Can You Use Gas Fire Pit On A Screened In Porch?
I recently wanted to install a gas fire pit on my porch for those nights we like to spend outside enjoying the night sky. I worried about if I could install a gas fire pit as I had a screened-in porch. I contacted a friend who has been installing fire pits for a few years and asked if you could use a gas fire pit on a screened-in porch?
If you want to move your gas fire pit to your screened-in porch, there are a few measures you have to take to keep your screen from burning. These include measuring the porch size, suitable flooring, ensuring correct placement, ensuring proper ventilation, and ensuring the ceiling height is suitable.
After doing some additional research, I was ready to install a gas fire pit on my porch. I had to ensure I considered all the different factors, but with the help of my friend, the installation didn’t take too long, and it was a resounding success. I wanted to share the most helpful information in this post.
Can You Use A Gas Fire Pit On A Screened In Porch?
If you are considering installing a gas fire pit on a screened-in porch, you’re probably wondering if it’s a good idea or if it might be dangerous.
In short, you can use a fire pit on a screened-in porch, but there are certain considerations you will need to remember and steps you will need to take beforehand. Gas fire pits need to be installed far enough away from a pool, the house, and the walls to not compromise the home’s structural integrity or fence. In the next section, we will discuss this in more detail.
The Size Of Your Porch
Before installing your gas fire pit on your porch, you must read the instructions carefully. It should state how much space (square footage) the gas fire pit needs to have on your porch. Varied size fire pits require different minimum amounts of the square footage of space on the porch to be safe.
If nothing is stated in the instructions, then you need to contact the manufacturer; they will be able to give you the right square footage. In addition, you will need to check with your local county building codes on fire pits on porches. Not all counties have the same bylaws, so it’s best to ensure you follow the rules when installing the fire pit.
The Location Of The Fire Pit On The Porch
While it may seem the same as the size mentioned in the previous section, the location is vital. You must ensure your fire pit is far from the screens so they won’t catch fire. Also, install a fire pit far from low-hanging trees, branches, or other flammable material. Fire pits need a clear open space to be installed safely.
The fire pit should be three feet away from walls, screens, or windows. If you have a wooden porch, you must take extra preventive measures to keep the wood from catching fire. Using fire retardant rugs or hearth stones around the fire pit will help.
Your Fire Pit Needs Proper Ventilation
It’s important to ensure your fire pit has adequate ventilation to keep you and those around you safe. It’s because the smoke from a fire pit is dangerous to inhale; as the smoke builds up, it releases toxic gasses, such as carbon monoxide. There are also county regulations you need to follow in this regard.
So check with your local authorities for your ventilation requirements to have enough open space for proper airflow. You should also check with the manufacturers as the size of the fire pit will affect the amount of open space you need for proper ventilation.
The Height Of Your Porch Ceiling
If your porch ceiling is not high enough, the heat from the fire pit will cause extensive damage to the ceiling over time. If the damage is bad enough, it might lead to a fire, or your ceiling might unexpectedly collapse.
All fire pits have a minimum ceiling clearance according to the manufacturers and the local building codes in your county. So make sure your ceiling is high enough. We have more on fire pit and damage in our can fire pits cause damage to decks and patios article here and below. The Type Of Flooring Your Porch Has
The type of porch flooring will play a vital role when installing a fire pit. If you have wood, composite, or vinyl flooring, you will need to take precautionary measures. These flooring materials are combustible and will catch fire if you don’t take the right steps to make them safe for your family.
The type of flooring best suited for installing a gas fire pit is concrete, brick, and stone. As with the ceiling height, location, ventilation, and size, there are specific building codes that you need to follow.
These regulations are in place to ensure your fire pit has the right kind of flooring to accommodate a fire pit or that you take the necessary preventative measures to keep everyone safe.
Before you begin building your gas fire pit, you have to contact your local authorities, as some counties require an inspection of the fire pit site to be pre-approved before you can start the installation.
The Maintenance Involved
Installing a fire pit under a screened-in patio requires a certain level of maintenance to ensure your fire pit is safe to use and won’t cause fires. Some general guidelines include:
- Cleaning out any debris and dirt from the fire pit before starting a fire, or the debris might catch fire by sparking and spreading.
- Please don’t throw anything into the fire pit; it might catch fire and spread or exude toxic chemicals in the smoke when it burns.
- Never leave a fire pit unattended; always put it out if you are alone or done with it for the day.
- Turn the propane gas off when you are done, so even if someone tries to put it on, the gas being turned off means it won’t light up.
Conclusion
Having a gas fire pit on your porch is amazing for parties, family gatherings, or just relaxing with your favorite book, but you need to make sure if your porch is screened-in that your fire pit complies with the county regulation and the manufacturers’ instructions
Vital aspects like the ceiling height, floor type, ventilation, and the size of your patio all have certain building codes you need to look at.
References
- https://www.hunker.com/13424718/can-you-put-a-propane-fireplace-in-a-screened-in-porch
- https://www.quora.com/Is-it-safe-to-use-a-gas-fire-pit-in-a-screened-porch
- https://www.city-data.com/forum/house/3204147-propane-fire-pit-screened-porch.html
- https://www.woodlanddirect.com/is-it-safe-to-use-a-fire-pit-under-a-covered-patio.html
