Fire Glass is a tempered glass bead that works with vented gas fireplaces and gas fire pits
Fire glass is made from tempered glass beads that have undergone thermal treatment to resist high heat. This makes them safe for use in vented gas fireplaces and fire pits. Unlike traditional fireplace materials like ceramic logs or lava rocks, fire glass offers a more aesthetically pleasing option, adding a touch of elegance to your fireplace or fire pit.
Fire glass serves two primary functions in a fireplace or fire pit. First, it hides the gas burner, creating a seamless and visually appealing fire display. Second, it disperses the fire evenly across the surface, providing a consistent, controlled burn.
Moreover, fire glass is designed to absorb and radiate heat, making your fireplace or fire pit more efficient. It's also noted for its ability to amplify heat radiation, potentially up to four times more than logs. Various forms of fire glass exist, including tempered, crushed, diamonds, and beads, each offering a unique visual appeal.
Fire glass burns cleaner and more efficiently than conventional gas logs. The glass media does not accumulate soot, ash or cause any smoke. Fire glass also will not melt, degrade or emit harmful fumes. If you fireplace requires a damper, it will still be required to be open, but knowing that fire glass burns cleaner is good peace of mind.
Glass fire pit and fireplace rocks and stones come in a variety of colors including diamond, black, red, and more
Fire glass rocks and stones come in a multitude of colors, providing an opportunity to personalize your fire pit or fireplace. One popular choice is the diamond color. This clear, reflective option allows the flames' natural colors to shine through, creating a beautiful and dramatic effect.
Black fire glass provides a sleek, modern aesthetic, offering a sophisticated and understated look. Red fire glass can add a vibrant, energetic touch to your fire display, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
When considering fire glass options, don't overlook blue, bronze, and multicolored blends. Blue fire glass introduces a calming, cool hue that contrasts beautifully with the warm flames. Ranging from light to deep shades, it can align with a variety of interior themes.
Bronze fire glass exudes a rich, warm glow that enhances the fire's radiance. It's a perfect choice if you're aiming for a classic, refined ambiance.
Experimenting with multiple colors can result in a unique and personalized fire display. The ability to blend different shades allows for endless creativity, transforming your fireplace into an art piece. Whether you prefer a monochromatic scheme or a vibrant mix, the choice is yours. Always remember to select colors that complement your overall decor for a harmonious look. These combinations can create striking visual effects, transforming your fire pit or vented gas fireplace into a captivating centerpiece. Some homeowners even choose to blend fire glass with traditional lava rocks, or gas logs aiming to create a more natural aesthetic.
Remember, your choice of color can significantly influence the ambiance and aesthetic of your space. So take your time to explore the various options, ensuring you select the one that best suits your style and decor.
American Fire Glass is one of the premier distributors of fireplace glass
American Fire Glass has been a leading distributor of fireplace glass since 2004. They are based in California, their high end fireplace and fire pit products are favored by hotels, restaurants, casinos, and residential backyards. With over 30 employees, the company operates out of a 20,000-square-foot facility and is recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies by INC.
Beyond offering high quality tempered glass, American Fire Glass also provides a variety of fireplace and fire pit accessories such as fireproof Lite Stone balls, lava rock, gas fireplace logs, fire kits, and burners. Their products are used both indoor and outdoor and are compatible with either natural gas or propane fire pits.
Check out some options for American Fire Glass on Northline Express.
Using measurements and a calculator you can determine the proper amount of fire glass that you will need for your fire pit or fireplace
To determine the right amount of reflective fire glass for your fireplace or fire pit, you'll need the dimensions of your fire feature and a fire glass calculator. First, measure the length, width, and depth of your fire feature in inches. A common recommended depth for fire glass is between 2 to 4 inches.
In case of a circular fire pit, you will need the diameter and depth. The calculations differ for various shapes of fire features. For instance, for a rectangular or square fireplace, the calculation is typically the same for the front and back widths.
Once you have these measurements, you can use an online fire glass calculator to get the appropriate amount of fire glass in pounds. These calculators are usually available on websites selling fire glass and accessories.
Note: Ensure to not overfill your fireplace or fire pit with fire glass. Overfilling can lead to inefficient burning and potential safety hazards.
Here's a general formula for calculating fire glass requirements:
- Rectangular or square pit: Length x Width x Depth
- Circular pit: Diameter x Diameter x Depth
These formulas give you the volume in cubic inches. Multiply the result by 0.16 to convert to pounds of fire glass.
You can also check out our Resource Center for this helpful article: How Much Glass Do I Need
If you don't like the look of Fire Glass you can also choose to use lava rocks, fire beads and natural stones
Fire Media is not limited to only fire glass or fire beads. Fire Media also includes options that resemble natural stones and pebbles and also includes lava rocks, which looks more like pieces of coal. Each type of fire media can give you a vastly different aesthetic. The Fire Media can also be changed out periodically to give your fire place or fire pit a new look.
Be mindful though that all fire media is not approved for all types of gas heating appliances. Fire media can not be used with vent free, vent less or direct vent fireplaces. Fire media also can not be used in any type of wood burning units.
It is recommended to verify with the appliance manufacturer what types of fire glass and/or fire media is approved for use. This information is outlined in the appliance installation manual.
Check out all of the Fire Media options on Northline Express.
FAQ - Fireplace Glass - Fire Glass - Fire Media
What are the other names that fire glass can be known by?
Fire glass is known by several other names, each reflecting its unique features or uses. Here are some commonly used terms:
Fire Pit Glass: This term emphasizes the use of fire glass in outdoor fire pits, offering a vibrant, stylish alternative to traditional wood or coal.
Fire Rocks: Due to the chunky, rock-like appearance of fire glass pieces, they are often referred to as fire rocks.
Fire Beads: Some types of fire glass are shaped like beads, hence the name. This term often refers to the smoother, rounded styles of fire glass.
Lava Glass: This term is used to describe fire glass that resembles the texture and color variations found in natural lava.
Recycled Fire Glass: This term is used for fire glass that's made from recycled glass materials, making it an ecologically friendly option.
Remember, these names can be interchangeable and might vary depending on the region or manufacturer. Always check the product details to ensure you're purchasing the correct type for your needs.
What is reflective fire glass?
Reflective fire glass is a type of tempered glass that has undergone chemical treatment and polishing on one side to give it a mirror like finish. This polished surface reflects the light from a fire, creating a radiant and captivating effect. The reflective surface also enhances the brightness of the flame, making it appear more vibrant and visually appealing. This type of fire glass is not only used for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ability to withstand high temperatures without losing its shine or clarity. Reflective fire glass comes in a variety of colors and sizes, allowing for customization based on personal preference and decor style.
What is the purpose of fire glass?
Fire glass serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. Functionally, it is used to conceal the burner and/or gas jets in fire pits and fireplaces. This helps in providing a more polished and sophisticated look. Fire glass can also improve heat radiation which helps in making your space warmer. Aesthetically, fire glass media adds a unique visual element to your fire feature and enhances beauty of the flame generated.
The Fire glass comes in a variety of colors and shapes, allowing customization based on personal preference and decor style. It is important to note that fire glass should not be used in wood burning units or certain types of gas heating appliances. Always check with the appliance manufacturer for compatibility.
What's the difference between lava rocks and fire glass?
While lava rocks and fire glass are both classified as Fire Media, there are differences between the two. The main difference is in their appearance and construction.
Lava rocks are natural, rough-textured, and porous, giving a rustic appeal to fire pits and fireplaces. They're also cost-effective but do not retain heat as well as fire glass. On the other hand, Fire glass is a man-made product. It is tempered to withstand high heat and comes in various shiny, vibrant colors. Fire glass not only adds a modern, elegant look to your fire feature but also retains and disperses heat effectively, resulting in a warmer space. However, it is generally costlier than lava rocks and requires regular cleaning due to soot.
Can you burn fire glass in an outdoor gas fire pit?
Yes, fire glass can be used in outdoor gas fire pits. It serves not only as a decorative element but also helps to distribute the heat evenly. However, it's vital to note that fire glass itself does not burn. Instead, it is heated by the gas fire beneath it, resulting in a mesmerizing glow.
When using fire glass in a gas fire pit, ensure that the fire pit is designed for its use. The fire pit must have a gas burner installed as fire glass is not a fuel source on its own. It's also recommended to use either natural gas or propane as the fuel source, as these are most common and well-suited to burn beneath fire glass.
Here are some steps to install fire glass in a gas fire pit:
- Prepare the fire pit and find the ideal location for the burner.
- Fill your fire pit with a layer of lava rock or sand filler.
- Install the gas burner on top.
- Finally, add the fire glass on top of the burner.
Always remember to check with the fire pit manufacturer or consult the installation manual for approved types of fire glass and specific installation instructions. This ensures safe and optimal performance.
Why is fire glass so expensive?
The cost of fire glass can be attributed to several factors, including its manufacturing process and material quality.
Primarily, fire glass is made from tempered glass, which undergoes a thermal treatment to resist high heat. This process adds to the production costs.
Additionally, fire glass is often recycled, contributing to environmental sustainability efforts but also raising its price point.
Finally, the aesthetic appeal and functional benefits of fire glass, such as its ability to retain and disperse heat effectively, add to its market value.
- Manufacturing process: The tempering process that the glass undergoes is complex and costly, resulting in a more durable and heat-resistant product.
- Material Quality: Fire glass is typically made from high-quality materials which can sustain extreme temperatures without melting or exploding.
- Recycling Efforts: The fact that most fire glass is made from recycled glass also adds to its cost, as this process requires additional steps for sorting and processing the glass.
- Aesthetic and Functional Value: The unique visual appeal and heat retention capabilities of fire glass make it a preferred choice for many consumers, even with a higher price tag.
In comparison to other fire media like lava rocks, fire glass is more expensive. However, the benefits it offers often justify the cost for many users.
Where can I go to learn more about Fire Glass, Fire Safety and other home heating projects?
Northline Express has created a Resource Center that is full of helpful articles and how to instructional articles on a wide variety of home heating projects. Here are some articles that you can check out that are related to Fire Glass:
