Asked on Nov 03, 2017

Can you add fire glass to a gas burner made for wood logs

Theresa
by Theresa
  15 answers
  • DesertRose DesertRose on Nov 03, 2017

    Do you mean for the glass doors to close up the fire? yes! buy the fire glass doors at a store where they sell fireplaces or wood burning stoves

  • Tammi Tammi on Nov 03, 2017

    I think you are referring to the decorative glass seen in fire pits. I found this info on Woodland Direct website. Fire glass can be used in a non-vented or vented fireplace and outdoor fire pits. You can use our fire glass indoors in vent-free fireplaces, but only when using vent-free approved burner system. ... Propane does burn darker than natural gas and so youmay need to clean your fire glass after using propane multiple times.

  • Ebbjdl Ebbjdl on Nov 04, 2017

    Check them out in the store and see how they are made, that way you don't have to worry about the glass blowing out. Homedepot or Lowe's, can show you one, and ask about the fire glass.

  • Brenda Brenda on Nov 04, 2017

    A good place to start is to inquire at a dealer who knows your product.

  • Lea Swenson Lea Swenson on Nov 04, 2017

    Gasfitter hubby says possibly but you need to check with your manufacturer about your specific model and be sure before you do it.

  • Aye10053992 Aye10053992 on Nov 04, 2017

    I did this. You will need to go to a firepit/fireplace retailer. I removed the stub gas starter and replaced it with a u shaped flame tube. This tube has multiple holes and an adjustment for mixing gas and air. Once I got the tube installed and working, I placed a layer of lava rock under and over the tube, to level out the surface. If you don't do this, you will have a HUGE bill for the glass. Then you use your decorative glass to cover the lava rock. I clean the glass twice a year as it does get dusty and is somewhat affected by the heat. I used a 5 gallon bucket that I drilled 1/4" holes in the bottom and about half way up the sides. I put my glass in the bucket, spray with window cleaner and rinse with water. Spread the glass out on a paint tarp to dry. Done!

  • Karen Karen on Nov 04, 2017

    I was able to purchase the needed components including the special flame tube, lava rock and clear and colored glass pieces online...and then I called a local fireplace dealer and used one of their installers to put it together. The size of the tube and the number of pounds of the glass depend on the inside measurements of the firebox. It turned out to be quite reasonably priced and I knew it was, done right.

  • Mary Coakley Mary Coakley on Nov 04, 2017

    If you previously had glass then yes you can do this you need a vent and a monitor for carbon dioxide

  • Theresa Theresa on Nov 04, 2017

    Thank you for all of the advice!

  • Diana Deiley Diana Deiley on Nov 04, 2017

    PLEASE think SAFETY first. Ask the experts at a fireplace retail store.

  • Tracy Tracy on Nov 05, 2017

    I worked with fireplaces for four years. Unless the burner is approved for fire rated glass the answer is no... every unit has to go through testing and meet government standards. If it has not been tested and approved for use with fire rated glass it may change how it burns which can cause various issues. Has this always been a gas unit or was it originally wood burning? I can help you figure it all out but I would need more info. and pictures.

  • Tracy Tracy on Nov 05, 2017

    my apologies, I read to fast and missed that its a log starter lol.. the people who suggested putting in the new burner are correct. Its best to have a fireplace specialist company come and do an estimate as it will depend on the type of wood burning set up that you have. You don't want to mess with natural gas.


    • Theresa Theresa on Nov 05, 2017

      Hi Tracy, I received one estimate and they want $1200 to change the unit out with their preferred unit. I found an H-Burner on Amazon for $60 and it comes with the parts to connect to the existing gas line the vendor said they would connect it for $250.

  • Lynne Lynne on Nov 06, 2017

    We did this in our gas fireplace two years ago. As suggested above we called the dealer and was told that unless the fireplace was approved for the fire glass they would not do the job (safety issues, temperature changes, etc..) We were then told by other places we needed to replace the burner, again another pricey job. We went online and on got directions to lay the fire glass without replacing the existing burner. We put down fire sand around the burner and then topped with fire glass. It's been two years now and have not had any issues. Have noticed no difference with burning, color of flame, heat etc....

  • Tracy Tracy on Nov 08, 2017

    As long as you do it to code and use a professional to install that sounds great! Always good to stay safe. If you have a traditional chimney flue you will want the damper cut out so that gases are not trapped by a closed flue. Make sure to invest in a good carbon monoxide detector as well. Btw... 1200.00 isn't bad for peace of mind that it is safe and done right, I personally would choose that option.

  • Mary McDonald Mary McDonald on Dec 04, 2017

    I’m not an expert in any form regarding this subject but one tip I have is, if absolutely everything is not done to code or with whatever permits are needed, you won’t get one thin dime from your home insurance company if you burn your house down. I just am worried for those who do their own home improvements and hope you enjoy the completed project. 😊