Saturday, December 19, 2009

Outdoor Fireplace Safety

Although not as popular as indoor fireplaces, outdoor fireplaces have their own audience and they come in various sizes, shapes and fashions. There are fireplaces that cater to different tastes of people like certain specific styles or designs or meeting certain budget criteria. Although quite particular about these criterion people often forget the underlying safety concerns related to outdoor fireplaces. However it is not to discourage people from buying them but to impress upon them the importance of safety specifications. It is not just about personal safety, but about the safety of the family and friends and also the property.

Some of the important points that should be kept in mind while selecting a fire place and how to use them are discussed in brief in this article. Many experts recommend people to buy outdoor fireplaces with chimneys compared to fireplaces with fire pits or elevated fire pits for reasons like comfort and safety. The fireplaces with chimneys maintain better airflow which ensures a smokeless experience compared to other types. Fireplaces with fire pits have an inbuilt risk of getting tipped over to either side. One more important thing to remember is to never be careless about the combustible material lying around. Try not to get carried away in the fun and completely forget the fireplace. Outdoor fireplaces can be dangerous during a windy day, so pay special attention during those days. It is noted that powerful gusts of wind can cause outdoor fireplace to tip over and make the fire even bigger which can also get out of control if not dealt with on time.

It is better to have a defensive approach as always dealing with fire related stuff. So, try not to blow it unnecessarily. Start with a small fire which is easily manageable and slowly increase the quantity of wood to make it bigger, but again within controllable proportions. Do not overload the fireplace with lot of wood which can cause a sudden big and uncontrollable blaze which is uncalled for. It is also advisable not to start a fire when the wind is even moderately strong, this may cause fire sparks onto you and also to the property and may cause damage.

Also, always be prepared for a fire outbreak and be ready to extinguish the fire. Generally fires go uncontrollable without a warning. So have a fire extinguisher handy in case of an emergency. Also make sure that everyone around knows how to use the extinguisher in the event that a fire outbreak occurs. Also do not leave the fire marooned at any time and do not forget to put out the fire completely after getting done. Also wear protective gloves while starting the fire or putting logs in the fireplace. One can also use fireplace screens specially made for outdoor fireplaces to protect oneself and others from sparks arising from the fire.

Make sure that the outdoor fireplace is kept in wide open space and clear from any other stuff like plants, trees, overhanging branches or vines in its vicinity to avoid them from catching fire. Also, for personal safety stay away at least three feet from the fire when operating. A very important thing to remember is to never to use the outdoor fireplaces inside the home which is only meant for use outdoors with respect to safety.

Outdoor Fireplace Plan

An outdoor fireplace plan explains the various steps and procedures to be considered while building an outdoor fireplace. A good outdoor fireplace plan acts as the fundamental step for constructing an attractive and durable outdoor fireplace. The plan developed must be user-friendly and cover all phases of construction and maintenance. It should ideally include details such as the overall cost of the fireplace and the average time required to build it.

Preparation to install an outdoor fireplace plan is time consuming. The plan must begin with the selection of an appropriate location where the fireplace is to be built. The outdoor fireplace can be installed anywhere in the backyard, pool, or patio. Be sure that the chosen location is clean and free of clutters. Next, the outdoor fireplace plan should consider the type of material needed for the fireplace construction. Usually, an outdoor fireplace is made of stone or brick, as these materials are durable and non-combustible. Cast iron and aluminum alloy are also used for its construction.

Moreover, the outdoor fireplace plan should specify the outdoor fireplaces one is going to build, that is, to specify whether it’s a wood-burning one or a gas fireplace. In the case of wood-burning outdoor fireplace, construction of a proper chimney and a clean flue must be ensured. If it is a gas fireplace, then the outdoor fireplace plan should include the various venting options. Apart from these, a typical outdoor fireplace plan must carry information about the various safety and security measures, which is to be considered at the time of construction.

Tips and tricks needed for preparing a successful outdoor fireplace plan can be obtained through the internet. A countless number of articles and magazines also give guidance for creating a systematic plan. Once a perfect outdoor fireplace plan is made, you can certainly begin the construction.

Outdoor Fireplaces provides detailed information on Outdoor Fireplaces, Outdoor Gas Fireplace, Outdoor Stone Fireplace, Outdoor Fireplace Plan and more. Outdoor Fireplaces is affiliated with Natural Waterfalls.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Riverside

The Outdoor Fireplace

With advancements in technology, everything becomes possible while some thing come full circle. While technology once seemed to be making the fireplace obsolete, fireplaces are now making a comeback with people desiring the grace and elegance they bring to a home. Furthermore, new technologies even allow us to have portable fireplaces that can actually be taken outside.

Traditional fireplaces are probably the most beautiful. When walking into old houses, it is easy to notice they are often not only in the living rooms but in other rooms as well. In days gone by, fireplaces and log racks were a part of every home.

However, this era was followed by a time when fireplaces were replaced with other heating appliances. People turned to these appliances because they were easy to use and did not require all the time and maintenance fireplaces do. These appliances were mostly electrical, and they just needed to be plugged into the electric outlets to make a house warm in no time at all. People loved the convenience, and this type of heater became the preferred method of heating homes.

Now that these appliances are a part of peoples' lives, they are again interested in the elegance and grace of traditional fireplaces. However, most do not have the time or the energy required to maintain them. Hence, these days we have a fusion of the traditional fireplace and the convenience of modern heaters. These are fireplaces which can be propelled by different kinds of fuel. They are basically heaters, but they give the look and feel of a fireplace.

These are the perfect solution when you want to have the pleasure of a fireplace without the bother of in maintaining a traditional one. The best part about these artificially-fueled fireplaces is that they can be placed anywhere and everywhere. It is possible to take them outside the house and feel the warmth of the fireplace while enjoying quality time outdoors. Guests can feel warmth of the fireplace while enjoying outdoor activities.

There is a great range of these artificial fireplaces available on the market, and many can be found online. With a little homework, a lot of great bargains can be found.

For more information on fireplaces and firewood, see Fireplace Log Rack to learn about firewood carriers and firewood.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_A_Smith

How to Build an Outdoor Fireplace

So you're looking for a project that will add beauty and value to your home? How about building an outdoor fireplace? Outdoor fireplaces are a great home feature that give you a fun place to gather with friends and family. Anyone can just dig a hole in the ground and throw some logs into it but instead of that, why not learn how to build outdoor fireplace which is much more luxurious?

First things first. Just like they say in the realty market location location location! You want your outdoor fireplace away from anything overhead that might catch on fire - sheds, barns trees, anything like that. In addition you'll want to consult your building and fire codes to be sure you're doing it right and within the law.

This can be a bit of an involved project so proper site planning is key
At a minimum you'll need the following tools:

Trowels
Shovel
Masonry hammer
Masonry saw
Dust mask
Wheel barrow
Rubber mallet
Level
Wooden plank
Plumb line

The supplies are pretty easy:

Fireproof bricks
Mortar
Gravel
Metal grate

Map out a footprint of where you want your new outdoor fireplace

After you've found the perfect spot you want to dig a shallow hole slightly larger than the sides of the fireplace

Once the hole is dug pour a small layer of gravel on the bottom and level it

It's now time to start building.

You want to lay your base layer of bricks along one wall first. Place bricks side by side the entire length of the first wall you want to build. Apply a thin layer of mortar between each brick using the trowel so they stick together. Make sure to use your level to ensure the wall is straight the entire run too.

After that it just gets easier and easier. Use your masonry saw and cut a brick in half.

Put a layer of mortar on the top of the first row of bricks and place the brick you cut in half flush on top of the bottom layer. This lets you stagger the joints all the way up and improves the strength of the outdoor fireplace.

Place a full brick next to the half brick with mortar in between them and now you've got your second row started. Just trowel in the mortar as needed. As you place each new brick on the wall use the rubber mallet to gently tap it down. Make sure to use your level and plumb bob to keep the wall perfectly straight.

All you have to do now is build the wall as high as you want and then repeat on the other sides. Joining the corners together with mortar. Once you have built the outdoor fireplace high enough for your grill you want to stop and create a space to insert the grill.

An easy way to do this is to leave a series of three small spaces on each side where you can push pieces of iron all the way across from one side of the fireplace to the other. On top of these three pieces of iron you can set a grill so you can cook in your fireplace.

From here, continue building up and up with the bricks until you make the fireplace as high as you would like it to be.

Learning how to build outdoor fireplace is a fun project that will pay off with many a relaxing evening basking in the warmth and glow of a cozy outdoor fire.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of numerous niche online stores that offer customers not only products, but information relating to furnishing and decorating indoor and outdoor living spaces. Whether you want to renew your deck or patio with garden benches or create the ultimate living environment with deck furniture that is perfect for entertaining, there is a lot of helpful advice to take advantage of to make it happen. Click today and indulge your senses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Akre