Chris Hounchell REALTOR

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Award-winning Florida real estate Broker PROUDLY SELLING IN PINELLAS, HILLSBOROUGH, PASCO, MANATEE & SARASOTA COUNTIES since 2004.

Fire Pit Safety

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As with everything else, trends come and go when it comes to homes and their features. In recent years, homeowners have stepped up their entertaining game and upgraded their kitchens, living areas, and backyards with more space and tools used to make their guests comfortable. Backyard entertaining has increased as well and no longer will just a patio or deck with some seating make do; now it’s about turning their backyards into outdoor living spaces and the newest and most often added upgrade in the home fire pit.

While fire pits make an inviting addition to any backyard and allow for use of the area even in the cooler months, it’s important to practice fire pit safety every time a fire is lit.

Fire Pit Safety

Materials &  Assembly

It’s important that you select the appropriate materials and assemble according to the manufacturer’s instructions or in the case of a homemade fire pit, you construct it using fire proof materials that are not damaged. Make sure the fire pit is placed on a level fire proof base such as sand, concrete, or a composite.

Fuel

Most fire pits will use wood but some professionally installed and some box store models can use natural gas or propane. If using wood, make sure the wood is dry (avoid pine and cedar types of wood) and pieces are small enough to fit into the vessel of your fire pit. Never use gasoline, lighter fluid, or any similar combustible to start a wood fire; scrap newspaper and kindling are the best ways to start a fire but many stores sell fire-starter logs for under ten dollars. If your fire pit uses natural gas or propane always check the valves and hoses before starting the fire. Be sure to turn off all gas sources after you’re done using the fire pit.

Location

It’s important that you set up your fire pit in accordance with local and state laws as well as within the requirements of your homeowner’s insurance policy. It’s recommended that a fire pit be a minimum ten feet away from any building. In Florida, state law requires that any fire be a minimum of twenty-five feet away from brush or trees. Further, fire pits should not be placed under any covering such as a tent or lenai.

Enjoyment

Make sure all children and pets are supervised by an adult at all times around any fire. Flames should be no more than a foot high. If winds are stronger than 10 mph consider extinguishing the fire. Keep a safe distance, about four feet, away from the fire at all times. A fire extinguisher rated for wood or liquids (depending on your type of fire) should be readily available at all times.

A fire pit can warm up any backyard area and be a safe way to enjoy another area of your home year round.

 

Fall Home Maintenance

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Changing seasons is a perfect time to inspect your home and address some of its larger maintenance needs.  Don’t stress though all of the items listed below are ones that you can take care of yourself in just a few hours during the weekend and tools you already have in your possession.

Roof.  Find a sturdy ladder and climb up on your roof to give it a good inspection. You want to make sure there are no loose or broken shingles, if there are replace them.  Check the chalking around the chimney and vents; any dry, cracked, or missing chalk should be replaced.  Check to make sure the screen over your chimney is secure and if you don’t have one get one immediately to prevent small animals from making a home out of your home.

Gutters.  While you’re on the roof, give your gutters a once over.  Remove any leaves or debris. That build up over the winter can prevent rain water from draining properly.  Make sure your gutters are also secured.  If you’re feeling ambitious, you can install gutter guards to help keep the debris out.  You can find gutter guards at your local hardware store.

Landscaping. Remove any debris and dead plants from your flower beds and yard. Rake leaves from your yard and dispose of them according to your local government’s laws. Inspect remaining plants, flowers, bushes,Autumn flower bed and trees for signs of disease or severe damage. Trim back bushes and trees. Add new mulch to your flower beds and around trees. Add new plants that are currently in season and plant perennials.

Windows.  Take a look at your windows from both inside and outside.  Repair any tears in the screens and replace any weather stripping that is dry rotted, broken, or missing.  Make sure your windows open and close smoothly and the locks are in working order.  Properly secure any shutters.

Paint. Take a walk around your home and look for any peeling paint or stains.  For peeling paint, sand the area and repaint, two coats should be more than enough.  For stains first try a solution of warm water and dish soap and scrub the affected area with a scrub brush.  If that doesn’t work or the area is too big, try pressure washing.  If all else fails you can repaint the area.  If you’ve been putting off painting the exterior, the cooler fall weather is the perfect time to do it.

Fire and Carbon monoxide Safety.  You should test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every month.  Smoke detectorTake the time at least twice a year to clean the units using the crevice attachment on your vacuum cleaner and replace the batteries, even if the detector is hardwired.  Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors save lives.

 

All of these projects take very little time and money to complete but will keep you and your family safe and your home running as efficiently as possible throughout the winter months.