Placing your BBQ in the wrong place could set you back hundreds
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Whilst British summertime is leaving much to be desired this year, the odd sunny day is to be made the most of, and for many, that means a BBQ!
With some warm, dry days to look forward to and over 720K Google searches for ‘BBQ’ in the past month, Craig Wilson, Gardening expert at leading online garden retailer, Gardeners Dream has shared 5 common places homeowners should avoid positioning their BBQs.
Too close to windows, doors, facias and soffits
“If you have white or light-coloured windows and door frames or facias and soffits, placing your BBQ too close to any of these may lead to them turning black due to the soot within the smoke. Whilst it is normally wipeable, you may find that this soot stains the material in some cases. Another risk is from the heat, if placed too close, the heat can melt plastic or uPVC window and door frames, a costly error when the average uPVC door can range from £300 to £1000 to replace.”
“Avoid positioning your barbeque near these if you can, but if you are unable to, then ensure your BBQ is thoroughly cleaned before lighting, as the black soot usually comes from leftover food residue that is being burnt onto the grill.”
On decking
“Decking is most obviously a flammable surface, however, this is not the only reason you shouldn’t place a BBQ on it. Decking doesn’t tend to be a flat, smooth surface which means your BBQ runs the risk of wobbling or falling over. Whilst this could still cause a fire, it also poses a risk to the person cooking, it could burn them as it falls, or land on their feet causing injury. A risk not worth taking.”
“As obvious as this might be it’s important to make sure you clean up after using your BBQ to avoid any grease spills or other stains settling onto the decking boards.”
“If a decked area is your only option, then I’d recommend purchasing a couple of paving slabs to stand your BBQ on, on top of the patio to ensure that it is on a sturdy, level surface. For added protection, you could also install a grill mat beneath the barbecue to help reduce the chance of ashes, debris or excess grease damaging the decking.”
Not taking these precautions could end with you forking out hundreds for a new deck if it were to be burnt or ruined in some way. On average you’d be looking to pay around £80 per square metre for new decking, a price tag that can quickly add up depending on the size of your garden.”
Under gazebos or pergolas
“Even when the weather is nice, the weather in the UK is often not to be trusted. For this reason, some may be tempted to place their BBQs beneath pergolas, or shelter them with gazebos, both of which pose a couple of risks.”
“Pergolas, often built from wood can quickly become a fire hazard. Sparks or flames expelled from your barbeque could cause burn marks or set fire to your pergola. Gazebos are also highly flammable and for this reason, I would strongly discourage anyone from cooking beneath one. You can find gazebos made from non-flammable materials, however, if you take this route, choose one of a dark colour as the smoke from the BBQ would discolour any lighter materials.”
In the centre of your garden
“Placing your BBQ in the centre of your garden poses a risk due to the chances of it being run into or knocked over. If you have small children running around then, having a BBQ in the middle is a collision waiting to happen. Likewise, if you are having a gathering or a party, where there are many people, you run the risk of your BBQ being knocked over amongst the hustle and bustle of your guests.”
“Where possible, I would always recommend placing your BBQ at the edge of your garden to avoid any accidents and possible injuries!”
Close to woody plants
“Cooking in the garden always feels like such a treat, but whilst cooking amongst your garden greenery is idyllic, barbecuing too close could be a recipe for disaster.”
“BBQs release a lot of heat, which could be damaging to several plants and flowers, however, the real concern is your woody plants like trees, hedges or climbers such as wisteria. You should position your BBQ as much out of the way of these as possible to avoid them catching alight or being burnt by the heat and smoke.”
