An outdoor fireplace, with maintenance, can add character and comfort to any type of home. It’s a great way to add style to the outdoor spaces of your home, and provide an area for your friends and family to relax outside.
However, it’s crucial to understand how to properly maintain an outdoor fireplace in order to get the best functionality and prevent costly damage. Below, we lay out a checklist for maintaining your outdoor fireplace, no matter what season!
Outdoor Gas Fireplace Maintenance
If you have an outdoor gas fireplace, we recommend the following maintenance:
1. Keep the Screen Clean
Before you begin, make sure the gas is turned off!
Take a close look at your fireplace’s screen for scratches, holes, or other damage. It’s important to find these problems and fix them immediately, as they can lead to rust.
To clean the screen, use a stainless steel cleaner and a soft microfiber towel. Spray the cleaner on the towel, as opposed to directly on the screen. Be careful when cleaning the mesh near the edges—they’re sharp! You may want to consider wearing gloves.
2. Tidy Up the Firebox
Get rid of dirt, dust, leaves, or other debris in the firebox and on the logs using a small duster or a vacuum. Check for signs of rust, flaking or soot, and check the pilot assembly for signs of corrosion.
If you notice any patches of rust or flaking, lightly sand the affected areas. If your pilot assembly looks damaged, call an expert for assistance.
3. Check the Burner Ignition
Begin by making sure all furniture and any other flammable materials are at least 6 feet away from the fireplace.
Next, check the burner ignition by turning on the fireplace. It should light smoothly and quickly. If the burner does not light or it has a delayed reaction, contact a fireplace technician for assistance.
No problems with the burner? You’re all set!
Outdoor Wood Burning Fireplace Maintenance
For an outdoor wood burning fireplace, follow these steps:
1. Keep Plants Away
If you have plants and foliage near your fireplace, make sure you keep them trimmed down so they don’t get too close to your fireplace. If your plants are overgrown, it can be a fire hazard.
Greenery can also attach to the fireplace in joints or cracks and lead to deterioration.
2. Use Creosote Sweeping Logs
Creosote is the filmy residue left in a chimney after burning wood. Not only does it look dirty and affect the appearance of your nice fireplace, but it’s also a fire hazard—and it’s one of the reasons why a wood burning fireplace should be inspected each year and maintained properly.
Creosote sweeping logs can be your saving grace for eliminating pesky buildup. These work by loosening the soot in your chimney, improving its performance.
3. Get Rid of Debris
Using a broom, get rid of dirt, leaves, dust, and all other debris from the mantle and hearth.
For soot and ash, consider using a vacuum, as a broom may smear it around and make more of a mess.
4. Clean Outside Surfaces
With a stiff-bristled brush, warm water, and soap, scrub the outside surfaces of your fireplace, mantle, and hearth. The inside of the fireplace is difficult to clean, so you may want to consider a stronger cleaner specifically made for wood burning fireplaces.
You can also hire a professional for this part.
5. Tidy Up The Chimney and Flue
Ensuring that your fireplace functions properly requires careful maintenance of the chimney and flue.
The best option for this type of maintenance is to call a professional.
Electric Outdoor Fireplace Maintenance
Electric fireplaces are low maintenance, but still require some care. Here’s a few tips:
1. Clean the Fan and Interior
The fans in an electric fireplace can quickly accumulate dust, which means they won’t be able to distribute heat effectively. If you notice the fan is dirty or not rotating properly, you should clean it off.
To do this, unplug your fireplace, remove the front grille, and use a small brush to wipe dirt and dust off the blades of the fan. Next, use a vacuum to clean any remaining debris.
While you’re inside, remove dust from the rest of the interior areas with a dry cloth.
2. Wipe Down the Glass
Using a soft cloth and a gentle glass cleaner, wipe both sides of the glass to get rid of dust, streaks, or fingerprints. When you’re finished, use another dry cloth to get rid of any excess moisture to prevent water spots.
Keeping the glass on your electric fireplace clean is important to keep it looking nice and prevent damage.
3. Check All Electrical Components
Assess wires and plugs to make sure they’re not worn or frayed. This can be a fire hazard if not taken care of.
If you notice wear and tear on your wiring, contact a professional for a repair.
For Any Kind of Outdoor Fireplace Maintenance, Contact Supreme
No matter what kind of outdoor fireplace you have, Supreme can help maintain it and keep it in top condition. Our fireplace team has the skills and experience to properly care for your fireplace, and deliver the best results.
Contact us today to learn more.
