Sealing rope: fiberglass or a ceramic one?

Each fireplace or stove requires a professional sealing rope. Is it best to use tape or sealing rope for this purpose? Different kinds of sealants, of various thicknesses and made from different materials, are available on the market. The two most popular ones are fiberglass and aluminosilicate (ceramic). What’s the difference between them?

Fiberglass sealing rope

Steigner offer includes two types of fiberglass seals: sealing tapes and sealing ropes. Tapes are flat and self-adhesive. Ropes are woven and have a round cross-section. The installation of a sealing tape is quick and easy, while installation of a round rope (due to its shape) requires more precision and attention. We recommend using ST-1000 heat-resistant adhesive to secure the rope in place.

How does a fiberglass seal behave, once its in contact with high temperatures? The rope is designed to withstand a constant temperature of approx. 550°C or 1022°F. Consequently, it begins to soften at approx. 840°C or 1544°F.

Although fiberglass is readily used as an insulating material, we must remember about its features. Fiberglass may irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tract. As a result, contact with it should be limited, and installation of the rope should be done only with protective gloves and googles. If you open a container with a fiberglass product, exercise extreme caution: do not lean over it or breathe it in.

Ceramic sealing rope

Although ceramic rope performs the same function as fiberglass rope, its properties are different. First of all, the aluminosilicate seal is much more tolerant to high temperatures. It can be installed in places where constant temperatures reaches up to 1260°C or 2300°F.  It can also withstand hot flushes up to 1800°C or 3272°F. In contrast with fiberglass, a braided ceramic rope has a square cross-section which significantly simplifies its installation and makes it stick better to the surface.

Ceramic fiber (like fiberglass, but not to such an extent) can be harmful. Contact with it should also be limited and installation done only with protective gloves and googles. A person using ceramic rope should avoid taking deep breaths near it.

Installation of a seal in a fireplace

Installation of sealing ropes is similar in both cases. Apply a thin layer of glue to a cleaned and dried surface (we recommend using heat resistant ST-1000 adhesive) and then apply the rope pressing it down firmly. Wait about 48 hours. A ceramic rope will be easier to install due to its cross-section. Installation of a fiberglass seal requires accuracy and precision, because poorly carried out installation will cause the glue to flow out from underneath of the seal, making it aesthetically displeasing.

Which one to choose?

The choice depends on the size of the gap, the location and prevailing temperatures in that location. If you are not sure which sealing rope or tape will meet your expectations, Steigner consultants are here to advice you.

All described products are also available at our Amazon online store.