Unplanned conversations in the driveway are probably something you and your neighbors miss. A firepit on a driveway allows residents to enjoy a fire in their driveway every weekend. Any home would look great with a fire pit.
There are many different types of fire pits, including pre-built choices and installations that the homeowner may do. For most homeowners, a fire pit has a location where guests can rest and enjoy the flames away from the house.
If they want to install a new fire pit, many homeowners worry if they may do so on a concrete driveway. Yes, a fire pit can be positioned on concrete, but there are factors to consider. The topic of how a fire pit will affect the concrete it is built on top of arises with this expanding popularity.
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Is Wood Burning Damaging For Concrete Driveway?
Let’s start with the potentially unsafe types of fire pits. Typically, copper is used for the bottom of wood-burning fire pits to conduct heat effectively. When people are gathered around it seeking warmth, this is excellent. It’s not ideal when it’s just six inches over your concrete patio.
The heat from an uncontrolled fire pit might cause your concrete patio to blow up. If you frequently use your outdoor fire pit, you might want to acquire a fire extinguisher.
Additionally, always keep it inspected and updated; you want to be sure it will function when needed. Concrete is poured and spread with little air bubbles trapped inside. This isn’t the result of carelessness; rather, it’s an unfortunate by-product of the trade.
Before the concrete hardens, it is physically impossible to get rid of every air bubble that could exist.
Things To Consider Before Adding A Fire Pit On A Driveway
Fire Pit Foundation
It can be the perfect location to install a fire pit if you already have a concrete surface on your property. You must remember that exposure to extreme heat might cause damage. A fire pit may need to be removed and the concrete repaired over time if there is significant damage if you intend to use the fire pit for many years.
On the good side, you won’t have to worry about the concrete catching fire, which is a huge perk.
Consider A Prefabricated Fire Pit
Building a large paver or stone fire pit for your home on smooth concrete surface risks damaging the concrete. To avoid causing damage to the concrete, use a fire pit with legs so you can lay it on the surface without hurting it.
Decorative fire pits are widely available at big retailers, and they serve a similar purpose and provide warmth to a DIY stone or paver fire pit. You won’t have to be concerned about the concrete slab splitting when you quickly put a fire pit on top of it.
You can designate a lovely area of your home as a meeting spot for friends and family to gather, enjoy cozy fireplaces, and even create smores.
Add Fire Pit Pads Before Putting It On Concrete
Heat-shielding fire pit pads provide safety. Install these heat-resistant accents between the fire pit and the patio’s concrete foundation to safeguard your patio. Volcanic rock allows them to quickly block the heat from reaching the opposite side.
Your patio will remain secure if you use them properly. A propane fire pit is highly advised because it doesn’t emit smoke or sparks and is simpler to put out.
Fire Pit Can Be Damaging For Asphalt Driveway
You should probably avoid placing a fire pit next to your patio area if it has asphalt. Because asphalt is made of petroleum, it has a real fire-starting potential. The fire brigade would probably need to get involved because oil fires are challenging.
Concrete patios are often not harmed by propane fire pits. However, most of the time, there aren’t any explosions since the flames don’t burn hot enough. One benefit of gas fire pits for safety is this. With more fuel, a wood-burning fire pit keeps getting hotter.
Permanent Firepit On A Concrete Driveway Is Not An Ideal Solution
Concrete will typically break over time if a permanent fire pit is present. As a result, that area’s concrete will require replacement every few years. Certain chemicals can be added to help stop concrete from splitting too soon.
As a barrier between your concrete and pit, you can also put some rock that is fire resistant. To learn about all of your installation alternatives, you should speak with a concrete expert before building your fire pit.
Whatever kind of fire pit you have, it’s crucial to use it with prudence. Fire is one of man’s innate fears, along with heights. Never handle a hot flame carelessly, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Bottom Line
Having flat concrete where you wish to place your fire pit is crucial. For safety purposes, you must guarantee that your fire pit is on a perfectly stable surface. Avoid placing the fire pit too close to your house or combustible objects.
Concrete won’t be harmed by ash, and it’s simple to remove using standard cleaning. Although setting up your fire pit on concrete is safe, excessive temperatures could cause cracking.
The easiest way to prevent substantial damage is by taking the proper precautions before buying or constructing a fire pit.
