Summer Maintenance: How to Stop Your Fireplace Rusting in the Off-Season

Melbourne summers are long with great warm, dry weather. For indoor fireplace owners, this ‘off-season’ is the perfect time to do some maintenance to your fireplace or firepit, to make sure when the cold weather comes around again, you’re getting the best performance and heat possible.

You would be surprised how much damage winter moisture can do to your fireplace, with rust or moisture damage a real issue. At Jetmaster Heat & Glo, one of Melbourne’s most trusted fireplace stores, we know that great fireplaces deserve great care, all year round.

This guide is going to help you understand what you need to do during summer to keep your indoor or outdoor fireplace, and your firepit, looking and performing at its best next winter.

Taking Care of Your Indoor Fireplace

Some people have good old wood burning fireplaces, others have clean and efficient gas fireplaces. Maintaining both styles of fireplace is important.

For wood burning heaters you have a few more specialised tasks when it comes to cleaning and maintaining it:

• Professional Cleaner. Wood burning fireplaces have a chimney to let the smoke out of the house. This collects ash and soot and needs to be cleaned regularly. You also want to check the chimney for structural issues and sometimes to see if birds haven’t started nesting in it.
• Firebox Cleaning. Clean and remove old ash and debris from the firebox. Too much ash can trap and hold moisture which can lead to mould or odours during summer.
• Inspect Dampers and Gaskets. Check that the damper can open and shut easily and inspect the door gasket for wear and tear. You want a tight seal with your door gasket.
• Clean the Glass. If your fireplace has glass, clean it with a specialised fireplace glass cleaner to remove soot.
• Check for Damage. Check inside for any cracks or listen for any whistling sounds that may indicate wind is leaking in. This could be a worn gasket. Outside, check for any cracks in the masonry. If you can, get a chimney cap to stop weather and animals getting into your fireplace.

If you have a gas burning heater in your home, there are fewer checks to perform, but they are just as important:

• Clean and Inspect. Wipe down the glass and remove any dust from the firebox.
• Check Components. Clear any air tubes and check for any spots of rust.
• Professional Service. You need your gas fireplace serviced at least every two years. This checks for any leaks that you can’t smell, and ensures continuing proper operation.

In both cases, if you have a wood burning heater or a gas heater, you should always have a working smoke and carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.

And you should always keep your chimney dry and all facets of your heating unit dry, to prevent any humidity-related issues from happening.

Maintenance for your Outdoor Fireplace

Some people have gorgeous outdoor entertaining areas, with a stunning outdoor fireplace as well. These fireplaces often need more maintenance than an indoor fireplace due to the weather and debris that can blow in on the winds.

For both wood and gas fireplaces, the cleaning and maintenance is very similar:

• Remove Debris. Clean out any old ash, leaves and debris from the firebox to prevent any moisture buildup and rust.
• Inspect the Fireplace Structure. Check the masonry for any cracks or damaged brick. Check to make sure the flue is free from any blockages like debris or bird nests.
• Clean all Surfaces. Use a specialised cleaner to wipe down and clean all external surfaces and any glasswork.
• Oil Components. Check any hinges or dampers that need oiling to prevent rust.
• Touch up Rust. If you do find any rust, use a rust-neutraliser or a high-heat paint to touch up the area to make it look good as new.
• Clean Burners. Clean the burner ports to remove spider webs and other debris. This helps ensure a clean ignition and burn.
• Check Connections. Many outdoor fireplaces self-ignite at the touch of a button. You want to check those connections to ensure no gas leaks, and that the vents are clear.

When not in use, you can put a cover over your outdoor fireplace or fire pit to protect it from summer rain, humidity and from leaves and sticks getting in.

It’s also a good idea to get a professional inspection every couple of years to check structural integrity, and for gas units, to check there are no major gas leaks.

Looking After Your Fire Pit

A great place to sit and spend time with friends, a fire pit is perfect for cold winter nights. It’s almost like sitting around a campfire and regaling each other with stories. Just like indoor fireplaces and outdoor fireplaces, your fire pit needs regular maintenance to keep it providing warmth for many years to come.

• Regular Cleaning. Don’t let it sit between uses. You need to remove cold ashes as they can attract moisture which can lead to rust. Use a wire brush to scrape off any debris and a damp cloth to wipe away the rest of the dirt.
• Rust Prevention. Inspect your fire pit for any rust spots. Treat these spots with a high-temperature rust-inhibiting paint. If you own a cast iron fire pit, then you can apply a thin layer of cooking oil to protect it from rust.
• Protect it from the Elements. Use a breathable, waterproof cover to protect against wind and rain during the summer months, or when not in use. This also stops debris from blowing in.
• Check for Leaks. If you’re using a gas fire pit, check for gas leaks in the same way you do for a BBQ. Use soapy water along the lines and connections. If the solution bubbles, there is a leak.
• Stable Ground. For both gas-burning and wood burning fire pits, make sure the ground they’re on is flat and stable. This stops embers from falling out and causing spot fires.
• Avoid Water. Don’t pour water directly onto a fire pit when you’ve finished. The sudden change in temperature may warp or crack your unit.
• Storage. During periods of non-use, store your fire pit in a dry, covered area.
• Safety. Keep a fire extinguisher or sand, or a bucket of water or hose nearby, just in case something other than the fire pit catches fire.

Jetmaster Heat & Glo are your first call for fireplaces in Melbourne. We understand how central to your comfortable family home a fireplace is, and we know how to keep them warm and friendly for years to come.

If you’re not sure of something with your fireplace, or it’s time for some regular maintenance, get in touch with use today. Visit one of our showrooms and see the range of fireplaces we have, and speak to the team about keeping your wood burning or gas-fuelled fireplaces burning bright and warm.