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Taking Care of a Clay Chiminea Clay chimineas add a decorative and practical accent to any outdoor space. A chiminea, just like any other outdoor fireplace or fire pit, needs to be maintained with care in order to maintain its beauty. Once they've been glazed The clay chimineas become resistant to snow, rain and sudden temperature changes. They are not without risk and should be protected when not being used. How they're constructed Chimineas are a stunning and practical method of keeping warm around the fireplace. They are typically constructed from clay, but can also be made of metal or terra-cotta. They feature a chimney to let smoke into the air, and the bulbous shape allows a large fire to be set easily. They are able to retain heat well and are perfect to keep you warm all year round. Clay chimineas can be more fragile than metal counterparts, and they may break or crack because of sudden temperature changes or physical damage. To prevent this from happening, they must be treated with care and get regular maintenance. Mexican clay chimineas are a thriving business. Smaller factories still make use of kilns in a variety of sizes to make stunning outdoor fire pits. Kilns can accommodate up to a hundred or more chimineas and are then fired up to temperatures of 1000c. This process takes a couple of days and the result is that the clay will become rock-hard. Once this is done the clay is ready to use. Before you use your new chiminea, make sure it is dry. This will stop any moisture or water from absorbing into clay and causes cracks to form. Also, you should purchase a cover to protect your chiminea from rain or snow. It is also a good idea to not move your chiminea too much. Once you have found your permanent place in the garden it is recommended not to move it until needed as doing so can cause the clay to stretch and potentially crack over time. It is recommended to start off your chiminea with small fires initially rather than large ones. This will allow clay to become familiar with the heat in a gradual manner and prolong its life. This is referred to as “curing” or “seasoning” your chimenea. It is recommended to do this with all chimineas regardless of whether they're made of clay metal, terracotta, or. Function A clay chiminea is more than just an attractive garden ornament, it also works as an element for heating. It is shaped like the shape of a potbelly, with a large mouth at the front, and a high chimney on top to let smoke escape. A chiminea might not be as big as an outdoor fireplace, and it will not heat the entire room. However, it can create an intimate space for people to unwind in while the fire is burning. They are usually placed in patios or gardens as a central gathering place for families and friends to cook, socialize, and unwind. Chimineas come in a wide range of sizes and styles to match any style or landscape. They are usually crafted from natural materials like clay, cast iron or terracotta, and can also have metal components that are coated to avoid rusting. There are some newer models made of metals such as aluminum that heat faster and can be painted to match the house or landscape. Clay and terracotta chimineas tend to be less robust than metal ones and can crack or break if the temperature inside is too high or if they are not set on a solid base that prevents them from touching the ground. Terracotta and clay are more flammable than metal, and should not be placed 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 a layer of sand or gravel on the base of the chiminea to shield it from the extreme heat created by wood burning. It is also a good idea to build the first fire in the chiminea with small pieces of burning material to avoid cracking 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 also makes chimineas more efficient than traditional fire pits when the weather is windy as the bowl and chimney will help to control the movement of the smoke. Maintenance Chiminesas are a wonderful addition to any backyard. They are not just beautiful art pieces by themselves but the flickering flames can be captivating and create a warm ambience that is ideal for family dinners, entertaining friends or just sitting around the fire in the evening. Chimineas, just like any outdoor fire pit or fireplace require some maintenance to ensure safety and functionality. If you have an chiminea made of clay it is essential to regularly clean it to avoid cracking. You will first want to get rid of any debris or ash from the inside. You can do this using a brush or a wire-bristled scraper that can break up the clumps of ash as well as dirt. You will then want to clean the outside of the chimney using a paper towel or cloth and a mild cleaner such as white vinegar distilled. This will remove all the soot that has accumulated and prevent the chiminea becoming too greasy. Consider lining the chiminea to prevent it from catching fire. After you have removed the remains of the chiminea's ashes, you must allow it to cure before using it again. This can take between four and eight small fires. It is important to warm your chiminea slowly before lighting a fire. This will stop the clay from cracking when heated to high temperatures. To do this, place a few inches of sand into the bottom of the container and then build an fire using small pieces of wood. When the fire is gone then let the sand cool and then construct an even larger fire. Continue to build the fire, increasing the size of the fire each time until you get a hot flame. If your chiminea cracks it's a good idea to try to repair it yourself rather than calling an expert. It is essential that the crack on a clay chiminea not be large enough to be considered a damaged piece. It is also important to ensure that the crack is not enclosed by any paint since this will fall off when heated. Safety You should treat your clay chimineas with care. They are susceptible to breaking if not handled properly and may need to be resealed at times. They must also be placed on fire-proof surfaces to avoid damage. They should not be placed near patio roofs, eaves or any other type of cover that could catch fire. They should be placed in an area free of any trees or plants that are hanging over. It is essential to check the weather forecast before lighting an chimney. If exposed to extreme temperatures, the clay could crack or even break. Chimineas come in different styles and shapes. The traditional version has the shape of a potbelly, with a narrow fireplace as well as an open space in the front. The design permits it to burn in a safe manner even in rain without water smothering the flames. They are a natural choice for outdoor entertaining and also for heating patios. Metal chimineas last longer than clay models, but their surfaces can get very hot. These models aren't as safe to handle as clay or terracotta ones. LB's has a variety of options for clay Chimineas. Some are traditional in appearance and others sport more modern appearances that work well with any type of landscaping. Available in a variety of sizes, they can be used to house small and large wood-burning fireplaces. Some models can be used to cook. When purchasing chiminea large Fireplaces & Stoves make sure you choose the place where it will be placed – it's not something you want to move around! When not in use, it's recommended that you buy a cover. This will shield it from repeated exposure to moisture that could cause cracks or erosion of the clay over time. Be aware that adding water to a chiminea can cause it to crack. In the event of a fire going out, only use sand or another dry material to extinguish it.