If you are living in a bigger home or new home and are considering installing a new fireplace, you may have run across information about the different kinds of glass that fireplaces and fireplace inserts use. The most common types of glass that are used for fireplaces in North American homes are tempered glass and ceramic glass. The choice between tempered glass and ceramic glass can be a difficult one because the different types of glass will serve different purposes within your home and one may be more useful to you than the other depending on your situation.

Tempered Glass And Ceramic Glass

There are several differences between tempered glass and ceramic glass. Firstly, tempered glass is simply glass that has been heat treated so that it can withstand the heat from the fireplace. Tempered glass is much stronger than regular glass, but ceramic glass is much stronger than tempered glass. Ceramic glass is actually not glass at all. Ceramic glass is actually clear ceramic. But which type of glass is better for your fireplace?

Tempered Glass

Tempered glass is useful for some fireplaces because it is less expensive than ceramic glass and is quite durable. People will often use tempered glass on doors of fireplaces that they know that they will be replacing at some point. Over time, tempered glass can weaken due to the constant heat. The concern with tempered glass is that if it is running on a high heat and then water or moisture gets in contact with the glass, the glass could explode. Tempered glass may be perfect for your home if you will not be using your fireplace all the time, if you want to install fireplace doors, or if the fireplace will be installed in a very dry area.

Ceramic Glass

Ceramic glass would be the best choice for your home if your fireplace will be running at a high heat or will be used a lot. Ceramic is more expensive than tempered glass, but it is also stronger, more durable and is the choice people make when they want to be sure that they will not have to worry about replacing the glass. Ceramic glass is also safer than tempered glass when it comes to moisture. When ceramic glass comes into contact with water, it will crack before it explodes out. 

Which Is Better?

Our recommendation here at Genuine Comfort for the kind of glass you should use for your fireplace is ceramic glass. We suggest getting ceramic glass for your fireplace because it is stronger and safer. Ceramic glass is better if you are installing a fireplace in a bathroom or outdoors where there is more of a chance that it will get splashed with water. Ceramic glass is also safer with children or pets who could accidentally spill water on the glass. However, if you are looking for a more economical option and are not concerned about water touching the glass, tempered glass may be the choice for you.

Do You Need A New Fireplace?

We at Genuine Comfort are experts in the heating and cooling industry and we specialize in installing fireplaces. If you are in need of a new fireplace or services to get your fireplace installed, look no further than Genuine Comfort. Contact us today for more information or to get a quote.