You have an outdoor space and want to use it any time of the day or night. However, you might wonder about the best ways to enjoy your time in this space, especially when it’s cold. Then, of course, a fire pit will probably cross your mind–but is a fire pit safe enough under your covered patio?
Fire pits are safe to have under covered patios or roofs, provided you properly install and maintain them. However, there are a few safety precautions that you should take to prevent risks associated with having a fire pit underneath a covered patio or roof.
While it may seem like a good idea to keep the fire pit under cover, you shouldn’t dismiss the safety concerns that arise. In this article, I’ll discuss the safety of having a fire pit under a covered patio and roof, the installation of the fire pit, and how to maintain one. I’ll also discuss associated safety risks and the safety tips for using a fire pit in this type of setting.
Fire Pits Under Covered Patio Are Safe
Installing a fire pit under your covered patio is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about the weather. This can be a great addition to your home as it provides a place to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends.
There is no doubt that a fire pit can add a touch of warmth to any patio, but you may worry that having a fire pit under your covered patio isn’t safe.
The good news is that fire pits are safe under a covered patio, as long as the area has good ventilation. If your fire pit is under a roof but still outdoors, then the ventilation is likely good enough for an outdoor fire pit.
If it’s in an enclosed environment, you should open the patio cover or doors when using the fire pit. Otherwise, smoke and fumes can build up and become an inconvenience. Also, keep an eye on the fire to ensure it doesn’t get too big.
With a little care, you can enjoy your fire pit all year long.
You might also find this interesting: How far away from the house should a fire pit be?
Installation of a Fire Pit Under Covered Patio
Installing a fire pit under your patio cover shouldn’t be much of a hustle.
You can find a variety of fire pits to match your patio décor. In addition, you can use them for cooking and entertainment.
You’ll need to do a few things when installing a fire pit under your patio.
Build a Fire Pit on a Level Surface
A level surface will ensure that your fire pit is stable and won’t collapse. You can use bricks or stones to level the surface of your fire pit. Once your surface is level, you can begin the installation of your outdoor fire pit.
Install the Fire Pit Away From Walls and Other Objects
Installing the fire pit away from walls and objects like furniture is one way to prevent your fire pit from causing an accident. By doing this, you’ll ensure that the fire pit has enough ventilation and won’t cause any damage to your home or property.
Use Fireproof Materials Like Concrete or Steel
Concrete or steel are the best options for a fire pit. These materials are durable and can withstand high temperatures. They also won’t rust over time, so you’ll be able to enjoy your fire pit for years to come.
Can You Have a Roof Over a Fire Pit?
Many people enjoy spending time outdoors and around a fire pit. If you already have a fire pit in your backyard or patio, you may wonder if you can have a roof over it. The answer is yes; you can have a roof over a fire pit.
However, here are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to take this route:
- Make sure that the roof is made of fire-resistant material.
- Be sure to leave enough space between the roof and the fire pit so that heat can escape.
- Make sure that the roof is well-ventilated so that smoke can escape.
If you follow these guidelines, you can safely have a roof over your fire pit. This will allow you to enjoy your fire pit even when the weather is not ideal.
Here’s more on the same topic: What is the safest type of fire pit?
How Do You Maintain a Fire Pit Under a Covered Patio?
If you have a fire pit under a covered patio, then it’s important to maintain it properly to prevent damage to your home. Here are some tips on how to maintain fire pits under covered patios:
- Inspect the fire pit regularly for any damages. Regular inspection will help you note potential wear and tear, including cracks and other structural damage.
- Regularly clean the fire pit. Cleaning the fire pit after each use will help you prevent ash or debris buildup. Check out this detailed guide on how to clean a fire pit for detailed instructions.
- Always keep your eye on the fire pit. Never leave a fire unattended, and make sure it’s completely extinguished before going to bed or leaving the house.
- Keep your environment hazard free. Ensure the surrounding area is free of combustible materials like wood, rubber, or plastics.
- Keep your ventilation in check. Enough ventilation under your patio will give the fire space to breathe so that the smoke and fumes can efficiently escape. The National Library of Medicine has a wonderful article on concepts and types of ventilation that you should check out.
- Use only dry, seasoned wood in your fire pit. This will help you to avoid creating excessive smoke on your patio.
- Always supervise minors. If you have young children, you should always supervise them around the fire pit.
What Are the Safety Risks Associated With Having a Fire Pit Underneath a Covered Patio?
Here are a few safety risks that you should factor in when you have a fire pit underneath a covered patio:
- Poor ventilation can cause smoke and carbon monoxide build-up. These gasses can quickly reach lethal levels if you’re not cautious, posing a danger to you and your loved ones.
- If the fire pit is close to a flammable surface, it can cause a fire. So, keeping it away from flammable materials is important.
- The fire pit can potentially cause your patio’s roof to cave in. The fire’s heat can weaken the roof’s support system. If there are cracks or openings, the heat can spread and cause the roof to collapse.
- If the fire pit is not properly extinguished, embers can escape. These could potentially start a fire.
By being aware of these risks and taking proper precautions, you can enjoy your fire pit while staying safe.
Safety Precautions To Take
There are a few safety precautions that you should take when having a fire pit under a covered patio.
- Constantly check for fire hazards. One way to check for fire hazards is by assessing the fire pit for open flames or embers, identifying loose or flammable materials, and checking for hot surfaces.
- Place the fire pit on a non-flammable surface. A concrete surface, for instance, can withstand high temperatures without damage. Additionally, non-flammable surfaces will not catch fire if embers from the fire pit come into contact with them.
- Use caution around the fire pit. For example, you can use a fire pit screen, a fire pit cover, or a fire pit wind guard, such as the Nupick Fire Pit Wind Guard or the Vevor one (Available on Amazon). I like this wind guard because it’s a sleek and stylish addition to your firepit that will also make it safer.
- Never leave children or pets alone with a fire. Keep unattended children and pets away from the fire pit.
- Install heat-resistant barriers. The wall around the fire pit should be heat-resistant to prevent heat from damaging your patio.
- Never leave the fire unattended. Make sure to put it out completely after you’re done.
Conclusion
While having a fire pit under a covered patio or roof is safe, you should take precautions to reduce associated safety risks and maximize your safety. Remember that proper installation and maintenance are key to the long-term usability of your fire pit.
The tips I’ve shared above should help you protect your patio from getting damaged. With a little care, you can enjoy your fire pit with few inconveniences.
