Essential Spring Backyard Fireplace Maintenance
As temperatures rise and snow begins to thaw, homeowners across the city are starting to prepare their outdoor areas for spring. The nicer weather allows people to enjoy their outside spaces without worrying about harsh conditions that make spending time outdoors unbearable. Now is the perfect time to spruce up your amenities and get them ready for springtime use.
If you have a backyard fireplace, you know that they require some care to keep them in good condition. After months of ice and snow, your fireplace will likely need some extra TLC to get it up and running for the peak seasons. Don’t wait until it’s too late; here are some essential spring backyard fireplace maintenance tips to refresh your space.
Why Should You Prepare Your Fireplace for Spring?
The best time to prepare your outdoor fireplace is before you need to use it. Performing maintenance on anything takes some time, so you want to get ahead of the game. If you wait until conditions are perfect to start repairing your outdoor area, you’ll miss out on valuable time to use your amenities.
Think about it this way: on the first beautiful night of the season, would you rather sit back with your family around the fire or still be working on repairs to get everything up to standard? Doing some pre-spring maintenance will give you plenty of time to make repairs to make your fireplace is safe and ready to use as soon as possible.
Weather Damage To Look Out For
Winters can get rough in Denver, leaving our outdoor additions vulnerable to unique kinds of damage. As snow and ice make the ground soggy, your fireplace can sink under its heavy weight. This sinking can cause cracks in the masonry and splits in the area immediately surrounding your fireplace. This kind of damage creates an unsafe environment and should be one of the first things you check.
Typical Damage To Look Out For
Even if the cold weather didn’t damage your fireplace, it could still sustain standard types of damage unrelated to the elements. Make sure to inspect all of your fireplace’s essential components, like burners, exhaust fans, and smoke guards to ensure that they are in good condition. If you didn’t check these things before the winter season hit, you definitely don’t want to skip this step in the maintenance process.
Helpful Maintenance Tools and Supplies
In order to perform essential spring backyard fireplace maintenance, you’ll need to right tools to get the job done. Make sure you have protective gear like eye masks and gloves to protect yourself from dirt, ash, and any other particles that could cause you harm. In addition, you may need some of these supplies to clean your fireplace and make minor repairs:
- Shop-vac
- Buckets
- Rags and washcloths
- Stiff bristled brushes
- Toolset
- Water
- Bleach, vinegar, or specialized fireplace cleaning products
Maintenance Tips To Whip Your Fireplace Into Shape
Now that you have the right tools, it’s time to start the maintenance process. While some steps might vary depending on the type of fireplace, most of them benefit from the same kind of care. From cleaning to making repairs, here are some helpful tips to whip your outdoor fireplace into shape.
Step One: Prepping the Area
The first thing you’ll want to do before using your fireplace for the first time is prep the area. Make sure your fireplace is level and that the ground is free of any cracks or splits. If your pit is near a garden or other flammable foliage, make sure to do some landscaping and cut back tall grass, plants, and trees to create a safe environment.
While you’re clearing the area, don’t forget your deck or patio. Make sure any furniture or deck items containing flammable materials are a safe distance from your fireplace. You should also take this time to clean the area from any trash, dirt, or debris so you have a fresh and tidy space to enjoy your fireplace.
Step Two: Cleaning
Before you start making repairs, it’s helpful to start with a clean fireplace. Remove any old wood, coals, and ash taking up space. You can use a broom, shovel, or shop-vac to make the process easier. Then, you’ll need to scrub the area with a stiff-bristled brush to restore your fireplace to its natural color. You can use bleach, vinegar, or specially-made fireplace cleaner to help eliminate any pesky stains.
Finally, take a rag and wipe down the area. This will dry all of the surfaces and remove any lingering particles. You can also take this time to apply some polish to any metal components to make them nice and shiny.
Step Three: Repair Damage
Now that your fireplace is clean and clear, you can start making any necessary repairs on damaged parts. Replace any broken elements in your ventilation system that might inhibit your ability to light a fire. This could include unclogging or repairing air holes, ducts, and vents that help circulate air through the fireplace.
This is also the time to seal any cracks caused by sinking, weather conditions, or heat. Choose a sealant that is easy to access and patch up any holes and cracks in the masonry or foundation. Doing so will keep any air, smoke, or gas from leaking out of the pit and into your backyard recreational area.
Step Four: Repaint and Refresh
After you’ve prepared your area, cleaned the space, and fixed any damaged parts, your fireplace will be spring-ready once you’ve touched it up with a fresh coat of paint. Choose a color that matches your outdoor aesthetic to give your fireplace new life. You can also use spray paint to apply color that will go on and dry quickly.
Make sure you’re using heat-resistant, fireplace-safe paint. Adding a layer of these products will give an added layer of protection against the elements while giving your fireplace a much-needed makeover.
That’s it! Your backyard fireplace is ready for relaxing nights, bonfires, and all sorts of springtime fun. Create precious memories of spending time with loved ones in the privacy of your own space. Don’t hesitate to contact Kona Contractors for helpful advice and information if you need assistance. We will equip you with an outdoor fireplace in Denver that’s perfect for you and your household’s needs.
