White Haze/Fog on Fireplace Glass

White Haze/Fog on Fireplace Glass

When conducting an inspection of a fireplace during a home inspection one thing I commonly see is white haze or fog on the fireplace gas.  It can be rather unsightly as one of the benefits of having a fireplace is seeing the fire and the visual effect it has.  When the fireplace glass isn't clear it can affect the visual joy of having a fireplace. It makes the fireplace much less visually appealing.

The white haze or fog on the glass is caused by the hot combustion air coming into contact with the cooler glass causing condensation on the glass.  Over time the effect gets worse and in some cases the glass can be permanently etched with the white haze.  In most cases the glass can be cleaned so it can be clear again.  Using a cleaner like Windex is not the proper cleaner and can cause damage rather then correct the white haze on the glass.  A product made specifically for cleaning fireplace glass such as White Off can clean the glass properly.  Sometimes though due to the condition of the glass, it cannot be cleaned completely and the only way to have clear glass is to have it replaced.

At Dairyland Home Inspection fireplaces are just one of the many areas of a home we inspect. We provide home inspection services in Racine, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Walworth, and Ozaukee counties.