How to Take Care of the Outdoor Fireplace?
An outdoor fireplace is a beauty that everyone embraces. Even if you don’t go camping, a fireplace or campfire in your garden can do the job. A perfect evening is spending time with your family by the fireplace or fire pit as the sun sets, toasting, and reliving the day’s events. You must prioritise safety when lighting an outside fire. Continue reading for crucial fire safety guidelines you should be aware of and follow all season long, as well as whenever you use your outdoor fire pit or fireplace.
Do Outdoor Fireplaces Increase Property Value?
Your house will look prettier with an outdoor fireplace, which increases its appeal to potential buyers. One of the greatest outdoor improvements to add value is an outdoor fireplace. It adds substantially to a well-designed and maintained outdoor living room that may increase the value of your property by as much as 20%.
Yet, there’s value in the enhanced enjoyment you get from an outdoor fireplace in the meantime, given that you might profit from the additional financial value added when you sell your home.
So, the response is yes! There is the added value to a house with an outdoor fireplace.
How to take care of the fireplace?
The fireplace is an inseparable part of a home. Further inseparable element of the fireplace is taking its proper care. Let us have a look at 10 steps to take care of your outdoor fireplace.
- Regular Cleaning
To get rid of soot, ash, and debris, clean the outside fireplace regularly. After cleaning the interior with a brush, throw out the ashes using a digging tool. By doing this, buildup that can damage the fireplace’s aesthetic as well as function will be avoided.
- Select the Right Firewood
When constructing an outdoor fireplace, use thoroughly seasoned hardwoods like oaks or maple. These woods need fewer maintenance tasks and pose a lower risk of chimney fires because they burn hotter and release less creosote.
- Inspect for damage and cracks
Inspect the mortar or structure around your outdoor fireplace regularly for any cracks or signs of deterioration. As quickly as possible, take care of any issues to keep the fireplace safe to use and prevent them from becoming worse.
- Install a Chimney Cap
To prevent animals, debris, and rainwater out of the chimney, install a chimney cap. This will reduce the chances of blockages and water damage while also maintaining the goodness of the chimney.
- Repair the Chimney
To get rid of any clogs and creosote buildup, have a professional clean your chimney a minimum of once a year. This will improve airflow and lower the chance of chimney fires.
- Cover the fireplace
To protect your outdoor fireplace from elements while not in use, cover it with a water-resistant cover. This reduces the likelihood of rust, water damage, and accumulation of debris.
- Inspect the Firebox
Regularly inspect the firebox for signs of damage or wear. To keep the fireplace secure as well as functional, verify that the firebrick is in excellent condition and repair any that are broken.
- Protect the Area around you
Leaves, paper, and wood are a few flammable objects to keep out of an outdoor fireplace. This will decrease the likelihood of accidental fires and simplify fireplace maintenance.
- Control the Size of the Fire
Avoid lighting very big fires as this might damage the fireplace or lead to hazardous circumstances. Never load the firebox to capacity and use reasonable amounts of wood.
- Arrange for Continuous Expert Inspections
Every year, get your outdoor fireplace inspected by a professional. They can recognise and resolve any possible problems, guaranteeing that your fireplace stays secure, operational, and in good shape.
By following these guidelines, you can make sure your outdoor fireplace is a long-lasting, fun, and safe element of your outdoor living area.
Why does an outdoor fireplace need cleaning?
One method to make sure your outdoor fireplace looks fantastic, works well, and has a sturdy structure is to give them regular maintenance. It needs to be clear of debris, dry, and the proper degree of ash.
The kind of fireplace, the materials it is made of, and the length of time you have owned it all affect the needs and maintenance procedures you must follow. Cleaning a gas fireplace requires different procedures than cleaning a wood-burning fireplace. Propane and natural gas may not produce the same waste products as wood because they are clean burning gas fire sources. Even though gas fireplaces don’t produce creosote, they nevertheless accumulate buildup that needs to be removed.
