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Attention Consumers
The following information is a compilation of information posted for your convienence and may not be conclusive to your specific situation
If you have any questions or concerns before you make you purchase
We encourage you to speak to a professional at 866-875-6615.
FACTS ABOUT GLASS
Can any type glass be put in a fireplace or fire pit?
NO!
Some types of glass may contain plastics or harmfull metal oxides
Modern Glass Production
After melting, homogenization and refining (removal of bubbles), the glass is
formed
. Flat glass for windows and similar applications is formed by the
float glass
process, developed between 1953 and 1957 by Sir
Alastair Pilkington
and Kenneth Bickerstaff of the UK's Pilkington Brothers, who created a continuous ribbon of glass using a molten tin bath on which the molten glass flows unhindered under the influence of gravity. The top surface of the glass is subjected to nitrogen under pressure to obtain a polished finish.
[12] Container glass for common bottles and jars is formed by
blowing and pressing
methods. Further glass forming techniques are summarized in the table
Glass forming techniques
.
Modern Glass Production
After melting, homogenization and refining (removal of bubbles), the glass is
formed
. Flat glass for windows and similar applications is formed by the
float glass
process, developed between 1953 and 1957 by Sir
Alastair Pilkington
and Kenneth Bickerstaff of the UK's Pilkington Brothers, who created a continuous ribbon of glass using a molten tin bath on which the molten glass flows unhindered under the influence of gravity. The top surface of the glass is subjected to nitrogen under pressure to obtain a polished finish.
[12] Container glass for common bottles and jars is formed by
blowing and pressing
methods. Further glass forming techniques are summarized in the table
Glass forming techniques
.
Glass begins to turn soft at about 1500 degrees fahrenheit and reaches molten state at about 2000 degrees fahrenheit.
The flame of a typical household gas fireplace or fire pit reaches a temperature of 900 - 1200 degrees fahrenheit.
How are the glass colors made?
M
etals
and metal
oxides
are added to glass during its manufacture to change its
color
.
Manganese
can be added in small amounts to remove the
green
tint lent by iron, or in higher concentrations to give glass an
amethyst
color. Like manganese,
selenium
can be used in small concentrations to decolorize glass, or in higher concentrations to impart a
reddish
color. Small concentrations of
cobalt
(0.025 to 0.1%) yield
blue
glass.
Tin
oxide with antimony and
arsenic
oxides produce an opaque
white
glass, first used in
Venice
to produce an imitation
porcelain
. 2 to 3% of
copper oxide
produces a
turquoise
color. Pure metallic
copper
produces a very dark red, opaque glass, which is sometimes used as a substitute for
gold
ruby
glass.
Nickel
, depending on the concentration, produces blue, or
violet
, or even
black
glass. Adding
titanium
produces
yellowish
-
brown
glass. Metallic gold, in very small concentrations (around 0.001%), produces a rich ruby-colored glass, while lower concentrations produces a less intense red, often
marketed
as "
cranberry
".
Uranium
(0.1 to 2%) can be added to give glass a fluorescent yellow or
green
color. Uranium glass is typically not radioactive enough to be dangerous, but if ground into a powder, such as by polishing with sandpaper, and inhaled, it can be
carcinogenic
.
Silver
compounds (notably
silver nitrate
) can produce a range of colors from
orange
-red to yellow. The way the glass is heated and cooled can significantly affect the colors produced by these compounds. The chemistry involved is complex and not well understood. New colored glasses
What is Reflective Glass?
Reflective coated glasses enhance the appearance of fire light while providing comfortable heat retention. Reflective glasses provide maximum flexibility due to the durability of the metallic oxide, coating, which is deposited onto the float glass during production. Thus, reflective glass can be glazed with the reflective coating positioned on either the first (#1) or second (#2) sides.
Must glass be tempered to be used in a a fireplace or fire pit? Tempered glass has nothing to do with the glass composition, which is likely some variant of a low-thermal expansion coefficient glass (similar to Pyrex... alkali-alumino borosilicate). A glass of this type, or even window glass for that matter requires temperatures much hotter than a conventional fire to melt As a side note, tempering is not to make the glass more resistant to melting, it's to increase it's impact strength (glass is harder to break).
Must glass be tempered to be used in a a fireplace or fire pit?
Must glass be tempered to be used in a a fireplace or fire pit?
Tempered glass has nothing to do with the glass composition, which is likely some variant of a low-thermal expansion coefficient glass (similar to Pyrex... alkali-alumino borosilicate). A glass of this type, or even window glass for that matter requires temperatures much hotter than a conventional fire to melt As a side note, tempering is not to make the glass more resistant to melting, it's to increase it's impact strength (glass is harder to break).
FireCrystals
®
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Can FireCrystals be used in any type of indoor fireplace?
Our product may only be used in a
fully vented
, solid fuel-burning fireplace preferably
equipped with a
natural gas
or propane
outlet with an on - off valve at the side of the box. If your box has a solid glass front it likely a direct vent model or a sealed combustion system and we do not recommend converting.
If your box has glass doors or a screen and has been plummed with gas and should be open to the room air, or is a wood-burning vented insert with vented gas logs rated to burn wood and either has a chimney or is vented up with an opening 8" or larger. Also there likely be a gas key valve visable off to the side of the box. There are a few exceptions, if you are not sure contact us with the model # and we will help you.
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. See our burner pans.
Can I convert my wood-burning fireplace to gas?
Yes. in order to use our product, we recomend that you commision a qualified contractor or plumber to have natural gas or propane line routed the fireplace per local codes.
Saftey First!
Do the FireCrystals glass products produce heat?
Absolutly! Glass is a great insulator! That is why it has such strong heat retention. The glass itself radiates heat and provides a constant flow of heat to warm the area. This product produces as much heat as burning wood without the smoke, soot, and is very efficient primarily because the gas fire is heating up the surface area of the glass crystals which in turn help warm the room. One of the advantages burning gas and glass is that you can sit or stand downwind of the heat without the irritations of the smoke or embers of a wood fire.
What makes your product so unique?
Our experience, our customer support, Our product quality control We have been doing this a long time. (the longest still in business) We don't just sell glass. We truly know how to properly and safely use this media and continue to improve and expand on great custom ideas. (see "About Us")
Can I use my existing gas pipe or do I need to buy a new pipe?
We don't recommend it. The FireCrystals U-burners have been specifically designed for use with our product.
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 give it a thorough rinse in a strainer.
Is the glass sharp?
No. Our special processing 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.
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.
Can I add or change colors?
Yes. You may add or mix colors at anytime to create special effects. We have many customers that have choise multiple colors to change the look of their fireplace at various times of the year. See the 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. See "glass Facts" above.
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).
Do I need sand in the bottom of my fireplace?
If you wish, but it is not nessary. The FireCrystals tempered glass pieces act as a natural medium to scatter the gas in random order. Thus creating unique flames. FireCrystals, 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.
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.
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.
My gas inlet is about 5" above the floor of the fireplace. Do I have to buy additional crystals to cover the inlet pipe.
NO, 3" of glass is all you will need. Simply fill the botom with crushed lava rock or sand to bring up the overall height then put your burner on top of your new level.
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.
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