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How to Safely Maintain an Outdoor Chiminea Outdoor chimineas can add warmth and an atmosphere to your patio or garden. They're also better suited for smaller spaces than traditional fire pits. Chimineas must be placed on a fire-proof surface such as a patio made of bricks, concrete, or stones. They should be placed away from eaves as well as any type of overhead cover that could catch fire. Types A chiminea, also known as an outdoor firepit, is a type that features chimneys with a high the hood that lets smoke flow upwards rather than out. Chimineas are constructed of clay or metal and are available in a wide range of styles to fit any garden decor. Chimineas can also be used to cook on the fire. This lets you prepare delicious meals or outdoor snacks with your family and friends. Different kinds of wood can be utilized in a Chiminea. Oak is a popular choice because it produces heat and is slow to burn. However, other hardwoods can also be utilized. Apple is another option since it burns slowly, releases a pleasant smell and is extremely versatile. Other options include cedar wood, mesquite, hickory, and pinon. They are aromatic and produce a pleasant smoke. Metal chimineas can provide more design options than traditional terra-cotta varieties and are less prone to damage by rain. They can be heavier and more prone to rust than clay models. Some metal chimineas have an anti-rust coating that shields them from the weather. Others are made of cast iron, which has the classic rustic look however, it could be the most heavy of all alternatives. It is important to prepare your chiminea prior lighting the fire. This involves the layer of sand or gravel at the bottom. This will prevent the ash from spilling over and damaging the base. Then, you can add a few pieces of paper and some kindling. When the paper begins to burn it makes sparks that ignite the rest of your kindling and begins the fire. It is best to keep a chiminea out of reach from plants and structures. You should leave plenty of open space around it in case it tips over or becomes too hot. It's also important to cover the chimney with a metal mesh to prevent ash and sparks from flying into flammable materials. Materials Whether you choose clay or cast iron, your chiminea must be constructed from a sturdy material that is able to stand up to the heat. It is also important to ensure that your chiminea has been designed for your space and can be easily moved and stored. It is crucial to know how much smoke your fireplace produces because too much smoke can be a nuisance to neighbours. The type of wood you choose to use will determine the amount of heat and duration of your chiminea. Hardwoods like apple, cherry and walnut are favored by serious Chimenea owners over softwoods. Hardwoods burn longer and more efficiently and produce more heat than softwoods. While some people may prefer the look of a traditional clay chiminea, there are many contemporary and contemporary cast aluminum chimineas with sleek lines and geometric designs. These models are lighter and can be used with gas and wood fires. They are a great option for outdoor spaces. Both cast iron and clay chimineas require careful maintenance that includes cleaning and re-seasoning on occasion. They should be placed on a solid, fire-safe base such as a terracotta tile, concrete, or leveled sand. It is also important to avoid water near your chiminea, as it could damage the metal and cause cracks in clay or terracotta. A chiminea requires an initial seasoning process where you light a few small fires and allow them to cool down before starting another. This will increase the resistance to heat and heat tolerance of your chiminea. If you do not take this step, your chiminea can break or crack when it is first used. Covering your chiminea during the winter or when you will not use it often is an excellent idea. It will shield it from snow and rain, which can cause damage. If you are concerned about the security of your chiminea look into a model with an ignition arrestor to protect against the dangers of sparks. Design A chiminea is an attractive and versatile outdoor fire feature. But, it is important to keep in mind that just like any other fire pit that burns wood is that it must be properly maintained to avoid damage and to ensure the safety of people who are enjoying the flames. Protective covers and the right cleaning techniques can make a big difference in the lifespan of your chiminea decorated. Chimineas are available in a variety of styles sizes, materials and colors to satisfy a variety of aesthetic preferences and functional needs. Terracotta clay chimineas are traditional and offer a classic, Mexican-inspired design. Metal chimineas are resistant to abrasion and have an elegant, modern appearance. It is also crucial to consider the position of your chiminea. The chiminea should be set in an open area to allow airflow. This will increase efficiency and create a warm atmosphere around the fire. In addition, positioning it away from overhangs and patio covers prevents the buildup of smoke that could cause damage to these structures. Consider installing a mesh screening over the chimney of your chiminea to reduce the amount of sparks that are scattered into the air. For a simple solution, simply use a piece of chicken wire or a small-holed fencing bent slightly to create a barrier. Alternatively, you can buy a special screen made of ceramic tile, which is designed to catch sparks and drop them below the stack. It is tempting to use gasoline or lighter fluid as an accelerant to start an chiminea fire. But, these chemicals can damage your chiminea if they create too much heat it too quickly. The walls could cause them to crack or break resulting in injuries at the worst, and a damaged chiminea at the very least. In addition, accelerants could cause your chiminea to explode, which is incredibly dangerous for anyone nearby. It is possible to season your chiminea by lighting three or four small fires. This gives the chiminea to heal and minimize the chance of an explosion. It is also a good idea not to burn anything other than dry, well-seasoned hardwoods in your chiminea. Safety Chimineas let you enjoy a fire outdoors with your loved ones and family. However, just like any other outdoor flame, they can pose a danger to people and property. You can make sure that you and your family can enjoy the warmth from your chiminea with no fear of an accident or fire by following a few basic safety measures. The first step to ensuring your chiminea is secure is to make sure it is placed on a non-flammable area such as bricks, pavers or cement. This prevents the chiminea tipping over, and decreases the chance of it setting anything nearby on the fire. It is also essential to use only dry, seasoned firewood for your chiminea. Wet wood doesn't burn as efficiently and can cause the chiminea to burn or catch fire. A spark arrestor is a must-have for an Chiminea. It can be as simple as an ad-hoc piece of chicken wire twisted over the top of the chimney or as complex as a special screen chimney insert. Spark arrestors stop sparks from exploding into the neighbor's yard or onto flammable materials like bushes and grass. Lastly, be chiminea large to keep your chiminea 30 feet away from anything that could ignite, such as sheds, buildings, trees, clothes lines and awnings. This will prevent an accidental fire that could destroy your property or home. Once you have set up your chiminea and taken the steps mentioned above, it's now time to take advantage of the radiant heat and warm flames! Be sure to build small fires using sparks to get the fire moving and then gradually adding more wood to the fire. Keep an assortment of fireplace tools handy to add logs to the flame and stoke it so that you don't need to get close to it. It's also recommended to wear long barbecue tongs while dealing with the hot grate and coals, as well as a pair of fire gloves. This will allow you to handle the chiminea without burning your hands.