smoke does not go into the room, and heating takes less time. The fireplace can be a large or mini-option, which if necessary can be put on the floor or table. The original solution is to divert under a large hearth of a wall. It looks especially impressive.
Use and Care Tips
Glass fireplace does not require maintenance efforts. The modern bio-model design is equipped with a system for burning all fuel without residue. It is enough to wipe the dust from the surface from time to time. Gas fireplaces or wood-burning with glass doors will require more care. The main problem during operation is to wash soot and soot.
It is formed for several reasons.
- If the fireplace is gas, the reason may be in the wrong amount of fuel in relation to the incoming air. It is necessary to check whether the burner is clogged, if the nozzles (gas supply openings) are in the correct position.
- If the model runs on propane-butane, the gas supply to the air may be interrupted, the gas itself may be of poor quality. It is necessary to make sure that the nozzles, burner, fuel tank are working and replace them if necessary.
- If it is necessary to install glass doors on a wood fireplace, soot cannot be avoided. To minimize this, you need to keep the valves open, regularly clean the outlet pipe. It is better not to use coniferous firewood as fuel: in the process of its combustion a large amount of soot is formed, the presence of resin makes it difficult to clean the glasses.
Cleaning the glass screen does not require much effort. To do this, you can use special tools for washing glass fireplaces. Shops offer a wide range of diverse products.Most often, it is released in the form of sprays or pastes, which are applied to the glass, and then removed with a sponge. Later clean glass is polished with a dry cloth.
If you need to clean the fireplace, but there is no way to buy the product in the store, you can use ash. It needs to be wet, then with the help of a newspaper, treat it with contaminated sashes, then rinse with water. You can make a special liquid for cleaning soot yourself. This will require water and vinegar in a ratio of 1: 1.
Glass doors must be removed from the fireplace and laid out on the floor. Using a spray gun, the solution is abundantly sprayed onto them. When the liquid dries, the glass must be wiped dry with dry newspapers. If your fireplace is equipped with fixed hinges, the doors are treated with napkins soaked in a solution.
It is better to clean the fireplace after each use. So the soot will not accumulate. To prevent smoked glass in a wood fireplace, it is better to use dry and clean wood for ignition. During operation, you can use a special technique: leave a narrow gap on top of the glass. The airflow creates a barrier against soot. To keep the glass transparent, after using and cleaning the fireplace you can apply solid soap on it. The effect will appear during its subsequent use.
Beautiful examples in the interior
Glass fireplace - a unique decoration of the interior.
- It can be harmoniously integrated into an ultramodern and classic interior.
- A different style can be created thanks to decorations and additional elements (for example, due to forged lattice, stucco molding, inserts from various materials).
- The original screen will create an additional safety damper, make the design unique.
Closed firebox will give more heat
Specialists emphasize that fireplaces with a closed firebox create more heat. Such fireplaces are highly safe, give you the ability to adjust the intensity of fuel combustion.
Some of the models with a closed firebox can be operated by mood: both in closed and open modes. Some fireplace stoves have nice features, such as a self-cleaning door.
Therefore, you do not have to wipe the glass yourself each time to look at the flame.
The efficiency of such a model is very good. Keeping heat perfectly, they can perfectly warm a country house with an area of several tens of meters in a square.
In general, it is worth paying attention to what the fireplace insert with glass is made of. These parameters of your fireplace will affect the efficiency and safety, as well as how long you can use your device.
Materials
According to many masters, it is worth paying attention to cast iron. The argument for - excellent heat storage. Also, such a fireplace will not cool down so quickly. You can use steel, it will allow you to quickly heat the stove. Please note that the steel furnace will also cool quickly. Fire chambers can be installed in a corner, and can also be located separately and be built-in.
If you have chosen the corner version of the firebox with glass, then note that there are three walls in it, so you need to put it only in the corner of the room. In terms of heat transfer, such fire chambers are considered the most powerful.
Fire chambers with glass mounted to the wall are distinguished by their simple design. This affects the price segment. They are not so expensive, and even an inexperienced novice worker can mount them.
Built-in furnaces can save the space of an apartment or house. It is easy to build such an option, but some important points must be taken into account.
How to deal with soot?
The designers thought out how to minimize the harmful effects of soot on the glass shutters of the fireplace. They created a series of measures that help to combat this problem. One solution is that the glass doors are placed at different distances from the flame.
Doors are made using different configurations. This makes the fireplace work better and gives you the opportunity to enjoy the flame.
The fireplace is equipped with ventilation systems and smoke exhaust systems, which avoids soot and soot deposits on the glass doors of the fireplace.
A few more arguments in favor of fireboxes with glass
As we have already said, experts do not advise making a choice in favor of open furnaces. Danger is open fire. Sparks may accidentally pop out. Therefore, it is better not to tempt fate.
Choosing fire chambers with glass, do not forget about the energy efficiency and power of the device. Consider how much power you need, before you even purchase and install a fireplace.
If you choose a device with water heating, then keep in mind that its function is not only to heat the room, but also to heat the water. Such devices are popular today because they are multifunctional.
Pay attention to power
When choosing a furnace with water heating, keep in mind that it would be desirable to choose a furnace equipped with a higher power. Make a choice of power depending on the size of the house that you plan to keep warm.
If your home is up to 200 meters squared, then choose 8 kW, if more than 250 square meters, then make a choice in favor of a device with a capacity of more than a dozen kW.
Product power also depends on the design. Corner Fireboxes are small in size, therefore their power is appropriate. For a small country house, they will be just right, and they will also be able to heat a large hall, but you can’t count on more.
If you still plan to heat water with a fireplace, then choose another option - not a corner.
Install on your own
Putting the firebox with glass itself is quite easy. Explore the attached information materials, watch special videos. In general - it’s very strong for you.
If you buy a firebox in specialized supermarkets, then easily install it. Since this is a fully thought out and completed design. Install on temperature resistant material. First lay it on the floor where you intend to install the stove.
External design
You can make the cladding as you see fit. We recommend that you make a hole at the top of the portal design. With it, hot air will come out of the furnace. If your stove is water-heated, then this heat will go to warm the water.
If you decided to use artificial material in the decoration of the portal, then it is advisable to use materials resistant to temperature as a layer.
If you decide on your own, with your own hands, to install a transparent door in the fireplace, then you should pay attention to the fact that a simple, ordinary glass will not work for these purposes.
Choose material resistant to the highest temperatures. Such a design and the choice of this material will help you protect the house from a potential fire. Therefore, go carefully to the selection of the appropriate glass. And do not forget that there are both two-sided and three-sided glass fire chambers, and you can also install a second glass if you wish, thereby protecting the front glass from sparks and creating a great tightness in the fire chamber.
If you want to make a transparent casement in a cast-iron stove, then keep in mind that in this process you cannot do without certain skills and knowledge.
Do not overload heat-resistant glass
The difference between glass that can withstand high temperatures from ordinary window glass is its ability to create casting expansion when heated. During use, such glass is not subject to chips or damage of another kind.
When buying glass for such purposes, take a closer look at how much heating temperature it can withstand.
If glass is resistant to 600 degrees, then with proper operation it will serve you faithfully for a very long time. But, if you seriously exceed the load on it, then you risk spoiling the material in a matter of hours.
Also, the properties of the glass used are also affected by what you stoke in your fireplace. After all, each fuel produces a certain temperature in the combustion process. Therefore, pay attention to this seemingly small, but very significant point.
If you installed a transparent door on a fire chamber made of cast iron, then pay attention to the following nuances that will allow you to do everything possible to make the glass as durable as possible.
First, never extinguish a flame with liquid. A sharp temperature drop will adversely affect the glass. When you clean the fireplace, do not use harsh abrasive mixtures when cleaning the doors and furnaces. In this case, a slight scratch will not affect the main characteristics of the door, however, more soot will collect in the place where it appeared. And this will spoil you the whole view of the tongues of fire in the fireplace.
And a couple of operating tips
It would seem - unrelated things, but such a nuance as a correctly installed sash affects the longevity of glass. If the device is not in good draft and the sash is constantly lit by fire, there is direct contact between the flame and the glass, then be sure that despite how heat-resistant the door is, it still will not withstand much time.
Firewood quality
If you want the door to look very impressive and decorate not only the fireplace itself, but also the room in which it is located, then only high-quality firewood should be chosen.
You can choose different fireboxes for fireplaces with glass, in completely different price segments, from brands from Italy, Slovenia, France, Poland or Russia. But do not forget to follow the tips outlined in this article, as well as familiarize yourself with all kinds of information materials and read user reviews that have already installed a firebox in the fireplace with glass at home.
We wish you to make the right choice so that it is always warm in your home!
Layout Options
Fireplace doors can be made to order according to your size with and without an ash drawer, with blow holes with a shutter in the door or in the ash drawer, or without a blower.
Heat resistant construction, tool steel frame, solid square, anti-soot glass protection system.
We will make custom-made doors for a fireplace of any size, design and configuration: single-leaf, right and left hinges, double-leaf, straight, angular, arched, with art forging, with fireproof glass and blind.
