is it safe to grill under a deck

The Dangers of a Grill on the Deck

• Fire Danger Using a grill on a wooden deck can lead to unwanted fires. ...
• Natural Dangers Some backyard decks are near trees, vines, branches and leaves that could easily catch fire if they brushed against the grill, flames or hot surface. ...
• Propane Leaks Propane-fueled grills can be dangerous on decks when the lines aren't properly threaded. ...
• Grill Pads ...

Full Answer

Is it safe to use a grill on a wood deck?

Residents must use caution when using propane-fueled grills on any surface, but concrete surfaces away from structures and trees are safer than wooden deck surfaces are. Charcoal grills and smokers pose an extra risk on decks because embers tend to fall out of ash pans and drop onto the wood decking below, often unnoticed.

Can You Grill on the outside of a house?

Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building). Grills can only be used on open first floor porches, decks or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level. Grills cannot be used on fire escapes.

What are the rules for grilling on a porch?

Grilling Safety Tips 1 Always grill outdoors. 2 Grills must be 10-feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer's instructions say it can be closer. ... 3 Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building). More items...

Can You Grill on a porch with an overhang?

Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building). Grills can only be used on open first floor porches, decks or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.

Can you use a grill under a deck?

Grill-maker Weber offers similar advice: "Always keep your grill at least 5 feet from any combustible materials, including your house, garage, deck rails and car. Never use a grill indoors or under a covered patio."

How far should grill be from deck?

Your grill—whether it's charcoal or gas—should be at least 10 feet away from deck railings and any structures, like your home, garage or sheds.

How do you protect a deck under a grill?

Grill Mats — Protect your deck from burning embers and stubborn grease stains by placing a grill mat under the pit. Look for a durable mat that is heavy enough to withstand wind and extends a few inches past the perimeter of your grill.

How much clearance do you need above a grill?

A minimum 60” [1524mm] clearance is required between the grilling surface and the overhead construction. When installed under combustible overhead construction, the area above the cooking surface of the grill must be covered with an exhaust hood.

Is it safe to have a gas grill on a wooden deck?

I have discovered grilling on a wooden deck can be done safely as long as you have a grilling mat placed under the grill and a fire extinguisher nearby. Even so, it is safer to grill either with propane or an electric grill than a wood or charcoal grill on a wooden deck.

Where should grill be placed in backyard?

Always place grills on a flat, clean surface away from any potentially flammable debris such as rubbish bins or mulch. The same goes for low-lying trees and hedges. Make sure there are no low-hanging branches in the vicinity of your BBQ.

How do I protect my wooden deck from BBQ?

Read on to discover a few top tips for preventing any damage to your wooden deck while grilling.1 Use a Grill Mat.2 Keep Your Grill Clean and Free of Grease.3 Keep Your Grill Away from Your Home.4 Have a Fire Extinguisher (and Baking Soda) Nearby.5 Be Mindful of the Weather.6 Use Two-Zone Indirect Cooking.More items...•

Is a grill mat necessary?

Your primary need is a mat that will soak those up. If you grill over hardwood or charcoal, the risk of hot coals dropping onto the deck below means you'll need to prioritize mats that are heatproof and flame-retardant.

Are grill mats worth it?

Grill mats are great for several reasons. Especially greasy foods in particular; cooking hamburgers on a grill mat is excellent as it keep the grease from falling to the coals, causing nasty flareups. It's also great for any food that could fall through the grill's grates.

Is it safe to grill on a screened-in porch?

A screened-in porch is a perfect spot to sit and enjoy a meal, but not as great for grilling because of the hazards it presents. Between fire and carbon monoxide concerns, grilling on a screened-in porch is not recommended.

Is it safe to grill under a pergola?

A grill can be placed under a pergola as long as there is an adequate flow of air and the hot air has room to cool. Grill manufacturers generally recommend having a 3-foot buffer from the grill to other objects.

Can you put grill Against house?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and many builders recommend placing your grill at least 10 feet away from any structure, including overhangs that are flammable, such as awnings. A less conservative recommendation is at least 3 feet away from a house, usually given by manufacturers.

Is it safe to have a propane grill on a deck?

Leaky propane is highly ignitable and can lead to fires and explosions, often setting wooden deck floorboards and railings on fire. Residents must use caution when using propane-fueled grills on any surface, but concrete surfaces away from structures and trees are safer than wooden deck surfaces are.

How far should propane grill be from house?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and many builders recommend placing your grill at least 10 feet away from any structure, including overhangs that are flammable, such as awnings. A less conservative recommendation is at least 3 feet away from a house, usually given by manufacturers.

How far should grill be from fence?

To err on the side of safety, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends that you keep your grill at least 10 feet away from any wooden fences, your house, or other similar objects. Of course, everyone doesn't have that much space available in their homes.

How far away should a grill be from vinyl siding?

10 feet awayVinyl or wood siding and grills do NOT mix. Fired-up grills must be placed at least 10 feet away from the house, or vinyl siding will melt (which also releases toxic gases). A close proximity to wood siding could easily lead to the wood catching on fire and burning (since that's what wood does).

Is a metal carport better than an awning?

A metal carport is very similar to a patio/awning setup, so the same rules apply here. You might not care as much about staining the ceiling of a carport though, so it’s an even better option than an awning. If the weather starts looking stormy, it can be a great place to post up and grill some burgers.

Can you grill under a tree?

Yes, you can grill under a tree as long as you follow the proper precautions. Make sure there are no dry leaves nearby or any low hanging branches that could catch fire. And still keep a fire extinguisher / spray bottle of water handy. You should be prepared to say goodbye to the grass underneath the grill, though.

Can a grill burn under an awning?

Flame-ups, sparks, and grease fires could also be a lot more damaging under an awning than open air. Uncontrolled grill fires are dangerous under any circumstances, but are exponentially more problematic with a structure overhead.

Can you use a grill pad on a deck?

Now, you’ll want to make sure you do all you can to reduce the likelihood of accidents. This includes heat damage or grease stains on the surface of your porch/deck. A grill pad can do wonders to keep your outdoor area clean and safe.

Can you grill on a screened porch?

You probably can grill on a screened-in porch with a propane grill, but you probably don’t want to. The burning gas could permanently stain your ceiling. Additionally, there may be local rules, regulations, and ordinances that prevent a grill from being used inside a screened-in porch.

Is it dangerous to have a grill fire?

Uncontrolled grill fires are dangerous under any circumstances, but are exponentially more problematic with a structure overhead. For that reason, you should keep an inspected fire extinguisher nearby, as well as a spray water bottle to handle flame-ups and sparks.

Is It Safe To Grill Under A Screened-In Porch?

Let’s get one thing out of the way first: You definitely don’t want to grill with charcoal in a screened-in porch.

Why do charcoal grills fall off the deck?

Charcoal grills and smokers pose an extra risk on decks because embers tend to fall out of ash pans and drop onto the wood decking below , often unnoticed. Hot chimney starters can be absentmindedly set down on a wood surface, or an errant hot coal might pop out when the starter is put away.

Can a tree catch fire on a deck?

Some backyard decks are near trees, vines, branches and leaves that could easily catch fire if they brushed against the grill, flames or hot surface. Even if you keep your yard well groomed, you can't control when a falling leaf or overhanging dry branch might land on or near the grill.

Can propane grills cause fires?

Propane Leaks. Propane-fueled grills can be dangerous on decks when the lines aren't properly threaded. Leaky propane is highly ignitable and can lead to fires and explosions, often setting wooden deck floorboards and railings on fire.

Is propane grilling dangerous?

Propane-fueled grills can be dangerous on decks when the lines aren't properly threaded. Leaky propane is highly ignitable and can lead to fires and explosions, often setting wooden deck floorboards and railings on fire. Residents must use caution when using propane-fueled grills on any surface, but concrete surfaces away from structures and trees are safer than wooden deck surfaces are.

Can you grill on a wooden deck?

Using a grill on a wooden deck can lead to unwanted fires. Sparks might ignite wood decking boards or railings. Windy conditions can increase the danger from stray sparks. If you grill on a wooden deck, have a fire extinguisher handy and keep your eyes on the grill and surrounding deck area at all times.

Is it dangerous to grill on a deck?

Outdoor grilling on a deck is a favorite pastime for many families and neighborhood gatherings, but it poses potential hazards. Decks aren't always well suited for grills and don't offer the protection and safety that other areas of a yard do.

1. Where to Place Your Gas Grill on a Wood Deck

Your first consideration is where to place your gas grill on a wood deck. Find a spot several feet away from the house; the farther, the better. Avoid setting it up under an eave or near trees and overhanging branches. Fire surrounded by too much wood is an accident waiting to happen.

2. Gas Grilling Safety Tips

Grilling is a favorite pastime, whether for steaks, hamburgers, chicken, seafood, or vegetable skewers. By following these gas grill on wood deck safety tips, you’ll ensure a safe and fun grilling experience for you and your guests every time.

3. Gas Grilling Dangers

Knowing specific dangers involved while gas grilling can help you stay prepared for the unexpected. Keep these three types of hazards in mind before, during, and after any grilling you do.

How far from the side of a building should a grill be?

Grills must be 10-feet from the side of a building unless the manufacturer's instructions say it can be closer. Make sure grills are not underneath overhanging branches. Grills cannot be used on a porch, balcony or deck with a roof, overhang or wall (other than the exterior of the building).

How to fix a propane grill?

Check the tubes to the burners for blockages resulting from insect nests or from grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to clear blockages. Clean the grease trap every time you grill. Take tanks and grills that need repair to a propane dealer or a qualified appliance repair person.

How to check for leaks in gas grill?

Detect leaks by dabbing the connections with a solution of soapy water and turning on the gas momentarily. If bubbles occur, there is a leak that must be fixed before the grill is used. Do not use matches or lighters to check for leaks.

Can you smoke propane?

Do not smoke while handling a propane cylinder. Store propane cylinders upright in an outdoor, shaded area; do not leave cylinders in a vehicle; cylinders should not be used, stored, or transported where they can be exposed to high temperatures.

Can a grill go bad?

But when grills are not used safely, things can go horri bly wrong. Every year, fire departments respond to hundreds of fires involving grills, hibachis, and barbecues. These fires cause injuries and property damage. For safe grilling, always follow your owner's manual and practice the safety tips provided here.

Can you use kerosene on a charcoal grill?

Charcoal Grill Safety. Use only charcoal starter fluid. Gasoline and kerosene should not be used to start a fire in a grill. Never add lighter fluid to burning briquettes or hot coals. Doing so may cause a flash fire and result in serious burn injuries.

Can you grill on a first floor porch?

Grills can only be used on open first floor porches, decks or patios if there is an outdoor stairway to the ground, or the porch is at ground level.

What is the easiest way to grill?

Pellet grills are probably the easiest way to grill, smoke, and cook food. You don't need to be a pitmaster to prepare tasty meals on a pellet grill - just turn it on, fill the hopper, throw some... Continue Reading.

How to smoke meat on a pellet grill?

Pellet grills are one of the most convenient ways to smoke meats and vegetables. Simply toss your food onto the pellet grill, check on it every few hours, and wait until the food goes from bland to smoky bliss.

How much clearance do you need for a pellet grill?

Pellet grills and smokers also need at least 40 inches of vertical clearance so that the hot smoke can cool before hitting any ceiling or flammable item. Consult with the smoker or pellet grills owner manual to make sure there is enough clearance.

Where do I put a Traeger pellet grill?

For example, I place my traeger pellet grills near the railing underneath my covered porch. This way the exhaust vents on the back are pointed outside and away from my door and covered ceiling.

Can you get grease off a wood deck?

Make sure to capture any grease or oil from the pellet grill or smoker so the wood deck does not get stained or ruined. Most pellet grills and smokers have grease slides, buckets, or traps so make sure it’s empty before using the smoker. Removing grease or oil stains from a wood deck can be a huge pain depending on the wood color and ...

Do pellet grills need a ceiling clearance?

Ceiling Clearance For Pellet Grills Or Smokers. Pellet grills and smokers need a certain amount of distance or ceiling clearance so that the smoke does not ignite the ceiling. Check with your owners manual to make sure you are allowing the proper distance for your smoker or pellet grill since some smokers produce higher smoke heat ...

Can you use a smoker in a garage?

The only exception to not using a smoker in a garage or indoors is when the smoker is rated for indoor use such as electric smokers. However, this article will focus on charcoal and wood grills and smokers. So similar to using a regular BBQ grill, pellet grills and smokers should only be used where there is good airflow circulation to blow ...

Is It Safe to Grill Under A Screened-In porch?

Is It Safe to Grill Under An Awning?

• An awning above dirt or concrete is a bit of a different story. Air flows much better without the restriction of the screen. This means you may be able to get by grilling (even with charcoal) underneath an awning as long as you have proper clearance (9+ feet). However, even though you can, extreme care should still be taken. Similar to a screened i...

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