Fact Box: Fire Glass

May 6, 2013

Fire Glass is tempered glass that is used in fireplaces and fire pits to increase vibrancy, reflection and color. It does not burn, but retains heat and refracts light as a result of burning gas.
Why it is used?
Fire Glass is used to enhance the radiance, reflection and color which also adds to the aesthetic value of the fireplace. It is used to replace artificial gas logs or wood logs. A burner pan with fire glass will radiate 3-4 times more heat with its reflective surface than wood or artificial logs.
How safe is it?
The glass is designed for gas fire pits and gas fireplaces to endure high temperatures without melting, burning, popping or discoloring. The glass does NOT create toxic fumes, smoke, ash, or soot. It usually comes in small shards with rounded edges to decrease risk of cuts.
How shards of ordinary glass are different from Fire Glass?
Unlike Fire Glass, ordinary glass can’t be used in fireplace as it can pop or even shoot out shards. Laminated windshield glass will blacken and melt. Tempered windshield glass incorporates a plastic film that will produce a most annoying smoke & odor and depending upon its chemical make up the gas can also be poisonous.