Depending on the type of your fireplace, the effort needed to keep it clean and in good shape during its life varies greatly. The tasks you have to consider here are cleaning the fireplace, protecting it from adverse weather, and possible repairs. Keeping your fireplace clean and well-maintained is not only important to make it last longer, it also increases the safety during operation, as damaged components and residual ash are among the main causes of accidents with fireplaces.
First, for the cleaning itself: From time to time, you should remove the ash that accumulates in the firebox. Depending on the type of wood you use, this may be necessary only very rarely. The tools you need for this are a small, very sturdy broom, a flat shovel, an ash can and, of course, robust gloves, ideally with long arms. Once or twice a year, usually in spring and fall, you should clean the whole construction, usually with water and other cleaning material as suggested by your manufacturer.
Outdoor fireplaces should be protected from rain and snow, especially in very humid and in very cold environments. Portable fireplaces made from metal should be stored indoors or under a roof during winter, especially if they are made from iron or copper. Another option that is also helpful during summertime is the use of covers and chimney caps. Covers are available for most types of fireplaces and can be used for quick rain protection. Chimney caps keep the flue and firebox free from leaves and other dirt, thereby helping to avoid possible risks from fire and sparks while in operation. Iron fireplaces can be protected from rust by coating them with a temperature-resistant paint, especially in areas where water may collect after being exposed to rain.
Repairing your fireplace has to follow the individual manufacturer’s advice, however, one tip is useful independent of model-specific properties: it is usually a very good idea to pre-purchase certain replacement parts together with your fireplace which are likely to break after a few years of operation. This helps you to avoid the situation where you need to buy a replacement, only to find that your model went out of production years ago.
There are also some things to consider during regular operation of your outdoor fireplace: First, you should ensure that the smoke can always rise freely. This means that the chimney needs to be tall enough, and that its top should be sheltered from wind as much as possible. Second, always check that the ventilation is functioning without dirt or other objects restricting the flow of air. Finally, and most importantly, always observe the following elementary safety rules:
- use your portable fireplace on fireproof surfaces only, and keep a fire extinguisher or water at hand
- never use it under trees or bushes
- never leave a burning fire unattended, and always extinguish any remaining embers before going inside
- use gloves for heat protection when handling a hot fireplace, and watch out for sparks when opening the firebox
- keep your fireplace a safe distance away from your house, and definitely never use one indoors
These tips should help you to enjoy your fireplace for many years with minimal effort.
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