Taking Care of a Clay Chiminea
Clay chimineas add a decorative and useful touch to any outdoor space. Chimineas, like any other outdoor fireplace or fire pit, must be maintained with care in order to preserve its beauty.
Once glazed, clay chimineas are somewhat resistant to rain, snow and sudden temperature changes. Still, they're not without risk and must be covered when not in use.
How they're made
Chimineas can be a beautiful and practical method to keep warm around a fireplace. They are made of clay, but can also be made from metal or terracotta. The chimney directs smoke into the air and their bulbous form makes it easy to light an enormous fire. They retain warmth well and are ideal for keeping warm all year. Clay chimineas are more fragile than their metal counterparts, and they can crack or break from sudden temperature changes or physical damage. They must be taken care of and given regular maintenance to stop this from happening.
Mexican clay chimineas remain a thriving business. Small factories still use ceramic kilns that come in a variety sizes to make stunning outdoor fire pits. Kilns can accommodate hundreds or more chimineas at once and they are fired up to temperatures of 1000c. This process takes a couple of days and the result is that the clay turns rock hard. After this is achieved the clay is now ready for use.
Before you use your new chiminea, make sure it is dry. This will stop any moisture or water from absorbing into the clay and causing cracking. It is also an excellent idea to purchase a cover for your chiminea to protect it from snow or rain that could potentially damage it. It is also a good idea to not move your chiminea too much. Once you have located its permanent home in the garden it is recommended not to move it around until needed as doing so could cause the clay to expand and potentially crack over time.
It is recommended to start off your chiminea using small fires at first rather than large clay chiminea ones. This will allow the clay to get accustomed to staggered heat and prolong its life. This is called "curing" or "seasoning" your chimenea. This should be done for all chimineas, regardless of whether they're made of clay, metal, or terracotta.
Function
A clay chiminea may be used to heat the house as well as an attractive garden ornament. It is designed like a potbelly stove, with a mouth at the front and a tall chimney on top to allow smoke to escape.
A chiminea may not be larger than an outdoor fireplace and won't warm the entire room, however it can provide an inviting atmosphere for people to gather while the fire is burning. They are often used in gardens and patios to create a central area for families and friends.
Chimineas can be found in a variety of styles and sizes to match the style and design of any yard. They are made from natural materials such as clay, cast aluminum chiminea iron, or terracotta. Metal components may be coated to prevent corrosion. Some models are made of aluminum and other metals, which heat up quicker and can be painted in a variety of colors to complement your landscape or home.
Chimineas made of clay and terracotta tend to be less robust than metal ones, and they can break or crack if temperature inside is too high or if they are not placed on a solid base that prevents them from touching the ground. Terracotta and clay are more hot than metal, so they shouldn't be used in areas where pets, children or other people may be playing or walking.
Most chimineas come with an empty base, on which the fuel can be placed before lighting. Add an additional layer of sand or gravel to the base of the chiminea to protect it from the intense heat generated by the burning of wood. It is also a good idea to build the first fire in the chiminea with paper and small pieces of firewood to prevent cracking of the clay.
The unique design lets smoke escape through the chimney at the top which keeps ash and flames away from the people who are sitting around. This feature makes chimineas better than traditional firepits during stormy weather because the bowl is able to control the smoke.
Maintenance
Chiminesas can be a great addition to your backyard. They're not just stunning pieces of art and their flickering flames create a warm atmosphere that is ideal for entertaining family and friends or simply relaxing by the fire in the summer. Chimineas, as with any outdoor fire pit or fireplace require some maintenance to keep them safe and functional.
It is essential to clean your clay chiminea on a regular basis to stop it from cracking. In the beginning, you'll need to remove any ash and debris from the inside of the chiminea. This can be done using a brush or wire-bristled scraper to loosen the clumps that are ash and dirt. The next step is to clean the exterior of the chiminea by using a paper towel or cloth and a gentle cleaner, such as distilled white vinegar. This will remove any built-up soot and stop the chiminea from becoming too greasy or sticky.
Consider lining the chiminea to prevent it from catching fire. After you have removed the fire ashes from the chiminea you must let it be cured before using it again. It can take between four and eight small fires.
Before you start an igniting fire, you need to heat your chiminea up slowly. This will stop the clay from cracking when heated to high temperatures. Put a few inches sand on the bottom of the container. start a fire using small pieces of wood. Once the fire is out, let the sand cool down and then build an even larger fire pit with chiminea. Keep going, gradually increasing the size of the fire each time until you have a good burning fire.
If your chiminea does crack it's a good idea to try to repair it yourself instead of calling in an expert. It is crucial that the crack in the chiminea made of clay is not large enough to be considered a damaged piece. It is also important to make sure that the crack isn't enclosed by any paint because this can fall off when heated up.
Safety
You must treat your clay chiminea with care. If handled improperly, they can become fragile and need to be resealed from time to intervals. They should also be put on fire-safe surfaces to prevent damage. They should not be used close to patio roofs, eaves or any other covering that might catch fire pits and chimineas. They should be positioned in a clear area that is free of overhanging trees or shrubs. It is crucial to verify the weather forecast prior to lighting a Chimenea. The clay may break or crack if exposed to extreme temperatures.
Chimineas are available in a range of styles and shapes however the classic one is designed in a potbelly stove shape with an elongated chimney and a mouth in the front. The design permits the flames to burn safely even in rainy weather, without the water extinguishing the flames. They are the ideal choice for patio heating and outdoor entertainment.
Metal chimineas Clay are more durable than clay ones however, they are more prone to corrosion and their surfaces become very hot. They are also not as safe to handle as clay or terra-cotta models.
There are a myriad of options for clay Chimineas. Some are made from traditional clay, while others are more modern and can be incorporated with any type of landscaping. Available in a range of sizes, they can be used to house small and large wood-burning fireplaces. Some models can also be used for cooking.
If you purchase a clay chiminea choose the location it will be in immediately - it is not something you'd like to move frequently. It is also recommended to purchase a cover for it when it's not in use. This will shield the clay from repeated exposures to moisture which can cause it to crack or even erode over time.
Remember that adding water to a chiminea could cause it crack. Only use sand or a dry material to extinguish the fire in the event that it burns out.