10Feb
Keep the Heat in With the Right Materials
Sitting next to a fireplace during a cold winter night is the perfect setting for rest and relaxation, not to mention a chance to warm up. Chances are you’ve got a book at hand for such an occasion, or maybe good company to chat with. There will likely be a laptop, a book, or good company in tow, and the evening is set for a comfortable time in. Fireplace doors are a great way to keep the heat in and keep you comfortable.
Fireplace doors depend on quality materials to ensure you get the warmth you need without worrying about how something will hold up to the temperature. Let’s look at some of the most common material options:
Tempered Glass
By far the most common option, tempered glass is heat-treated to increase the strength and thermal shock of the glass, making it ideal for most fireplace doors. It is typically rated to an average of 400° Fahrenheit, more than enough for most fireplaces.
As long as the fireplace doors are a safe distance away from the flame (about 4 inches) and the temperature does not exceed the maximum rating, tempered glass is the way to go. It is a safe and economical option for your fireplace doors.
Pyro-Ceramics
Okay, we’re cheating a bit here, because this isn’t technically a glass! Pyro-ceramics might look like glass, but they’re really transparent sheets of ceramic. Built to withstand higher temperatures (upwards of 600° Fahrenheit), pyro-ceramics are more common in industrial uses.
Typically, tempered glass is the more popular home option, but that doesn’t mean you can’t opt for pyro-ceramics for your fireplace doors!
Mica Glass
Mica glass is made from a naturally-occurring mineral that’s highly resistant to heat, and is extremely common in older fireplace doors. Transparent and thin, it’s nonetheless extremely good at resisting heat. A standard sheet of mica glass can withstand temperatures up to 1,800° Fahrenheit! While less common these days, it’s still an option offered by some specialty suppliers.
Chances are, if you’ve got fireplace doors, they’re made from tempered glass. If you’re looking for something that can really take the heat, though, it’s worth looking at alternative options. When in doubt, contact the experts and get in touch with fireplace pros for expert advice that’ll get you the results you want.
Spend less time worrying about heat loss, resistance, and temperature, and more time enjoying those peaceful moments in front of your fireplace.