From increasing the value of your home, to having a beautiful outdoor space to entertain guests, outdoor fireplaces are a perfect addition to a backyard.
When in use, an outdoor fireplace can ward off any pesky bugs, keep you warm on cool summer nights, and — with the right equipment — offer a new way to cook food over the open flame.
But, like any fireplace, there are necessary precautions required for safe use. Consider the following tips to ensure everyone safely enjoys your outdoor fireplace.
- Just like indoor fireplaces and chimneys, your outdoor unit needs routine maintenance to make sure it works efficiently, properly, and safely. Have it professionally cleaned and inspected every year.
- Burn only seasoned wood in your outdoor fireplace. Never treat it as an opportunity to burn garbage that can release dangerous, toxic gasses.
- Always have close by a way to extinguish the fire if the unthinkable happens. A fire extinguisher, buckets of water and a connected water hose will prepare you for any potential fire emergency.
- To ensure that firewood doesn’t catch on fire, store all firewood at least 20 feet from the fireplace. Hot embers can pop out of the fireplace and spark a fire on any seasoned firewood too close to the unit.
Furthermore, if you don’t have an outdoor fireplace and are considering one, make sure you have the space to build your fireplace. Outdoor fireplaces should be at least 100 feet from your home and away from any trees or bushes. Additionally, install your permanent outdoor fireplace on concrete, brick or stone. Never install an outdoor fireplace on a wood deck.
MCP Chimney and Masonry can help guide you to create the perfect outdoor fireplace for your home. And not only do we have the experience and tools to build your outdoor fireplace, but we also have the knowledge to clean and inspect the unit to make sure it’s efficient and safe for you, your family, and your guests.
Contact us today to learn more about outdoor fireplaces, if one’s right for you, and how to make sure they’re safe all the rest of the summer.
