Fire Rated Tempered Glass plays a critical role in high-heat applications, offering both safety and durability. It is up to five times stronger than regular annealed glass and can withstand a thermal shock of up to 400°F. This makes it an ideal material for fireplace screens, wood stoves, gas stoves, and other high-temperature environments.
We offer a wide range of clear, tinted, and textured tempered glass, including fire-rated GPW and GCW glass options, tailored to fit your specific design and performance needs.
What is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass, also known as heat-strengthened glass, undergoes a special heat treatment process that increases its strength and resistance to thermal stress. As a result, it becomes highly durable and resistant to breakage.
- Thermal shock rating: 400°F
- Applications: Fireplace screens, gas stoves, oven doors, pellet stoves
- Keywords: tempered fire glass, heat-resistant glass, fire-rated tempered glass, fireplace tempered glass
Although tempered glass is very strong, it may not be suitable for extreme heat applications exceeding 400°F. For higher temperatures, ceramic glass is a better choice.
PyroCeram® Glass: A High-Performance Ceramic Alternative
For extreme heat tolerance, we recommend PyroCeram® glass, a transparent ceramic specifically designed for high-temperature applications. While commonly referred to as “glass,” it is technically a clear ceramic with zero thermal expansion, making it perfect for wood-burning stoves, cast-iron stoves, and enclosed fireplaces.
Key Features of PyroCeram® Glass:
- Thermal shock rating: 1,380°F
- Thickness: 5mm (3/16”)
- Surface: Slight amber tint with a mild texture
- Durability: Stronger than both annealed and tempered glass in impact resistance
- Keywords: PyroCeram® glass, ceramic stove glass, high temperature fireplace glass, zero expansion glass, transparent ceramic
This advanced material allows for excellent UV transmission while effectively blocking infrared (IR) radiation, helping regulate heat and light in your appliance.
Why Choose PyroCeram® Over Tempered Glass?
Although tempered glass works well in moderate heat settings, PyroCeram® ceramic glass offers significantly better thermal and impact performance. In fact, it can handle temperatures more than three times higher than tempered glass.
| Feature | Tempered Glass | PyroCeram® Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Rating | 400°F | 1,380°F |
| Impact Strength | High | Very High |
| Material | Glass | Transparent Ceramic |
| Tint | Clear or tinted | Slight amber |
| Expansion | Moderate | Virtually zero |
Therefore, for intense heat sources like wood stoves or cast-iron stoves, PyroCeram® is the industry standard for safety and performance.
Common Applications
Whether you’re building new or replacing old panels, we supply fire rated tempered and ceramic glass for a variety of uses:
- Wood stoves
- Gas stoves
- Fireplace inserts
- Pellet stoves
- Cast-iron heaters
- Industrial furnaces
- Smoker windows and oven doors
Furthermore, our glass options can be cut to custom sizes, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
Installation Tips
Improper installation is a leading cause of glass breakage, even in fire-rated products. Here are a few tips to extend the life of your fire glass:
- Avoid overtightening the retaining clips or hardware
- Allow for slight movement as the appliance expands and contracts
- Inspect your seals regularly
- Replace damaged gaskets immediately
Over time, even the best glass may experience thermal fatigue, but with proper care, PyroCeram® glass can last for decades.
