Our Company Blog

Outdoor Kitchen Safety

Outdoor Kitchen Safety

Having an outdoor space to cook and entertain can be one of the most enjoyable additions to your home. Today’s outdoor kitchens can have all of the amenities of indoor kitchens, but there must be care and consideration before building that dream barbecue into a deck or patio.

Get a Certified Contractor

This would seem like an easy one, but most outdoor additions and building of any structure require certain permits, codes, and must be built to certain specifications to ensure proper safety. A professional contractor with proper references should be able to design and build your dream outdoor kitchen space using proper safety building techniques.

Use the Right Materials

Using the right materials and proper building methods could be the difference between an enjoyable outdoor space to one that goes up in smoke. Using fireproof materials such as concrete and ceramic are popular outdoor kitchen building materials, but can be quite expensive to wood. There is nothing wrong with a wood space or using wood. The biggest concern that if a gas or other cooking space or barbecue is going to be installed, a stainless steel sleeve should be installed for fire protection. Without this sleeve is a violation of fire safety codes in any state. If building a stone or brick fireplace, smoker, or pizza oven, proper chimney building must be ensured to the same specifications as an indoor fireplace and must be cleaned and maintained regularly. Proper venting must always be maintained wherever there is fire and cooking appliances, even outside.

Gas Safety

Using propane gas to cook outdoors is a popular option for convenience and it’s clean burning properties. Permits must be obtained before running gas lines underground or splitting from the main gas service line to the home. An emergency shut-off also must be installed and failure to not install a shut-off valve is once again a violation of safety codes. Propane tanks are perfectly fine, but cylinders must be re-qualified once a year. Never use a damaged or rusty cylinder and if in doubt, have it replaced with one with proper certification.

Electrical Safety

All electrical equipment installed in any home should be UL listed and proper power cabling must be used. Always use a ground fault outlet or GFCI outside and NEVER use an extension cord for a permanent installation. Electrical wiring for outlets or lighting must be done with a certified electrical contractor to ensure the proper design and safety codes.

Before Use

Before using and enjoying your outdoor space, make sure you properly inspect your kitchen since it has been exposed and may not be the same condition in which you used it last. Visually inspect any flues for blockage to ensure proper venting before use. Keep any flammable items, such as lanterns or other flammable materials, at least 10 feet away from the grill or any open flame. Never use a gas appliance if you smell gas before operating. If you do smell gas before use, call the emergency gas company or other authorities, but never make an attempt to light a leaky gas appliance. If you do not suspect a leak, inspect your gas stove for any blockages in the tubes or blocked parts due to rust, dirt, insects, or grease. If damaged or blockage cannot be cleared, have a certified technician perform proper repairs.

With proper building techniques and usage, an outdoor kitchen can provide many years and provide many years of enjoyment as well as add a value to any home or cabin.

Cooking Outdoors Safely

Outdoor Kitchen Means Fun

As the summer winds down people across America get ready for that magical time of year that brings families together to celebrate the greatest of American traditions. A time when all people come together regardless of their differences to celebrate a common bond. A time when all the cares of the year to date melt away and the focus is turned on something greater than the petty concerns of everyday life. I am referring of course to football season.

Nothing signifies the change of seasons more so than the first football game in September and even the most casual fan (and a handful of internet memes) will tell you, “One does not simply watch football”. There is a strict protocol that goes into your perennial pigskin preparation and while it may end on the gridiron it starts on the grill. No football gathering is complete without burgers, brats, or BBQ and there’s no better way to prepare them than a fully stocked outdoor kitchen.

Back in the days before face masks and free agents a simple charcoal grill may have done the trick but this isn’t your granddaddy’s NFL and your granddaddy’s grill won’t do either. But before you find yourself in a DIY nightmare there are some things to consider. There are 4 materials commonly used to construct frames (concrete, brick, wood, and steel) and all have different pros and cons. Concrete has the advantage of being molded into virtually any desired shape provided you have the equipment and the know-how to put it all together which makes it one of the more versatile materials to use. It also is very sturdy and durable and will not require much in the way of weather proofing. The downside to concrete is that most people do not want the concrete blocks to show and thus it requires additional decorative masonry which can be a time-consuming task. Brick is a nice alternative to concrete in that it offers similar durability and versatility without the additional decorative work assuming that a brick surface is what you want. Steel offers the most durability but can limit the customization a bit. Finally we have wood which can provide a beautiful natural look to your outdoor kitchen but requires weather treatment and fire-proofing (pressure-treated pine is always a good choice). Regardless of the material you use a stainless steel sleeve should always be used to properly encase your grill. Proper ventilation is extremely important to prevent your backyard barbecue from turning into a fall bonfire! Another step that goes a long way in preventing a very dangerous disaster is to make sure that you have immediate access to gas shut off valves in case of an emergency.

If this seems like too much to have to think about when trying to build this yourself that’s because it is! Building an outdoor kitchen is a complicated and potentially dangerous venture which is why you should always have a qualified specialized builder construct your garden galley. It is too easy to find stories of full-blown house fires caused by shoddy construction and careless contractors that have little to no experience with this type of work.

So this upcoming football season as you get ready to enjoy (or lament) your regular Sunday traditions always remember your basic culinary safety tips (never leave cooking food unattended, always double check that your heat supply is completely turned off after the cooking is complete) and make sure you call your local outdoor kitchen supplier to install your patio masterpiece and you’ll be well on your way to becoming the gridiron gourmet you’ve always dreamed of being!

Why Does My Fireplace Stink?

Chimney Odors

Ideally, a fireplace only has positive effects on your senses: cozy warmth, twinkling light, a gentle crackle. Chimney issues, however, can give your senses an unwanted surprise: musky, acrid odors that tamp down the enjoyment of that fireplace, and with it, your whole home. A healthy chimney won’t be a malodorous one, so if you’re noticing bad odors, it’s likely indicating a problem that needs correcting.

Common Causes Of Chimney Odors

A good start toward avoiding chimney odor: annual chimney sweeping. A regularly swept chimney is a cleaner chimney, and when there’s less creosote and less debris, odors are less likely. But every chimney is different, and your chimney professionals can help root out the cause of your specific chimney odors. Here are some common culprits that chimney professionals find:

Moisture issues

Encroaching water does a number on chimneys and fireplaces in many different ways — it can erode your masonry, corrode your damper, seep into your ceilings and walls and create a stinky, mildewy chimney. If you’re noticing a musty odor, a professional chimney technician can help figure out whether you have a chimney leak with a chimney inspection. You might have chimney flashing damage or a missing chimney cap, or old and damaged masonry might be allowing too much water to be absorbed. If damage is found, your chimney professionals can help with repairs or replacement parts. To protect the masonry itself — and prevent the water intrusion that can lead to odors — you might want to have a waterproofing sealant applied. Sealants that are specifically designed for chimney masonry keep water from seeping through the masonry, but still allow vapors to escape.

Excess air coming down the chimney

Burning wood creates creosote, a combustible deposit that has a strong odor. And even a properly and regularly swept chimney will have some creosote residue that’s been absorbed into the masonry. In a chimney that’s drafting properly, air is pulled up and out, the creosote odors with it. But if air is being pulled down the chimney because of a wind-related downdraft or negative air pressure, that air and those odors are directed right into your home. Depending on what’s causing air to flow down your chimney, technicians can recommend several different solutions, including installing a top-sealing damper that tightly closes off the top of the flue, or adding a glass fire screen that keeps chimney air contained.

Animals

A flue that isn’t topped with a chimney cap can allow animals to nest, roost or fall into the chimney. Even if they just nest and leave, they’ll bring along debris, unwanted odors and bugs, and likely build a nest that blocks the flue. Even worse, young animals that fall into your chimney can get stuck and die. Some animals can be removed from your chimney; others, like federally protected chimney swifts, can’t be — you’ll have to wait for them to migrate. If you hear or smell animals in your chimney, chimney professionals can help clean up the damage they’ve done, and install a chimney cap that will keep unwanted visitors out in the future.

Trust your senses: If you’re noticing a bad smell coming from your chimney, it’s very likely a symptom of a problem that needs addressing. Call your chimney professionals — they can help take care of the symptoms and clear up the cause.

Chimney Maintenance — What You Need to Know

Whether you are purchasing a home with a working chimney or wanting to use your current fireplace when the weather gets cooler, there are some basic maintenance tips for ensuring safety and efficiency.

• Your chimney should be inspected and cleaned annually. This ensures that the chimney is structurally intact and ready to use safely.
• When scheduling your chimney cleaning and inspection, only use NCSG (National Chimney Sweep Guild) certified chimney sweeps.
• Regardless of how often your chimney and fireplace have been used, the fireplace and chimney still need a thorough cleaning prior to the new season. Some prefer to have them cleaned in the spring (stating the benefit of having the creosote buildup removed and avoiding any musty smells over a hot summer), while others recommend an early autumn cleaning (this will ensure that any birds or debris that may have gotten into the chimney during the spring and summer will be removed before the fireplace and chimney get going).
• Never use the chimney unless the damper is fully open.
• Creosote is a substance created by flue gas residue and unburned wood particles. It is highly combustible and any buildup that isn’t removed makes your chimney and home at risk for a chimney fire.
• Never burn trash or plastics in your chimney. This can also add to the buildup in your chimney.
• A chimney cap can prevent water, debris, and animals from getting into your chimney. If you do not have one installed, consult with a certified sweep to determine the best cap for you chimney. This is a preventative measure designed to help keep your chimney free of contaminants.
• Chimney Swifts are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty. If a swift makes its home in your chimney, it cannot be removed until the birds migrate south for the winter. Consult a professional sweep about dealing with Chimney Swifts.
• You should use some type of fireplace screen when your fireplace is in use. This can prevent embers from inadvertently escaping the fireplace as well as prevent children and animals from reaching into the fire.
• Your chimney has a protective liner inside of it. These lines can be made from a variety of materials, such as stainless steel and clay. The liner should be checked periodically to ensure structural integrity. The liner protects the inside of the chimney from intense heat which can damage the chimney.

Responsibly using a chimney means not skipping annual check-ups. Your fireplace will heat more proficiently and you can feel more secure when you build your first fire of the season.