Outdoor Fireplaces FAQs: What To Know Before You Buy
If you’d like to make the most of your outdoor living space, the beautiful glow of an outdoor fireplace can serve as the focal point of your deck, patio or backyard. Whether you desire a campfire atmosphere for the kids on cool summer nights or want to host cozy dinner parties on the patio in the fall, outdoor fireplaces are an inviting gathering spot for family and friends.
If you’re thinking about including a fireplace as one of your outdoor living space ideas, you’ll need to consider several requirements before making a purchase. Here we’ll review the “technicalities” of which to be aware- including requirements for permits, fireplace location, maintenance, venting, and chimneys, all of which vary based on your home and local regulations.
Do I need a permit for an outdoor fireplace?
Each municipality has different rules when it comes to permits. It’s a good idea to research local building codes and regulations, many of which can be found online. If not, a call to your local government, whether it’s your city, township, or borough, or at the next level, the county, should help you determine whether a permit is required and how to obtain it. Your local government or county’s building department will have information on specific requirements for outdoor fireplaces. Since outdoor fireplaces are generally considered a structural addition, they are usually subject to zoning and building codes.
How far away should my fireplace be from my house?
The first thing you’ll need to think about is choosing a location for your outdoor fireplace in your outdoor living space. As a rule of thumb, for obvious safety reasons, it’s recommended that your fireplace be located at least 10 feet away from your property line, and from any structure, including your house, a fence, or a shed. Depending on local regulations, the distance required could be greater than 10 feet, so be sure to find out. Building codes may also stipulate specific chimney heights. You’ll want to keep your fireplace clear of any flammable objects, like furniture or umbrellas, with at least three feet of distance.
Once you know the building code requirements, give some thought as to whether you want your fireplace close to your home, on a deck or patio, or if you’d like to make the fireplace the focal point of a separate seating area out in your yard.
How do I maintain an outdoor fireplace?
Proper maintenance is essential to keep your outdoor fireplace in good working order and lasting for many years to come. You’ll need to remove the build-up of ash from the fireplace regularly, and also sweep or use a wet vac to remove soot and debris after each time you use it. Annual deep cleaning is a must to protect your investment. A thorough cleaning both inside and out with warm, soapy water and a brush will keep your fireplace in tip-top shape. Also, be sure to keep your outdoor fireplace free of weeds and grass-plant roots, which sometimes grow in between the bricks and can cause damage. Cut back any foliage or weeds that grow near your fireplace.
Rettinger Fireplace Systems has trained technicians to handle your regular outdoor fireplace maintenance, so you know your fireplace is in great shape. Learn more here!
What fuel option do I want for my outdoor space?
In addition to plug-in electric fireplaces, there are three types of fireplaces requiring fuel- wood, natural gas, and propane. Each fuel type has unique pros and cons. When considering outdoor living space ideas, it’s important to know what fuel types are compatible with your outdoor living space. Local restrictions as well as the size and position of your outdoor living space will have an impact on which type of fuel is best for you.
While nothing beats the smell and look of a traditional wood-burning fireplace, some areas have wood-burning restrictions. In this case, although gas-burning fireplaces do not produce as much warmth as wood-burning, they are typically the best alternative. Gas offers the beauty of real flames but burns cleaner than wood. It doesn’t produce ashes or embers, making it safer, particularly in enclosed patio spaces. A vent-free gas-burning fireplace will not require a chimney.
You will need to install your fireplace close to your home if you’re connecting to your home’s gas line. If you don’t have a gas line to which you can connect your fireplace, propane is another alternative.
Do I need a vent or chimney?
Chimneys allow for proper smoke ventilation. Ventilation is crucial to health and safety, to prevent both lung-damaging smoke inhalation as well as physical damage to your home.
A wood-burning fireplace will rely on a chimney for proper ventilation, especially if your outdoor fireplace is located in an enclosed outdoor living space like a patio with a roof over top. Gas fireplaces produce less smoke than wood burning, which means that they don’t always require a chimney.
Rettinger Fireplace Systems can help design and build your outdoor space!
At Rettinger Fireplace Systems, our outdoor living space experts can help you choose the outdoor fireplace best suited to your lifestyle and budget. As a professional outdoor fireplace provider in South Jersey, we’ll help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams, so you and your family can enjoy the outdoors all year long. Call, click, or visit our showroom in Berlin to bring your outdoor living space ideas to life with the beauty of an outdoor fireplace.