Grill Season Is in Full Swing. Is Your Backyard Safe?
Chelsea O'Donnell
By now, most of us have settled into the rhythm of summer. The grill is getting plenty of use, dinner is happening outside whenever the weather cooperates, and weekends are filled with family and friends. But since it’s been a month or two of regular grilling, now is a great time to take a quick look around your backyard and make sure everything is still in good shape. Here are a few things worth checking before you fire up the grill tonight.
Give Your Grill a Little More Space Than You Think It Needs
Every year we replace melted vinyl siding because a grill was sitting just a little too close to the house. People are often surprised to learn that it doesn’t take direct flames to cause damage. The heat coming off the grill alone can warp siding, discolor trim, and even damage nearby windows.
If possible, keep your grill at least ten feet away from your home, deck railings, fences, and anything overhead like awnings or low tree branches. A little extra distance can save you from a repair you never saw coming.
Your Grill Could Probably Use a Mid-Summer Cleaning
If you’ve been grilling a few nights a week since Memorial Day, your grill has earned a little attention.
Grease builds up faster than most people realize, and that’s one of the biggest causes of flare-ups. Spend a few minutes brushing the grates, emptying the grease tray, and cleaning out any debris underneath. Not only is it safer, but your food will cook more evenly too.
Take a Walk Around Your Deck or Patio
While you’re at it, give the area around your grill a quick once-over.
Look for loose deck boards, popped nails, wobbly railings, cracked steps, or anything else that doesn’t feel quite right. You’re carrying hot food, propane tanks, and serving trays back and forth all summer long. It’s much better to tighten a loose railing today than discover it when someone leans against it tomorrow, especially considering the storms we’ve had.
Give Your Propane Tank a Quick Check
Look over your propane hose for cracks or signs of wear, make sure the connections are tight, and if you ever smell gas, don’t light the grill until you’ve figured out why. A little dish soap mixed with water can help you spot a leak by creating bubbles around the connection.
Clear Out the Backyard Clutter
Summer has a funny way of filling up the patio.
Pool toys, bikes, sports equipment, gardening supplies, and coolers all seem to end up around the grill. Before you start cooking, clear away anything that could become a trip hazard or accidentally end up too close to the heat.
Don’t Forget to Look Up
Most people remember to check what’s behind the grill. Fewer people remember to check what’s above it.
Tree branches, patio umbrellas, string lights, pergolas, and roof overhangs can all be affected by the heat rising from your grill. A quick glance overhead before you start cooking is always worth it.
Keep Safety Within Reach
Hopefully you’ll never need it, but it’s always smart to have a fire extinguisher nearby and know exactly where your garden hose is. And as tempting as it is to run inside to answer the phone or grab another plate, try not to leave a lit grill unattended.
It only takes a moment for a small flare-up to become something much more serious.
A Few Minutes Now Can Save You a Lot Later
One thing we’ve learned over the years is that most expensive repairs don’t start with a major disaster. More often than not, they begin with a small issue that nobody noticed until it became a much bigger problem.
Taking ten minutes to look over your grill, deck, and backyard today can help keep your home safe, your family protected, and your summer focused on what really matters - good food, good company, and enjoying the season.
Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.