Fire pits are actually quite cool to sit around. The coziness that they provide is unmatched by any other form of an outdoor fireplace or fire pit.
That said, it can be easy to forget just how hot a fire pit gets while you’re enjoying yourself! Luckily there are some precautions you can take to protect your patio from a fire pit heat. If you want to know how to do it, keep reading!
Many people worry about their concrete patio getting damaged from a firepit, and rightfully so. Fire pits put off extremely high temperatures, which, if left unchecked, could damage your concrete foundations and even compromise the structural integrity of your home!
So how do I protect my concrete patio from a fire pit? How can I prevent my concrete from cracking or spalling when exposed to heat?
These are all common questions homeowners have about their outdoor living spaces. After all, they want them to last for years and be enjoyable for everyone.
This blog post will answer these questions and more!
Contents
- Will a Fire Pit Damage your Concrete Patio?
- How Do I Protect My Concrete Patio from a Fire Pit
- 1. Using an Above-Ground Fire Pit
- 2. Fire Proof Heat Pads and Mats
- 3. Build Pavers Between the Concrete and Fire Pit
- 4. Build your Fire Pit at least Thirty Inches above the Ground
- Frequently asked Questions: protect pavers from fire pit
- Will Pavers Explode In Fire?
- How Long Do Heat Pads and Mats Last?
- How High Should I Build My Concrete?
- Author
Will a Fire Pit Damage your Concrete Patio?
The short answer to the above question is “yes!” A fire pit can damage a concrete patio. How much it damages the concrete depends on many factors, including how long it has been since your last resealing or resurfacing!
The general consensus is that fire does not damage the concrete itself, but the heat that it emits can damage your patio foundations. Plus, cracks will begin to form if the concrete is exposed to heat over long periods.
These cracks are dangerous, as they allow water to seep in. You have probably already heard that concrete is porous, but did you know it only takes about 30 minutes for the surface of your patio to absorb enough water to cause damage?
How quickly this happens depends on the type of concrete you have and its thickness. Some types of concrete are more porous than others, which means it’s important to do your research when buying a fire pit for your patio.
How Do I Protect My Concrete Patio from a Fire Pit
There are several ways you can use on how to protect your concrete patio from a fire pit. They include:
1. Using an Above-Ground Fire Pit
This is the only way to go if you want your concrete patio to stay in pristine condition! Using an above-ground fire pit will protect your foundation from any damage. Plus, it’ll be easier for you to clean up after a party or gathering as well.
Just make sure there are at least six inches of clearance between the bottom of your firepit and the top surface of your concrete – that should keep everything safe and sound. You can also use rocks around the edges instead of sand, which looks more aesthetically pleasing than plain old dirt!
Also: Hanging patio heaters
2. Fire Proof Heat Pads and Mats
These products are great for protecting your concrete patio from fire pit heat. How do they work? It’s simple: you lay them down on top of the surface before placing the firepit over it, and then take it up once the party is done!
The mat will keep any high temps in check while also keeping your foundation protected. Plus, these mats provide an anti-slip surface which means you won’t have to worry about anyone getting hurt around a hot bonfire.
Newtex FirePad
Also read: Attaching a patio roof to an existing house roof
3. Build Pavers Between the Concrete and Fire Pit
Again, this is an excellent way to keep your concrete patio safe from any damage. If you have a wood-burning fire pit, then building pavers is definitely the way to go!
All you’ll need is a few pavers and some sand to put in between them. At the end of the day it’s up to you how much you want to spend on your fire pit and how much work you’re willing to do!
These blocks will work as an insulator and will prevent heat from penetrating the patio foundation. Plus, you can place them around your fire pit for an added touch of beauty!
4. Build your Fire Pit at least Thirty Inches above the Ground
This is a good rule of thumb to go by. Build your fire pit at least thirty inches above the ground if you want to safely protect your concrete patio from damage.
This will ensure that the fire won’t come into contact with it, and that there won’t be any accidents or injuries as well!
If you go this route, then make sure your fire pit is constructed from a heat-resistant material such as steel or cast iron. You don’t want to damage your patio surface under any circumstances!
Just remember – the taller the fire pit, the better off you’ll be.
Also read: How do you fix rough concrete patio?
Frequently asked Questions: protect pavers from fire pit
Will Pavers Explode In Fire?
Absolutely not. Unlike rocks, which can heat up and explode. Pavers are designed to handle high temperatures and will not explode when heated.
Plus, they provide an aesthetically pleasing look, which is perfect for those who don’t want the typical coal bed.
How Long Do Heat Pads and Mats Last?
Different types of mats are available in the market, depending on what kind of heat they can absorb. Most mats can last up to 4-5 hours, after which you’ll have to switch them off.
If you want a mat that lasts all night, then go for a ‘Max’ or ‘Ultra Heat Thermal Shielding’ mat, which can last up to 10-12 hours.
How High Should I Build My Concrete?
The best idea is to build the fire pit at least 12 inches above the concrete.
This way, it will be easier to clean, and you won’t have any problems with heat transferring from the bottom of the fire pit.
Thermal Insulated curtains for patio
Now you know everything there is to know about keeping your concrete patio safe from harm – including how do I protect my concrete patio from a fire pit!
It’s important to take action if you want your outdoor living space protected, but equally as important to make sure you don’t forget anything!
Otherwise, this could lead to serious problems with your foundation, which will cost you a lot of money to fix!
