Information

Can FireCrystals^® be used in any type of indoor fireplace?
Our product may only be used in a vented, solid fuel-burning fireplace preferably equipped with a natural gas outlet. Typically, this would be a traditional wood-burning fireplace or fireplace insert that is rated to burn wood and either has a chimney and is vented up or up and out. There are a few exceptions, if you are not sure contact us.

Will the FireCrystals product work with propane?
Yes. However, when using propane in your fireplace it is very important to be sure the bottom of the fireplace is sealed completely and the U-burner or fire ring must be in a pan, or sealed concrete (fire pits). Propane gas has a tendency to sink whereas natural gas tends to rise. Special provisions must be taken before propane can be used.

Does this product only work in fireplaces?
No. This product in used outdoors in fire pits.

Can I convert my wood-burning fireplace to gas?
Yes. Many clients have called a contractor or plumber and have plumbed natural gas and even propane to their fireplace. This is not an uncommon home improvement and the cost is typically very reasonable.

Do the FireCrystals^® tempered glass products produce heat?
Yes! The glass itself radiates heat and provides a constant flow of heat to warm your home. This product produces as much heat as burning wood without the smoke, soot, and is very efficient primarily because gas fire is heating up the surface area of the glass crystals which in turn the glass crystals (being a great heat conductor) warms the room.

What makes your product so unique?
Our Name: FireCrystals^® they burn clean, odorless and pollution free, creates instant romance and ambiance, has interchangeable colors, never creates a mess, is not sharp, is environmentally safe, affordable, unique, easy to assemble and install, and is fabricated from formulated, tempered and processed glass that will not change colors nor degrade, and lasts a lifetime. We have been doing this a long time. We don't just sell glass. We truly know how to properly and safely use it and continue to improve and expand on great ideas.

Can I use my existing gas pipe or do I need to buy a new pipe?
We don't recommend it. However, the FireCrystals® U-burner has been specifically designed for use with our product.

Does the glass discolor?
No. FireCrystals products are manufactured from specially formulated, tempered glass that is immune from any degradation due to thermochromism (effect on color due to heat) and photochromism (effect on color due to light).

Can the glass get dirty?
Yes. Like any household furnishing the glass can get dirty and dusty. If there is an obvious build up of dirt, you can scoop out a small amount of the glass and wash it with dish detergent followed by a thorough rinse.

Is the glass sharp?
No. The special processing (patent pending) allows the glass to be handled without worry. There is a special process involved thereafter to assure the glass is safe and relatively free of all sharp edges. You can literally pick up and squeeze the glass pieces without risk of cuts or glass slivers. However, like all glass products, you can degrade and sharpen this product by dropping or misusing the glass. Please use common sense. And please keep small children away from it as they will most likely try to put it in their mouth.

Are there any odors from the glass?
No. The glass is clean and does not degrade nor generate any malodorous nor odiferous fumes.

Will this product discolor or leave soot on my fireplace mantle?
No. Not when installed and used properly.

When will I have to replace the glass?
Good question. We have had this product burning in Quality Control for five years without any degradation in the color or physical properties. FireCrystals offers an exclusive 1000-day product warranty.

Can I add or change colors?
Yes. You may add or mix colors at anytime to create special effects. We have several customers that have purchased multiple colors to change the look of their fireplace at various times of the year. See the FireCrystals Mosaic Mixes.

Is the glass chemically treated?
Never! There is no chemical surface coating on this product nor are there any chemical bi-products generated from using FireCrystals products.

I rent my home. Can I remove the glass?
Yes. We have several customers who rent but desire the ambiance and warmth of a fireplace use FireCrystals® in their apartment or condo (if they have a vented wood burning fireplace.)

As a homeowner, will this product increase the value of my home?
Yes. Each and every homeowner who has purchased this product considers this a home improvement. Our product is marketed in model homes as an upgrade to gas logs. Several real estate agents offer our product as value added home upgrades.

Will the glass around the burner pipe get hot?
Yes! Like all products that conduct heat, the longer the fireplace is on the warmer the surrounding glass will get.

Will the burner pipe be visible?
Not Usually. We cover the entire burner pipe. However, sometimes the gas inlet is exposed due to its location in the fireplace. Several of our fireplace clients have added glass to cover everything inside their fireplace.

What if I order too much glass? Can I return it?
Yes. You may return any excess glass to the distributor or directly to the factory, after receiving a return authorization, for an immediate credit (minus shipping).

Can I use FireCrystals glass products with gas logs?
Yes. However, we suggest you consider the décor of your home when making this decision. Gas logs and Fire Crystals do not generally compliment each other.

How do I store your glass when I transport it?
Simple. In a bucket or a box.

Do I need sand in the bottom of my fireplace?
No. This is a good question. The Fire Crystals tempered glass pieces act as a natural medium to scatter the gas in random order. Thus creating unique flames. Fire Crystals, really... You do not need sand unless you have noisy gas pipes or burner pipes. In that case the sand can act as a ’muffler’ and allow increasing the gas with less noise.

What if I don’t know my fireplace dimensions? Can I still order your product?
Yes. Any excess glass ordered can be returned for a full credit anytime within 30 days (minus shipping).

Will the glass fall out if my fireplace has no front ‘lip’ or ‘edge’?
Answer No. What we have done with several installations is to form the glass bedding in a wedge shape. You can start with ½ inch of glass up front near the edge and form the ‘wedge’ shape to 3 inches to 4 inches near the back wall. This eliminates concern for falling glass.

How long does installation take?
If your fireplace is prepared, one can install FireCrystals within 15 minutes. Anyone can clean, paint (if necessary), and install within one hour.

Can I install the glass myself?
Yes. You can install any component of the system by yourself.

What fill level or thickness do you recommend for the glass?
Your entire fireplace floor minimum. You can even build up the fill level to bury any gas nozzle that extends from the wall. This option is up to the individual as the cost increases per pound. However, we find that the best fire and flame results are from a fill thickness between 3 inches and 4 inches. Fireplaces that are flush with the floor or hearth usually have a wedge shaped fill level starting at ½ inch up front to about 3 to 4 inches at the back wall.

Can I cover my gas inlet with the FireCrystals tempered glass?
Yes. Most all of our fireplace owners who install Fire Crystals make every attempt to cover the gas inlet. This is optional as it does increase the cost of your system by increasing the amount of glass purchased but is truly worth the end result.

Is a burner pipe needed?
Yes. The burner pipe is used for the gas and is placed directly under the FireCrystals tempered glass pieces.

Will the burner pipe be visible or do I completely cover it?
We cover the entire burner pipe. The glass itself will act as a natural diffuser and scatter the gas safely within your fireplace creating a unique and beautiful flame.

Where shall I set my burner in the fireplace?
That depends entirely on what type of flame you desire, the number and type of burner pipe(s) and the size of your fireplace. We like to place the burner pipes to the center and slightly towards the front. We turn the pipes so that the holes are facing down and also slightly towards the front. We do this because the flame has a tendency to be drawn up and moves towards the rear wall.

Can you add more than one burner pipe?
Yes. Most of our fireplace owners who have large fireplaces install multiple burner pipes to create custom flames. Send us the dimensions of your fireplace and we can recommend an appropriate configuration.

What about my existing dirty fireplace walls?
Your choice is simple. Either hire someone to sweep, clean, and paint your fireplace or do it yourself. To put a clean burning product in a filthy fireplace is completely counter productive and has an ill effect on the end product and goals.

Do I need to clean my fireplace or fireplace walls before installation?
Yes. A dirty fireplace wall defeats the entire purpose of installing a clean product. It would be no different than showering and then putting on dirty clothes.

What type of paint should I use?
A flame and heat resistant fireplace or barbecue paint. Consider a paint that will resist heat beyond 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Are screens or glass doors needed?
No. Other than for child’s safety and curiosity there is no obvious reason to keep any screens on the fireplace unless your décor presents a need. There is no popping or risk of burning ash from the product as a risk to your home.

What holds the glass in place?
Nothing. The sides and back of your fireplace act as walls for the glass. If there is a front lip or if the fireplace is sunken down there is a natural front wall. However, if the fireplace is flush with the floor or hearth, you should consider a wedge shaped design that slopes from low in front to higher in back. Typically this is ½ inch glass in front that slopes up to 3 to 4 inches in back.

Will the glass fall out if my fireplace has no front ‘lip’ or ‘edge’?
No. What we have done with several installations is to form the glass bedding in a wedge shape. Typically this is ½ inch glass in front that slopes up to 3 to 4 inches in back. This eliminates concern for falling glass.

Can I use FireCrystals glass products with gas logs?
Yes. However, we ask that you consider the decor of your home as the gas logs used with our product are typically a contradiction in decor. This also voids the warranty.

Can I take your glass product with me if I move?
Yes. We have several customers who rent or even purchase the glass as a tool to sell their home. One of the product benefits is that you can remove the entire product configuration within 30 minutes safely without risk of dirt and filth.

Does the glass require upkeep or product maintenance?
No. Other than occasional mixing or raking of the glass as desired, the product itself will last for years without any degradation. FireCrystals has an exclusive 1000-day product warranty.

Does the glass discolor?
No. All FireCrystals products are formulated, tempered glass and are immune from any degradation due to thermochromism (effect on color due to heat) and photo chromism (effect on color due to light).

Can the glass get dirty?
Yes. Like any household furnishing, the glass can get dirty and dusty. If there is an obvious build up of dirt, you can scoop out the glass and wash with water.

Will this product discolor or leave soot on my fireplace mantle?
No. Never.

When will I have to replace the glass?
Good question. We have had this product burning in Quality Control for five years without any degradation to the color or physical properties.

Do I need to leave the flue open when in use?
Yes. We suggest that anytime you burn any product within your home that there is ample ventilation.

Do I need to sweep my chimney after installation?
Rarely. If your chimney has never been swept prior to installation, then at some point consider a chimney sweep. Our product will not generate soot but you may wish to have a chimney sweep done as simple maintenance from weather and chimney corrosion.

What type of paint should I use?
You can use a flame and heat resistant fireplace or barbecue paint. Consider paint that will resist heat beyond 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.
Question: If I paint my fireplace by myself, should I worry about overspray?
Answer: Yes. Most fireplace or barbecue heat resistant paint is oil based and carries in the air. It is important to surround your furniture and carpet with drop cloths. You may use acetone or paint thinner to clean most over spray on marble and tile. Consult your vendor before using any cleaner.

What holds the glass in place?
Nothing. The sides and back of your fireplace act as walls for the glass. If your fireplace has a front lip or if the fireplace is sunken down there is a natural front wall. However, if you have a fireplace that is flush with the floor or hearth, you should consider a wedge shaped design that slopes from low in front to higher in back. Typically, this is ½ inch glass in front that slopes up to 3 to 4 inches in back.

Do I need to clean my burner pipe?
Yes. Today's fireplace market has yet to accept the ‘clean fireplace concept'. What this means is that even most new burner pipes are ‘dirty'. The paint or coating used will burn off and create soot or a release of oil. Therefore, it is important to take some paint remover or acetone and wipe your burner pipe clean. This will reduce or ultimately eliminate any risk of ‘soot’ or discoloring of your Fire Crystals product. We suggest you perform this anytime soot appears or perhaps every two years.

Is the glass sharp?
No. The special processing (patent pending) allows the glass to be and feel smooth with rounded edges. There is a special process involved thereafter to assure the glass is safe and is not sharp at all. You can literally pick up and squeeze the glass pieces without risk of cuts or glass slivers. However, like all glass products, you can degrade and sharpen this product by dropping or misusing the glass. Please use common sense.

Are there any odors from the glass?
No. The glass is clean and does not degrade nor generate any malodorous nor odiferous fumes from Fire Crystals products.

Does your product produce any bi-products?
Answer No. None. The product is resistant to natural gas flames and natural gas burns relatively clean.

Do I need to leave the flue open when in use?
Yes. Any time that a product is burned within the home there needs to be ample ventilation.

Is your product safe around children?
Like any household appliance or furnishing, you must consider safety measures at all times. Although a fireplace screen is optional for FireCrystals products, we suggest that one is used as preventative measure when the safety of small children is a concern.

Is the glass chemically treated?
No. There is no chemical treatment nor chemical surface coating on the glass at all nor are there any chemical bi-products generated from using Fire Crystals products.

Are screens or glass doors needed?
No. Other than for your child’s safety and curiosity there are no obvious reasons to keep any screens on the fireplace unless your decor presents a need. There is no popping or risk of burning ash from the product as a risk to your home.

Will the glass around the burner pipe get hot?
Yes. Like all products that conduct heat the longer the fireplace is on the warmer the surrounding glass will get.

Will the glass break any further when in use?
No. The FireCrystals product will last literally forever when left within the fireplace. Like all glass products, there is a risk of breaking pieces during transport and mishandling. When you re-install the product after moving there may be some glass sediment or broken pieces at the bottom of your bag. You may return any portion of the glass product to the company per warranty guidelines and receive as much as 110%, by weight, replacement glass at no cost.