While the body of each individual stove can be very different, in recent times we have seen spare parts applicable for many different stoves under the same brand. In order to maximise customer experience the process of fixing issues such as broken stove door glass is very simple. Even though many people will still utilise the skills of a qualified installer, a little bit of confidence and you can do this yourself.
Removing excess ash and dirt from the door
Before you even begin the process of removing the broken glass it is advisable to clean the inside and outside of your stove door (obviously waiting until the stove is cold). You will notice that the inside of the stove will have accumulated a fair amount of ash and potentially tar. In order to maximise efficiency going forward it is vital that these substances are removed. The best way to do this is by using a simple brush. There is no need to be overly vigourous during this process.
Removing the stove door
The idea of removing the stove door will send many people into a blind panic. How would you do it? What happens if you drop it? How do you get it back on? First of all, let’s not forget that the door to your stove is built to last and is extremely durable. Not so much so the glass but this is a whole different scenario. The vast majority of stove doors can be detached from the body by simply lifting it off the hinges. If it is any more complicated it is advisable to refer to the manufacturers guide.
Avoiding danger with glass
Once you have removed the door you should place it face down so that the inside of the door is facing up. This ensures that you have full access to the inside area which is where the glass will be secured.
Removing broken glass
Avoid the temptation to smash any more glass as this can be extremely dangerous and unnecessary. The best way to remove the stove door glass is by releasing the clips (unscrewing them or sliding them to the side) which hold the glass in place. There are likely to be clips at a minimum in each corner of the glass but there may well be more. You will find that due to general wear and tear, buildup of tar and soot, that some clips will feel rigid and immovable. You’ll often find that a squirt of WD-40 and a firm tug with a pair of pliers will do the trick. When the clips have been adjusted you can simply lift out the broken glass.
Check the stove rope seal
In order to ensure that as much heat as possible is retained within the body of the stove you will find a rope seal around the area where the stove door closes onto the stove body. Over time this rope can erode and begin to break away which will have a significant impact upon efficiency. So, once you have removed the door, there is then the opportunity to check the rope seal and see whether this needs replaced. The process of replacing the rope seal is simple, remove the old rope seal and then using glue and new rope seal create a new insulation barrier. Simple!
Replacing broken glass
The glass that you have acquired should be suitable for the stove in question which will ensure it is the exact same dimensions as the broken glass. It is simply a case of placing the new glass face down on the stove door. Then screw in or slide the clips back into place – the new stove glass will now be safe and secure.
Regular maintenance
It is worthwhile examining your stove on a regular basis so that you are able to monitor issues such as broken glass and damaged door seals. This ensures they can be fixed as quickly as possible thereby reducing the potential for further damage and obviously efficiency losses. If you were to come across even the smallest of cracks in your stove door glass this should be replaced as soon as possible. The idea that somehow using cracked glass for a few months will “save money” is simply wrong. Efficiency losses will certainly mount up!