Safety Concern: Should You Use Tinted Glass for Your Fireplace Door?

Should You Use Tinted  Glass for Your Fireplace Door?

 

If you’re considering tinted glass for your fireplace door, then you will want to think again. Although it is a beautiful choice, it should not be used with a live fireplace. Tinted or colored glass cannot be tempered (a process we will discuss here in a moment); which can make it an unsafe choice. Tempered glass is the safest option for your live fireplace because of its strength and reliability.

 

What is the difference between clear tempered and tinted glass on fireplace doors?

 

There is absolutely no denying the fact that tinted glass is a beautiful addition to any home. However, the main issue with tinted glass, particularly if you do it yourself or purchase it from an artisan, is that it may not meet the safety requirements for heat and impact resistance set forward by the UL to protect the public from injuries. The UL is an independent safety company that uses science to come up with innovative safety solutions and guidelines for products. In fact, if you check a tag on a power cord or just about any other item, you may see where it lists approval by the UL.  So, the issue then becomes one of safety. It is not just about keeping hot embers from popping out of your fireplace. There is a worry with non-tempered glass that the glass could possibly overheat and shatter with the potential to cause serious injuries to anyone near it.

Tempered glass is commonly found both as a part of pre-fab and masonry fireplace doors. It is thermally stable (unlike tinted glass). This means that it is more heat resistant and less likely to shatter as it gets hot. That’s why it is the main choice for fireplace doors.

 

Tempered Glass Can Provide Economical Beauty and Safety

 

Generally, people want the look of tinted glass for their fireplace door because it is an attractive way to decorate their home or simply a nice change for their fireplace. Sometimes, people recognize the issue with safety and opt for tempered glass when it is time to replace their fire. Yet, they might not want to do that because they don’t think that tempered glass will provide the look they desire. Others think that since tinted glass and tempered glass can be found for around the same price that they must be equal in safety. Of course, you now know that’s not true.

There are some tinted glass options that are economical in price, but is there any amount of money that is worth your safety or the safety of your family? Also, artisan tinted glass fireplace doors aren’t often very energy efficient. In the winter, cold air can enter into the chimney and chill the room since the fireplace does not have a door that is installed that meets UL requirements. You can see when you do the research, it’s not a hard choice to make.

Tempered glass is the best choice because it is both economical and safe for your family. You can choose from several colors and tints to get that extra touch that you’re after. You can find varying finishes that will fit any decor on our website (including minimalist styling). Tempered glass is a safe and economical choice that should be used with any live fireplace (regardless of whether it is indoors or outdoors).

Tempered glass fireplace doors are installed into the fireplace. This makes them more energy efficient during the winter months, because it keeps the cold air that enters the chimney from affecting the temperature of the room when the fireplace is not being used. That will help you keep your heating costs down!

 

Do you have other questions about tempered and tinted glass fireplace doors?

If you have any other questions about the differences or possible dangers between tempered and tinted glass fireplace doors, call us or email us! Brick Anew has customer service agents standing by to answer your questions from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Eastern Standard Time. Our number is 1-800-897-7175. You can email us at sales@brick-anew.com. We’d love to hear from you and answer any questions that you have about the safety of tinted glass or tempered glass fireplace doors or any other question that you have about fireplaces.