Essential Guide to Fire Feature Care and Maintenance
Outdoor Fire Feature Care and Maintenance
Seasonal Maintenance
Seasonal maintenance is integral to the longevity of any outdoor living space. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality craftsmanship on all of our builds. We source only the industries leading building materials from carpentry and masonry to fire and water features. But once the project is complete and our crews leave, the care and maintenance are left to you. To make this as effortless as possible for our clients, we have created a series of guides breaking down the essentials to keep your space looking, and functioning perfectly for years to come.
For outdoor living spaces featuring a gunite pool or spa, we have our Must Read Guide to Seasonal Pool Maintenance which provides a detailed list of pool openings, closings, weekly maintenance, and a list of recommended pool service providers.
For outdoor living spaces featuring a patio or hardscape, we have our Must Read Guide to Patio Care & Maintenance which breaks down the essentials in a quick 5-minute read.
What’s left? Fire features of course. While outdoor fire features are designed to be weather resistant and stay outside year-round, they still need a helping hand. Michigan winters can be harsh and unpredictable. In any given year we can expect volatile drops in temperature, freezing rain, ice accumulation, and heavy snowfall. Even the top-of-the-line fire features would have trouble weathering that storm. That’s why it is absolutely essential that you cover your exterior gas-fueled fire features. Covering your gas-fueled fire feature during heavy rain or winter storms protects it from damage and from water entering the gas line. A range of fantastic covers are available online for fire features of any shape and size.
Firepits Direct offers stainless steel covers for gas burners in a variety of shapes and sizes. They have styles designed to add versatility as well as protection with fire pit table burner covers that transform your fire pit into a usable tabletop space when it is not in use.
Amazon & Wayfair both offer several options for soft covers that are sturdy, water-resistant, and conveniently pack away.
If you prefer to shop in person, Lowe’s, Home Depot, and many landscape supply stores carry firepit covers as well.
Cleaning Your Gas-Fueled Fire Pit
Keeping your gas-fueled fire pit clean and clear of debris is essential. Always remove any leaves, sticks, or other organic matter from the media before igniting your burners. Keeping your fire feature covered when not in use will help prevent debris from accumulating in the first place and keep cleaning to a minimum.
Please refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on cleaning your specific fire feature. In general, mild cleaning solutions of soap and water are suggested but you must know the specifications for your make and model. Be sure to keep harsh chemicals and flammable substances away from your gas-fueled fire pit. And always allow your fire pit to dry thoroughly before igniting.
Trouble Shooting
Forget to cover your outdoor fire feature and now something’s not right? Fear not. The most common reason for an exterior fire feature not starting is water in the gas line. At least once every spring we get a call from a client concerned that their gas-fueled fire feature won’t start. The good news is it’s relatively quick and easy to resolve. When water gets in the line there is a simple set of steps you can follow to clear the water from the line.
Remove all media from the fire feature: Glass beads, logs, fire stones, etc.
Turn the gas OFF
Disconnect the burner
Once the line is disconnected from the burner, turn the gas back on slowly to blow the water out from the line
Turn the gas OFF again
Once the gas is turned off you can reconnect the burner and replace media
Turn the gas ON and start your fire feature!
Nine times out of ten, this does the trick.
Happy Spring. We hope you enjoy your fire features this season, and for years to come. And don’t forget, get a cover!
