Will a portable fire pit damage concrete? The primary function of a mobile fire pit is to generate heat for nearby people. It is more convenient and safer to use, providing warmth and protection from the elements. A portable fire pit allows you to move around with it, especially if you love the outdoors.
You bring it along when camping. You can also use a fire pit to prepare marshmallows during regular days. However, it is understandable to be concerned that your portable fire pit could damage the concrete patio? Concrete can be pretty expensive to maintain or replace if damaged. So, let’s help you get the answers before you make that purchase.
Will a Portable Fire Pit Damage Concrete?
Many portable fire pits are surprisingly safe. Though concrete isn’t flammable, it can catch fire when subjected to extreme heat.
Both permanent and portable fire pits can potentially cause your concrete to expand or crack. However, because concrete is entirely composed of non-combustible elements, it’s the ideal base for fire pits. When exposed to extreme heat, concrete expands, resulting in cracking.
Most propane and wood-burning fire pits feature a wrought-iron, steel, or copper bottom that transmits heat and ignites anything beneath them. Apart from destroying concrete, fire pits will also destroy any wooden decking, lawn grass, or asphalt surface beneath it.
Avoid utilizing it in these regions if there is no adequate system to prevent heat from reaching beneath-surface materials. When constructing a brick and brick fire pit, make sure nothing nearby can catch fire. When sparks, embers, or hot ash escape from the fire pit and rest on combustible things, they can also start a fire.
Luckily, you can do something to protect your concrete surfaces against the heat from the fire pit. The following methods can help you prevent fire damage to the concrete or your entire outdoor area:
Heat Proof Pads/Mats
Placing a heat-resistant mat or cushion beneath an elevated fire pit significantly reduces the risk of heat damaging the concrete and wooden deck. Fire-resistant carpets for flame pits are designed to withstand extreme heat and fire. In addition, the mats are often portable and straightforward, making them ideal for any outdoor purpose.
Additionally, heat-resistant mats gather ash and other debris, making it simple to clean your patio. One advantage of above-ground fire pits is their portability and ability to shield your surfaces from damage caused by heat.
The Ember Mat is designed to stop popping embers or dripping grease from damaging the area around your fire pit or grill.
Fire Pits Protective Screens
Firepit sparks could potentially start a fire if they contact flammable things like fabric, dry leaves, or grass. Spark screens for fire pits are critical for preventing sparks, embers, and ash from escaping the pit and harming your family, friends, or pets.
The first step toward safely enjoying your outdoor fire is to use a fire pit spark screen. However, they are regulated by law in the majority of local towns as a means of preventing fire threats. It is illegal to use uncovered fire pits in such cities.
Fire Pit screens are available in a variety of shapes and styles. Typically, we see a lift-off semicircular dome-shaped fire pit with a wire mesh top and a handle. Additionally, hinged pits spark screens contain two hinged doors at the front that you can fold to tend to your fire.
The pivoting fire pit spark screen opens on both ends when you want to access the fire. Finally, there are square fire pits screens that fit exclusively on square fire pits. In addition, they have a hinged door at the front panel that allows access to the fire.
This metal fire pit spark screen is 7.5 inches tall and 36 inches in diameter making it the ideal size to place on your fire pit for protection from flying ash and embers.
Because fire pits are available in various forms and sizes, you should contact a local hardware store to customize your fire pit spark screen.
Keep an Eye on the Fire Pit When Using
To further decrease fire pit risks, sweep up dry leaves and remove flammable fabrics and other objects from the area around your fire pit. Additionally, never leave your fire pit unsupervised or unattended overnight when sleeping. Keep an eye out for any danger and be prepared to extinguish flames if anything terrible happens.
Despite all of the above, portable fire pits can come in handy. Below are some of the benefits of having a portable outdoor fire pit:
- Portable fire pits are ideal for any patio or garden. Luckily, there are numerous types of portable fire pits with varying designs to choose from. These include simple basin structures, straight edge stone structures, and neatly cut fire pits.
- Compared to a regular wood fire pit, starting a fire in your portable pit in the backyard is a breeze. In addition, portable fire pits are easily transportable. If you think of renovating your home or moving in the future, you should get a portable outdoor fire pit.
- If you like a smokeless fire pit, a propane fire pit is one of the best fire pit alternatives. Additionally, you can utilize it in locations where burning wood is not allowed. A propane fire pit is exceptionally safe, and the setup process is also quite simple. However, you must periodically check the propane level. If you want to enhance the aesthetics of your propane fire pit, you can conceal the propane tank using a modern tank cover.
A portable fire pit can damage concrete over time due to the high heat it generates. Taking the necessary precautions before purchasing or constructing fire pits is best to avoid substantial damage. There are numerous types of fire pits, each with a unique method of operation.
If you enjoy the natural popping and cracking noises of wood-burning fire pits, you will need wood-burning pits. Prepare to deal with smoke, ash, and debris. If you do not have the time to light a fire and prefer quiet flames, propane and natural gas-fueled fire pits are ideal.
While natural gas and propane fire pits release carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, they don’t produce the smoke, ash, or debris common with wood burning. Fire carries significant risks, which you should always minimize.
Maintain fire safety standards by installing thermal barriers beneath fire pits and covering burning fire pits with spark screens to prevent embers or sparks from flying out from the pit.
Produces a larger flame, more heat & longer burn times. Be captivated by the mesmerizing flames while adding a warm glow to your patio, campsite, or outdoor adventure.
Will a Portable Fire Pit Damage Concrete: FAQs
Question: How do I protect my concrete under a fire pit?
Answer: To protect the concrete beneath your fire pit from harm, you can use pit mats, fire rings, or heat shields. The good thing is that concrete will not catch fire in the same way a hardwood deck might. Concrete is entirely inflammable. The problem is that certain elements in concrete expand when exposed to high heat.
Question: Will a portable fire pit damage pavers?
Answer: Patio pavers are pretty safe to use around fire pits. However, heat could discolor patio pavers depending on the material utilized. If staining is a concern, use a fire pit mat that can withstand high temperatures from the fire pit.
Question: Can you burn wood in a concrete fire pit?
Answer: When burning wood, it is worth considering whether your pit is concrete. When wood burns, it generates heat, which expands your concrete. This variation will eventually cause fractures since the concrete will develop minor fractures that cannot bend.
