Home » Total-Hearth – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Total-Hearth – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Total-Hearth – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Glass for Wood Stoves, Fireplaces, and Pellet Stoves

What’s the best type of glass for my wood stove, fireplace, or pellet stove, and how does ceramic glass differ from tempered glass?

The right glass depends on your appliance’s design and how it’s used:

  • Ceramic glass (brands include Pyroceram, Neoceram, Robax, and Pyro-Glass) can withstand temperatures up to 1,400°F. It’s ideal for wood stoves, pellet stoves, and airtight, high-efficiency fireplaces that produce significant heat.

  • Tempered glass is rated for 400–450°F and is used in decorative fireplaces—such as those with bifold “floppy” doors—designed mainly for appearance rather than heating.

Key differences:

  • Cost: Ceramic glass is about twice as expensive as tempered glass.

  • Breakage: Ceramic glass cracks or breaks into large chunks; tempered glass shatters into tiny pieces like a car window.

  • Color tint: Ceramic glass usually has a slight amber hue; tempered glass is clear.

  • Manufacturing: Ceramic glass contains Borite to prevent expansion/contraction, while tempered glass is heat-treated from annealed glass to lock its molecular structure.

Bottom line: If your unit produces heat, you need ceramic glass; if it’s purely decorative, use tempered glass.

What’s the difference between Robax, Pyroceram, Neoceram, and Pyro-Glass?

These are different brand names for ceramic glass. All share the same properties:

  • Heat tolerance from 1,280°F to 1,400°F.

  • Available in 1/8" and 3/16" thicknesses.

  • Similar breakage and tension strength.

  • Soot buildup is determined by how and what you burn, not the brand.

Our choice: Total-Hearth prefers Pyro-Glass from Corning, processed in the USA for consistent quality.

Does the brand of stove or fireplace glass matter when replacing it?

Not usually. What matters most is using the same type of glass:

  • If you had ceramic glass originally, replace it with ceramic glass.

  • If you had tempered glass, replace it with tempered glass.

  • For antique stoves with mica/isinglass, you must use the same material.

Can I get custom-cut ceramic or tempered glass?

Yes! We specialize in both.

  • Measuring: If your old glass is missing, measure the tight frame size and deduct 3/8".

  • Lead times:

    • Ceramic glass: Ships same or next day.

    • Tempered glass: Takes 7–10 business days to manufacture.

  • Note: All custom-cut glass is non-refundable—it’s made to your exact measurements.

How long does custom-cut tempered glass take, and can it be refunded if it’s the wrong size?

  • Takes 7–10 business days to make, plus shipping (up to 2 weeks total).

  • Process: Cut from annealed glass, edges seamed, tempered twice by heating/cooling, cleaned, packaged, shipped.

  • Non-refundable—once tempered, glass can’t be re-cut.

Gaskets

When should I replace my stove door rope gasket?

Replace when:

  • Smoke leaks from around the door.

  • You can’t control the fire due to excess air.

Test: Close the door on a piece of paper and pull—if it slides out easily, replace the gasket.

What types of gaskets are available, and how do I choose the right one?

  • Tape gasket: U/C-shaped, sticky on one side, used around glass edges.

  • Rope gasket: Round cord (¼"–1¼"), standard fiberglass (white) or graphite-treated (charcoal) for better longevity.

  • Tadpole gasket: Found in gas fireplaces; seals glass and cushions the door cover.

Tip: Always check your owner’s manual for the correct gasket type and size.

Cleaning & Maintenance

What’s the best way to clean my stove or fireplace glass?

Use an ammonia-free foaming cleaner like our Total-Hearth Stove Glass Cleaner:

  1. Spray the glass and a piece of crumpled newspaper.

  2. Dip newspaper in cool ashes.

  3. Scrub to make a paste that breaks down soot.

  4. Wipe clean, then spray and wipe again for a streak-free finish.

The cleaner also works as a polish, making future cleanings easier.

How do I maintain my glass and gasketing?

  • Inspect before each fire.

  • Clean glass regularly with recommended cleaner—avoid harsh chemicals.

  • Replace gaskets when loose to maintain efficiency and reduce soot buildup.

  • Burn hot fires when possible; low fires cause more soot.

Products & Ordering

What products and services does Total-Hearth offer?

  • Glass: Ceramic and tempered, made to manufacturer specs.

  • Gaskets: Glass, door, ash pan, and gas fireplace gaskets.

  • Parts: Blower motors, thermostats, thermos-discs, handles, baffles.

  • Pellet stove parts: Auger motors, shafts, control boards.

  • Maintenance: Sealants, adhesives, firebrick, cleaners, restoration products.

  • Special orders: For hard-to-find or discontinued parts—contact us for help.

Does Total-Hearth offer free shipping, and who can I contact for help?

  • Free shipping on all U.S. orders over $100.

  • Orders under $100 ship via USPS, UPS, or FedEx—whichever is fastest and most cost-effective.

  • Expedited options: 3-day, 2-day, and next-day shipping available.

Contact us: Phone or email—we’re happy to help with any product or order questions.