Our Company Blog
Getting Your Outdoor Space Ready for Warm Weather
You probably winterized your outdoor space to protect it from animals and weather during the cold weather. Fire pits and fireplaces along with appliances like grills and refrigerators can be affected by winter, even if you do your best to prevent it. When weather warms up and you’re ready to fire it up for summer gatherings, there are a few things you need to do first.
Clean and Check the Grill
You may have a grill or a stove-top in your outdoor space. Whether you have one or the other, or both, you should clean and check it before use. Even if you cleaned and checked your appliances before closing out your space for the winter, you should again. Even if your grill was working properly at the end of the season last year it may not be now. A lot can happen during a winter even with your best preparations.
Clean and Check the Fireplace or Appliance
Your fireplace, fire pit, or appliance should be cleared of debris, ashes, and anything else that might have blown or fallen into it. Anything besides the intended fuel can cause a dangerous fire or explosion. Also, if you have a gas appliance you should make sure the burners and glass are cleaned and that the fuel connection is not leaking and set appropriately.
Prepare Wood for your Fireplace or Fire Pit
Do you have a wood-burning fireplace or fire pit? if so, you should start gathering your summer fire wood today. You should only burn properly seasoned wood in your fireplace even if you’re burning outside. Burning the right wood insures that you have a warm, efficient fire. Burning dry wood also means less byproducts. Do you already have a supply of seasoned firewood leftover from your winter burning? Then it will be perfect for your outdoor fire as well.
Update Seating and Furniture
If you prepared your outdoor space for winter, you might have thought to store your furniture and cushions in a dry area so they wouldn’t get ruined. If you forgot this, you might need to replace your furniture or cushions. Maybe you like to update your furniture each year. No matter your reasoning, you should set up the space as you like. Make sure to secure cushions to the furniture so they don’t become fire hazards, as well.
Secure Valuables
Depending on your outdoor space, you might have walls, a roof, or even a full kitchen. If you have expensive items in your outdoor space that can be removed, tampered with, or vandalized, you should secure them for the season. Many cities have codes that specify certain requirements regarding open fires. It’s also important to make sure your homeowners insurance policy doesn’t have any restrictions as well.
When you’re ready to start your outdoor entertaining this spring, don’t rush into it. Make sure your appliances are safe and ready for use. If you’re looking to upgrade portions of your outdoor space or replace damaged items, you can choose IBD Outdoor Rooms for the best products!