What You Must Forget About Improving Your Ceramic Chiminea
The Basics of a Ceramic Chiminea
Clay is the most common material used in the making of chimineas. Think of terracotta pots, or red pottery. Clay is very strong and hard, but it can crack when handled improperly.
Clay is very absorbent, so it needs to be protected by sand and gravel at the bottom of the chiminea along with logs or kindling. This stops the clay from getting too hot and seals any hairline cracks.
Materials
The chimineas made of clay (also known as pot-bellied ovens) feature a chimney that sends smoke upwards. These types of chimneys are typically glazed to shield them from cracking and weathering due to abrupt temperature fluctuations. They are nevertheless susceptible to sunlight and rain. It is therefore essential to cover them when not in use, and to stop water puddles from developing within the clay.
The majority of chimineas clay are made from terracotta, however other materials like cast iron and steel are also readily available. Terracotta is an authentic Mexican-inspired design while cast iron and aluminum are sturdy alternatives that require less care than terracotta. Certain manufacturers offer modern designs which combine the beauty and durability of a clay-based chiminea.
Many people match their chimineas to flowering or evergreen plants. This creates a natural-looking look to complement the ambiance in their backyard. It is important to carefully choose the plant combinations but, as a Chiminea must be placed in a location that is free from structures that can catch fire. It is also important to make sure that the chiminea's location is on a fire-proof surface like brick, concrete or stone patios.
A chiminea is usually constructed by hand from high-fired clay, which might or may not be glazed. The potter is the person who molds the clay. They can employ an emulsion mold or a wheel of a potter. In either case, the clay is kneaded prior allowed to dry. Some of the newer clay chimineas have been pre-grogged. This is a compound that helps to resist thermal stress that can cause cracking in earthenware.
Other chimineas are made in metal molds which gives the chimineas a variety of design and shape to suit any backyard. Cast iron chimineas may be heavier than clay models however they are more robust and less likely to crack or break due to sudden temperature changes. Cast iron chimineas are cheaper than other types, and are available in gas-burning versions to give you more versatility.
Styles
A chiminea is a fireplace which can be decorated in various styles and materials. Terracotta chimineas are a classic style that has been in use for centuries, whereas metal chimineas are more durable and are able to withstand high temperatures. Many chimineas feature decorative patterns and designs that match the furniture for the patio. A rusty finish, for example can give your chiminea a vintage feel particularly if you pair it with iron or wood patio furniture.
Chimineas can be freestanding or hung on a patio that is made of stone, brick or concrete. No matter where you choose to place your chiminea ensure that it is protected from wind and away from explosive structures or plants. It is important to remember that chimineas release smoke and soot which can affect the air quality in the surrounding area.
Certain chimineas clay feature chimneys that open at the bottom of the structure, while others are square and point upwards. Both models include or lack an opening big enough to hold firewood. The chimneys on squat models are able to be formed to create an impressive appearance and also add visual appeal.
You can also add decorative features to the outside of your Chiminea such as marble, wrought iron, or granite. For a little extra flair, you might consider a ceramic or copper top. The shiny shine of these finishes help to reflect light from your fire and enhances the overall appearance of your chiminea.
A regular chiminea polish is a great option to protect your outdoor fire pit from harm and beautify it. Utilize olive oil, beeswax or other natural products to polish the surface for an elegant, glowing look. Apply a thin layer and rub gently. Rinse and dry your chiminea to get a sparkling look.
Chimineas require a lot maintenance, but with the right care and attention your creative outdoor chiminea will look stylish for a long time. With the help of practical decorating strategies and maintaining your chiminea, you will be able to enjoy it well into the colder months.
Safety
Although they are popular, chimineas can be risky if they're not handled correctly. Clay chimineas, particularly unglazed ones, are prone to cracking and breaking. They also pose a fire hazard when placed too close to other flammable materials, including your furniture, your home and the garden surrounding it. You should only use your chiminea outside and in an area surrounded by fire-proof material or secured.
Keep a fire extinguisher handy you and use it to put out small fires or hot coals that might occur while you are tending your flame. It is also an excellent idea to make use of a long lighter to light the fire and move coals around with tongs instead of using your hands. A bucket of water is a good thing to have near by in case the chiminea has to be extinguished. It is crucial not to use water to extinguish a chiminea that has been chilled down and to only add water after the fire has died down naturally or if a huge fire is at risk of bursting the chimney.
A simple spark arrestor, made of chicken wire and positioned in the top of the smokestack will protect your home and your neighbors from burns that could happen. Chimineas can also become extremely hot and the surrounding area. It is recommended to put up an unassuming wall to warn people not to step close enough to.
Never burn your chiminea during weather conditions that are windy or rainy. The sparks could cause a chimney to catch fire, which could cause damage to your home. Before using a chiminea outdoor check with the local fire department to confirm that there aren't any burn bans in effect. You should also clean the area around the chiminea before adding firewood, and ensure that there are no objects that could ignite nearby. It is also a good idea to clean the inside of your chiminea after each use in order to avoid ash accumulation that could lead to smoke inhalation and an ashy exterior.
Maintenance
Clay chimineas need some attention even when they are used to make outdoor fires. To ensure their longevity they should be treated the same as all clay products. It is important to not allow them to get too hot and allow them to cool between use. They should also be regularly sanded and sealed to keep the paint from becoming damaged.
It is essential to clean the ashes after each use of your chiminea, however, only after it has completely been cooled. It will remain warm, even though it appears to have cooled down, so use an ice breaker and a brush to clear away the ash. After you have carefully swept away the ash and disposed of the debris the next step will be to fill the bottom of the chiminea either gravel or sand. This is vital, as if you do not do this, the chiminea could crack. This is due to the fact that clay absorbs water and could crack if it gets too dry.
Some sources suggest sealing the outside of the chiminea with an acrylic waterproofing agent, similar to the ones used to seal tiles. This will help keep moisture from seeping into the chiminea and damaging it. It is recommended that the chiminea is sanded and resealed every 6 to 8 weeks during times of heavy use.
Chimineas should only be burned on bare, fire-safe surfaces. They should not be used on decking made of wood or on any other kind of overhead cover. Only using hardwood that is well-seasoned will decrease the amount of sparks and stop the clay from cracking.
A chiminea that is made of clay will not last for a long time. However it is extremely difficult to break unless you drop it or beat it with an extremely heavy Hammer. Cracks can develop for a variety of reasons, such as poor burning or the lack of proper maintenance. They also are prone to rust, which is why they should be covered when not in use. This will keep the rain and snow off of it, so that it doesn't start to corrode the metal components of the chiminea.
