Complete guide: how to change the glass of a wood stove

When it comes to changing the glass on a wood stove, the task can seem tedious. Indeed, it requires special attention to ensure safe and effective use.

This guide is intended to guide you if you decide to replace the glass on your stove yourself.

Order your wood stove glass here


Let's address, together, the essential steps to help you change it peacefully:

Our company Vitreflam located in France specializes in fireplace and stove insert glass.

We use Neoceram glass, one of the best models of glass ceramic on the market, chosen by renowned brands such as Godin, Philippe, Invicta and Turbo Fonte, this material offers unrivaled clarity and solidity.

Thanks to our expertise in cutting and shaping, you will also benefit from a tailor-made service adapted to your personalized dimensions.

Use our intuitive window selection module, and easily select the window perfectly suited to your device, from an extensive range compatible with more than 600 models.

Our options for window seals and fiberglass braid stickers will be offered to you during your selection. They will guarantee perfect sealing, optimized combustion and enhanced safety in your home:

Thanks to our tailor-made packaging and our trusted transport partners, you can also benefit from express delivery to your home.

Why change the glass on your wood stove?

  • The glass on your stove may show signs of wear over time.
  • If the glass on your wood stove or fireplace insert is cracked or has even a small crack, it can cause considerable heat loss and increase your energy bills.
  • Broken glass can obviously cause significant safety and fire risks.

We have prepared a short guide to help you, step by step.

Who can change the glass on your wood stove?

If you are good with your hands, you can also do it yourself by following specific instructions. Follow the leader :
Regarding inserts, it is best to call on specialist services as the procedure may differ slightly from that of a traditional wood stove.

Steps to change the glass on your wood stove?

For any handling, first ensure that the stove is completely turned off and cooled down.

A little pro tip : before trying to remove the glass from your wood stove or fireplace insert, it is advisable to unhook the door from its hinges. To do this, start by opening the door 90° and lifting it carefully.

You will be able to place it flat on a stable surface and at the right height:

Being comfortably seated will make it much easier for you to safely follow the next steps in cleaning and replacing the wood stove glass.

Materials needed.

To change the window yourself, you will need a few basic tools: a pair of gloves, a suitable wrench, a screwdriver, a pair of scissors and a vacuum cleaner, your new window, delivered with a new seal.

  • 1. Carefully remove broken glass if necessary using a vacuum cleaner.
  • 2. Start by unscrewing the window screws using the appropriate wrench. If you notice that the screws are blocked or simply worn, a wood stove or insert glass cleaner, or even an oven cleaner should be sufficient.
  • 3. The window is held in place by metal parts, called window frames. Remove them, carefully take out the broken window.

Replacement of the window seal.

  • 1. Clean the window frame of all traces of glue, old putty, and the seal to be replaced. Use a flat screwdriver. Vacuum the residue so that the surface is clean.
  • 2. Take care to follow your user manual, some loading door window cleaning products use soda-based products in their compositions, which are very effective for cleaning blackened windows, but which could weaken the seals with time.
  • 3. Install the new gasket to ensure a tight seal. Use your pair of scissors to cut the joint to the right size. A seal of width and type adapted to your stove model will be offered to you when ordering the glass for your wood stove. Our self-adhesive fiberglass braid seals can be glued directly to the glass for better adhesion.
  • 4. Depending on the type of joint installed, it may be necessary to respect an installation time. Refer to its instructions for use.
  • 5. Finally! Place the new window carefully in its frame and retighten the screws without overtightening them.

Warning: if you have chosen a self-cleaning window, please check the user manual. Installation and maintenance instructions may vary.

How to correctly measure the glass of your wood stove to be changed?

To measure the glass of your wood stove, it is important to take into account the current condition of the glass: is it broken or simply cracked?

If the window is broken.

1. Measure the inside of the door frame: Use a tape measure to take the dimensions inside the door frame.

2. Subtract 6mm from the measurements : subtract 6mm from the height and length to obtain the exact dimensions of the new window.
Example: if the frame measures 700x500mm, the size of the new window should be 694x494mm.

If the window is only cracked.

1. Measure the window directly: use a tape measure to measure the height and width of the window in millimeters.

Frequently asked questions:

How far around a stove?

So that the installation of your wood stove rhymes with safety.

Make sure there is:

Between the stove and the wall, a distance of three times the diameter of your stove flue, and at least 37.5 cm.

Between the stove and anything that can catch fire (like your furniture, curtains, carpets, etc.). Maintain a distance of 1.20 to 1.50 meters.

It's a simple act, but essential to the safety of your home.

What are the standards for a wood stove?

Your wood stove must meet certain standards to ensure its proper functioning and guarantee the safety of your home:

  • The “Flamme Verte Label” indicates that your stove is eco-responsible and efficient.
  • The “NF DTU 24.1 Standard” guides you on how to properly install your stove.

The “CE Marking” on your stove confirms that it meets European standards, in particular good efficiency and a low CO emission rate.

How do you know if a wood stove is compliant?

Easy as pie :

Take a look at the nameplate of your stove, you will find the CE logo and information on its efficiency and CO emissions.

The technical instructions for your stove will give you valuable safety instructions.

For installation, call on RGE certified professionals. In addition, this could entitle you to state aid.

As you will have understood, the standards and regulations in place aim to guarantee the safety, efficiency and reduced environmental impact of wood stoves. It is crucial to respect them and check the conformity of your stove, to guarantee safe and optimal use.

Changing the glass of a wood stove or fireplace insert is not just a question of aesthetics or comfort. It is above all a preventive measure, to prevent the risk of accidents.

Use our selection module and order now for express, breakage-free delivery!

Order your wood stove glass here