Selecting Glass Type

If you're not sure, then let's take a look at each one:

The majority of fireplaces have 2 or more doors on the front.

Most wood stoves have one door and seal at the door with a fire-gasket (a fiberglass material that makes an air-tight seal when the door is closed).  Some wood stoves have two doors, they will have a rope gasket seal.   

There are also fireplace inserts, which are similar to wood stoves that slide into a masonry fireplace. The idea of an insert is to make the old fireplace as efficient as possible while still providing a beautiful view of the fire. So, an air-tight, efficient firebox is slid into or "inserted" into your existing fireplace.

We are going to assume that the original manufacturer's glass is in the unit. When the original glass broke, did it break in a million little pieces or did it break into larger "chunks" of glass?

If the glass broke in a million pieces, then it is tempered glass. Tempered glass is typically found in fireplaces, and should NEVER, EVER be used as wood stove replacement glass.

If the glass just cracked or broke into bigger chunks, then it is known as a glass-ceramic. These products are commonly known as PyroCeram® (not Pyroceran), Robax or Neoceram - just different brand names for the same type of product. On this site, we use the term PyroCeram®. The product we sell on this site, PyroCeram®, is made by Corning. The thickness of Pyroceram is 3/16", the most commonly used type of glass for Wood stove replacement glass.  This glass also comes in a 1/8" thickness, but that is usually used in smaller space heaters.  (PyroCeramic Glass - NeoCeramic Glass, are commonly used terms).

If the glass is paper-thin and flexible, then it is called Mica or isinglass. Mica glass is very rare however, it is still found in a few older wood stove units.

Is it a gas unit, using natural gas or propane? A wood burner that is just for looks? Or an air-tight wood burner that produces over 600 degrees?

If it is a gas unit, then it typically uses tempered glass. Although gas units do put out heat, the top end of the heat against the glass is less than 400 degrees. The tempered glass in these units is usually of a clear tint.

If you have a masonry fireplace (a fireplace built in the home with brick and mortar),  they can have a set of fireplace doors applied to the opening. These types of fireplaces are not very efficient and do not generate heat much higher than 400 degrees, at least not for any extended period. The glass in these types of door systems is typically tempered.

If you have an air-tight wood stove or insert. These units can generate up to 1200 degrees and are very efficient. The glass in these units must be Pyroceram. Using any other type of glass will cause the glass to fail and could cause a home fire. Pyroceram glass has an amber tint in color.

If you have a high-efficiency fireplace. This is a fireplace that is not air-tight, but has an adjustable damper that allows you to control and slow down the fire to burn more efficiently and generate more heat. These units generally supply heat in the 600-1000 degrees and will need Pyroceram glass.

If you're not sure about any of the above, there are still a couple of ways to find out:

Check your owner's manual, it should mention what type of glass was supplied.

Contact the company from which you got the fireplace or wood stove. They should be aware of the different types of glass and can advise you.

Email us directly with as much information as possible, including: brand name, size, wood or gas burning, and attach a photo. We have seen the majority of woodstoves and fireplace models available and should be able to tell you what you need.

Still not sure? Then replace it with Pyroceram. This will cover all the bases and can be used in all of the applications that we have covered; Order Here.