Key Takeaways
- Consider a fire pit for your backyard if you want to add to your home value and enjoy outdoor gatherings year-round.
- Common issues with fire pits include cracked concrete, rusting metal, and discoloration.
- You can prevent or fix these problems by doing routine maintenance on your fire pit, such as cleaning it regularly and inspecting it for damage.
- Hire a professional contractor if you’re considering getting an outdoor firepit for your backyard or replacing an old one.
What could be better than sitting around a warm firepit on a cool night with friends and family? Firepits are a great addition to any backyard or lawn and can be customized to fit your personality and style. Whether you’re looking for a traditional pit with stones and logs, or something more contemporary with metal and glass, there’s sure to be the perfect one for you.
However, firepits need a little TLC to stay in tip-top condition, just like any other furniture. Denver Patio Masters offers a detailed guide on outdoor firepit maintenance to follow after the installation. Through it, you can ensure that it’s operable for years to come.
Why Install a Firepit in Your Outdoor Living Space?
Do you have space in your backyard that’s just begging to be used? Why not install a firepit if you’re unsure how to make the most of it? They can be a perfect addition to your property, not to mention their versatility. Here are some of the reasons to get them you may not know:
1. Perfect Guest Entertainment
When you have friends and family over, a firepit can provide the perfect entertainment.
2. Increase Home Value
If you’re considering selling your home in the future, a firepit is a great selling point. Experts suggest that you can expect to recoup 67% of your investment in the outdoor firepit at the time of selling. Meaning your investment in the pit wasn’t wasted.
Many potential buyers will be looking for properties that have them because of their entertainment value.
3. Create an Outdoor Oasis
Your backyard should be your oasis—a place where you can relax and forget about the stresses of daily life. With a fire pit, you can turn it into exactly that.
4. A Place for Building Memories and Recall Nostalgia
Whether roasting marshmallows with the kids or hosting a summertime gathering of family and friends, a fire pit is a great place to create lasting memories with your loved ones.
5. Cooking Capabilities
If you love to cook, you’ll be happy to know that many fire pits can be used as grills. So, your fire pit has you covered whether you want to enjoy a nice steak or cook up some veggies.
After going through all of the above, chances are you’re now convinced that you need an outdoor fire pit in your life. But before you go out and get one installed, you should consider a few things. Below, we discuss what you need to know about outdoor fire pit maintenance. So be sure to go through it if you’re serious about adding it to your outdoor living space.
Also Read: What Type Of Fire-Pit Will Best Suit Your Lawn?
Outdoor Firepit TLC 101
1. Keep It Clean
It is probably the most important thing on this list. A clean fire pit will not only look better, but it will also be safer to use. Ash & soot can build up over time; if they’re not cleaned out, they can be a fire hazard.
2. Inspect It Regularly
In addition to keeping your fire pit clean, you should also inspect it regularly. Look for chips, cracks, or other damage that could cause problems.
3. Don’t Overdo It
While keeping your fire pit clean is essential, you don’t want to overdo it. Cleaning it too often can damage the finish and make it more susceptible to rust.
4. Be Careful with Chemicals
If you decide to clean your fire pit with chemicals, use them as directed. Many cleaners are corrosive and can damage the fire pit if they’re not used properly.
5. Cover It Up
When you’re not using your fire pit, cover it up. It will protect it from the elements and help keep it clean.
6. Call a Professional
Call a professional if you’re unsure how to maintain your fire pit properly. They can help you keep it in good condition and ensure it’s safe.
Common Outdoor Firepit Issues to Look Out For
Now that you know how to take care of your fire pit, it’s time to learn about some common issues that can arise. By being aware of these issues, you can spot them early and take steps to fix them.
1. Ash Buildup
Over time, ash can build up in your fire pit. It can cause problems when lighting a fire or make it difficult to clean the fire pit.
What to do:
Before lighting a fire, remove any ash that has built up. It will help the fire to start more quickly. If the ash is difficult to remove, you can try using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment.
2. Buildup of Rust
One of the most common issues with fire pits is rust. If not taken care of, rust can cause extensive damage to your fire pit.
What to do:
Make a paste using baking soda & water and apply it to the rusty areas.
Leave the solution for a few hours and scrub it away using a hard brush or steel wool. After scrubbing, rinse it with water and dry it using a cloth.
3. Cracks Formation
Another common issue with fire pits is crack formation. Cracks can occur for several reasons, such as exposure to extreme temperatures or repeated use.
What to do:
For small cracks, you can try using high-temperature epoxy glue, but for larger cracks, you may need to replace the entire fire pit. Contact a professional building contractor to help you design and install a new one.
4. Discoloration
Over time, the color of your fire pit may change due to dirt, soot, and ash buildup.
What to do:
Clean your fire pit regularly using mild detergent and a soft brush. You can also try using a heat gun to remove the buildup.
Conclusion
Fire pits are a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and create lasting memories with loved ones. However, they do require some maintenance to keep them looking their best. Following these helpful tips can keep your fire pit in tip-top shape for years after installing them.
Let’s Build your Outdoor Living Space in Arvada, CO!
Firepits are a great focal point for any outdoor living space. Denver Patio Masters specializes in custom outdoor firepits, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens in Arvada, CO. By working with you, we can design and build the perfect outdoor living space for your needs and budget.
Contact us to learn more or book a consultation.
