We have a natural urge to make fire which dates back to the Stone Age, when we lived in caves and spent much of our time as hunter gatherers. Today, we like to get the barbecue out as soon as the sun breaks through the clouds, and in recent years the trend for fire pits and chimineas has enabled us to extend the summer evenings and stay out in the garden long after dark and when the air is much fresher.
Fire pits and chimineas come in all shapes and sizes and have become a hugely pleasurable addition to our garden furniture, as everyone loves to stay outside as long as possible in the summer months and the warmth and cosiness of the open flames is intoxicating for family members of all ages. By design, fire pits and chimineas are meant to be slightly rustic and weathered, and their ‘much-used’ appearance is part of their charm, but there is a limit to this and looking after your fire pit or chiminea is essential, particularly when the weather turns.
How weather effects your fire pit or chiminea
Most people will leave their fire pit or chiminea to burn out slowly overnight when they go to bed, and then they can clean up the ashes in the morning. In an extended period of good weather, it is fine to then leave it out and uncovered, mostly because it will make it easier to use again. But if the weather turns for a period, which, let’s face it, is not uncommon in the UK, or at the end of the summer months when sitting outside is much less likely, you should start to protect your fire pit or chiminea more often.
Fire pits are usually made from steel or cast iron, while chimineas tend to be made from fired clay, and in particular terracotta. Of course these are designed to be strong and durable but they are not completely weather-resistant:
- Rain – Metal fire pits will start to rust and corrode if not protected from moisture exposure, while a clay chiminea will absorb moisture, which can lead to cracking over time.
- Cold – A clay chiminea could start to crack if exposed to frost and freezing temperatures. Frost will also contribute to rust on a metal fire pit.
- Sun – Prolonged UV exposure can fade material colour and may start to degrade the quality of the material over time.
Protecting your garden fire pit and chiminea in bad weather
So, while the appearance of a fire pit or chiminea is not too important and adds to its character, there is a difference between leaving this kind of item to be naturally weathered in the summer, and being negligent in not protecting it. In periods of bad weather over summer when you are definitely not going to use it, and at the end of summer when you are wrapping up all your garden furniture for the winter, you should also protect your fire pit or chiminea.
At Bags & Covers Direct we have a wide range of standard covers for your fire pit or chiminea, including round, square and upright covers. Plus you can get an instant price for a made-to-measure cover if you can’t find the right size. Our covers can be a:
- Premium strong quality outdoor waterproof 500 denier polyester fabric
- Deluxe stronger quality outdoor waterproof and breathable UV stabilised 750 denier polyester fabric
You can choose the quality you need based on your location, where the item will be stored and how badly exposed it could be. All our covers come with sealed seams, eyelets, a draw cord and a cord lock for securing the cover and ensuring protection in high winds. We also supply covers for log burners and cooking pits.
Order your fire pit or chiminea cover online today
So check out our range of fire pit and chiminea covers at Bags & Covers Direct and order online today. These are the ultimate style of cover to ensure you get the lifespan and durability from your fire pit or chiminea that you expected, and the value for money you need. Don’t make the mistake of assuming your fire pit or chiminea is completely weather resistant, and with a small investment you can be warming your cheeks, toasting marshmallows and keeping cosy into the small hours for many years to come.