How do I seal the glass on my woodstove?

How Do I Seal the Glass on My Wood Stove

The glass gasket is very thin but slightly compressible. It is made from fiberglass material that will compress just enough to create a proper seal. The gasket goes around the edge of the glass in a U-channel shape, running from one side of the glass, across the edge, and over to the other side.

The glass gasket we recommend is called a tape gasket. This type of gasket has adhesive pre-applied to one side, making it sticky like tape. This makes installation much easier and helps ensure a consistent seal around the glass.

Most of the time, you do not need to worry about sealing wood stove glass unless you are replacing the glass. However, over time, the glass gasket can break down. When this happens, the gasket may deteriorate into a powder-like material. If you notice this, you will need to carefully remove the glass. Be cautious, as stove glass becomes more brittle over time and can be extremely fragile.

If you are replacing worn or damaged glass during this process, choosing custom size stove glass cut to the correct dimensions will help ensure a proper fit and seal.

Installing the Glass Gasket Correctly

After applying the wood stove glass gasket to the edge of the glass, carefully place the glass back into position. When reinstalling the glass clips or brackets, proceed slowly and carefully. Overtightening the screws can crack the glass.

The screws should be tightened only to what is commonly called finger tight. This means tightening by hand until the glass is held in place and the screw begins to offer resistance. If the glass is installed too tightly, it can crack as the stove heats up and the metal expands.

The goal is to create an airtight seal between the glass and the wood stove. You do not want to pin the glass tightly in place. Ceramic glass for wood stoves is designed to withstand high temperatures, but it still needs slight movement to accommodate thermal expansion.

If you are careful and patient, sealing the glass should not be difficult. Keep in mind that ceramic glass is not stronger than regular glass. It is simply designed to tolerate much higher heat.

Troubleshooting Common Glass Seal Problems

A proper seal is essential for stove efficiency and safety. If you experience issues, the following tips may help.

Problem: Smoke is leaking around the glass

This usually indicates a failed or improperly installed gasket. The gasket is no longer creating an airtight seal and must be replaced immediately. Do not operate the stove until the issue is resolved, as smoke leakage can pose a serious health risk.

Problem: The new gasket becomes flat or compressed after only a few uses

This often happens when the gasket adhesive was not allowed to fully cure before using the stove. Heat can weaken uncured adhesive, causing the gasket to compress prematurely. Always follow the adhesive manufacturer’s curing instructions.

Problem: The glass is still loose after replacing the gasket

This may indicate that the gasket diameter is too small. The gasket should be thick enough to apply even pressure against the glass once the mounting clips are secured. If the gasket size is correct, inspect the clips for bending or damage.

If the glass itself does not fit securely, replacing it with replacement stove glass may be necessary to restore proper sealing.

Recommended Tools and Materials

Having the correct tools and materials will make the job easier and help ensure a professional result.

Essential Materials

• High-temperature gasket adhesive designed for stoves and fireplaces

• Fiberglass gasket sized correctly for your stove model

• Gasket cement for sealing the gasket ends

Recommended Tools

• Safety glasses and gloves for protection

• Scraper or flat-head screwdriver for removing old gasket material

• Wire brush to clean the gasket channel

• Sharp utility knife or scissors for precise gasket cuts

• Shop vacuum to remove dust and debris

For best results, ensure that all components including adhesive, gasket, and custom size stove glass are compatible and properly installed.

If you would like, here is a video showing the installation of ceramic glass and a wood stove tape gasket.
Gasket installation video