How To Replace Your Stove Glass

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on replacing your wood-burning stove glass. Whether your glass has cracked, shattered, or is just in need of replacement, our step-by-step instructions, illustrated images, and two detailed videos will help you complete the replacement safely and efficiently.

Video 1: Step-by-Step Stove Glass & Seal Replacement
Watch this video for clear, narrated guidance on how to replace your stove glass and seals. You'll also learn essential tips to prevent glass breakage during the process.

Video 2: Complete Clean, Teardown & Replacement (No Commentary)
This second video provides an unedited demonstration of a full clean, teardown, and glass replacement.

Why Replace Your Stove Glass?

Over time, the glass on your wood-burning stove may become:

• Cracked or damaged: Affecting efficiency and safety.
• Shattered: Creating potential hazards.

Replacing your stove glass not only restores your stove’s performance but also enhances safety. Follow our detailed instructions to ensure a proper, secure installation.

Step 2: Remove the Door (If Possible)

• Door Removal:
  If your stove design permits, remove the door by unscrewing the hinges or lifting it off. This makes the glass replacement process easier. If the door cannot be removed, proceed with the replacement while it’s attached.

Step 3: Protect the Door

• Lay the Door on a Soft Surface:
  Use a blanket or towel to prevent scratches or damage during your work on the glass.

Step 4: Remove Fixings

• Identify Fixings:
  Check if the glass is held in place by bolts or screws.
• Use the Right Tools:
  Remove the fixings using a screwdriver or socket set.
• Tip:
  Keep track of each fixing’s location for reassembly.
• Note:
  Screws and bolts may seize over time. f you encounter resistance during removal, try applying penetrating oil. You may also use a hammer drill on a medium setting—without a drill bit—pressed against the fixing for 15–20 seconds. One customer reported that the drill's vibration loosened the fixings enough to allow them to be removed. For particularly stubborn fixings, consider consulting a machine shop or drilling out and re-tapping the holes.

Step 5: Remove the Old Glass

• Careful Removal:
  Gently take out the old glass from the door. Be cautious around any sharp, broken edges if the glass is cracked or shattered.

Step 6: Measure the Glass

• Accurate Measurements:
  Measure your old glass’s dimensions (size and thickness) accurately.
  • Use our measurement guide for assistance.
  • If you know your stove’s make and model, browse our full range of glass options or use the search bar on our site.
  • Double-check your measurements against the product listing.
  • Alternatively, order glass cut to size directly from our store.

Step 7: Inspect, Clean, and Replace Seals

Begin by carefully inspecting the seals around both the glass and the door. Look for signs of wear—such as fraying, hardening, or flattening that creates an air gap. If any seals are compromised, they will need replacement.

Important:
There is also a round rope seal running around the edge of the door itself. This seal is crucial for preventing air from drawing in around the door when it’s closed, ensuring optimal stove efficiency.

If replacement is necessary, follow these steps:

Clean the Door

Before installing new seals, thoroughly clean the door:

• Remove Debris: Wipe away any dust, old adhesive, or residue.
• Cleaning Solution: Mix a mild detergent with warm water.
• Cleaning Tools: Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristled brush; for stubborn areas, a gentle application of a wire brush or plastic scraper may help.
• Dry Thoroughly: Use a lint-free cloth to dry the door completely, providing a clean surface for the new seals.

Types of Seals and Replacement Procedures

1. Round Rope Seal (Behind the Glass):

• Description:
  This seal sits in a groove behind the glass.
• Replacement Steps:
  1. Remove the old rope seal and clean the groove or fixing surface.
  2. Apply a generous amount of glue into the groove.
  3. Press the new rope seal into place, ensuring the joint (where the ends meet) is centered along the lower door edge.
  4. Explore our full range of rope seals here. 
     

2. Flat Bedding Seal (Along the Glass Edge):

• Description:
  This self-adhesive seal forms a U-shaped border around the glass, cushioning it against the door.
• Replacement Steps:
  1. Remove the old seal and clean off any residue.
  2. Peel off the backing from the new seal.
  3. Carefully apply the new seal along the glass edge to create a cushioning U-shape that wraps around both faces of the glass.
  4. Watch our video demonstration of flat seal replacement here and see our full range of replacement flat seals here.
     

3. Round Rope Seal (Around the Door Perimeter):

• Description:
  This seal runs around the edge of the door, sealing it to the frame to prevent air leakage when closed.
• Replacement Steps:
  Follow the same procedure as for the round rope seal behind the glass:
  1. Remove the old door seal and thoroughly clean the area.
  2. Apply adhesive as required.
  3. Install the new seal carefully to ensure an even, secure fit.
  4. Explore our full range of rope seals here. 

By inspecting and, if needed, cleaning the door before replacing all relevant seals, you ensure a robust and long-lasting installation that maintains both the efficiency and safety of your stove.

Step 8: Install the New Glass

• Positioning:
  Carefully place the new glass into the door. Ensure it fits correctly and is centered.
• Clearance:
  Leave 1-2mm clearance between the glass edge and the metal surround. This prevents the glass from expanding into the metal and cracking.
  

Step 9: Secure the Glass

• Reinstall Fixings:
  Replace the fixing clips, making sure they run parallel to the glass edge. Refer to the included image below showing a correctly positioned bottom clip (parallel to the glass) and an incorrectly angled top clip, which can cause excessive pressure and breakage.
  
• Tighten Carefully:
  Tighten screws or bolts to a finger-tight level only—overtightening may restrict the glass’s natural expansion, leading to cracks.
• Tip:
  If the fixings felt tight during removal, they may have seized over time rather than being overly tight originally.
• Prevent Future Issues:
  Consider coating the threads with copper grease for easier removal in the future.

The top clip in the image is slightly angled, resulting in excessive pressure being applied to the glass at its top corner. This increased stress has caused the glass to crack.

Step 10: Reattach the Door

• Final Assembly:
  If you removed the door, reattach it carefully, ensuring proper alignment and secure fastening.

Step 11: Test the Installation

• Safety Check:
  Light a small fire in the stove to confirm that the new glass is properly sealed and functioning as intended.

Final Thoughts

Replacing your wood-burning stove glass is a straightforward DIY task with the right guidance and tools. By following these detailed steps and watching our instructional videos, you can ensure your stove remains efficient, safe, and ready for many more cozy nights.

For further information, additional tips, or to browse our full range of replacement parts, explore our website or contact our support team.