You can enjoy your indoor barbeque room for many years to come as long as you keep it well-maintained and address any potential problems as soon as they arise.
Read on to find out how to keep yours in tip-top shape.
Keep your hut treated
You should ensure your hut has been treated with a premium timber treatment as soon as you can after purchase.
Your hut should be treated on an annual basis after the initial treatment to ensure longevity, but huts in wetter areas or those standing in direct sunlight, wind or rain may require reapplication of treatment more frequently.
Staining your hut will help prevent moisture and damage from ultraviolet light. Even when treated, wood will still naturally change appearance slightly over time, but this is nothing to worry about; cracks will occur as the wood moves, and gradual changes in colour tone are normal.
Make sure to regularly reapply seals to doors and windows to out moisture and draughts.
Structural checks
Ensure you perform routine structural checks that include inspection of the foundations, windows and doors. Uneven floors and doors and windows that cannot be closed or opened properly should be fixed to avoid the elements getting inside to cause damage, and securing them will help increase security.
Stable foundations are essential to a secure hut. The wooden structure of an open barbeque hut should be kept clean to maintain hygiene in the cooking space and to deter pests that could cause structural damage.
Maintaining the roof
Check the roof and ceiling for any issues that might prevent easy ventilation of smoke or strong smells. Replace any loose or damage shingles you find as soon as possible.
Buildups of moss and other debris should also be removed immediately as these will retain moisture and could lead to rot. In the colder months, check for snow build-up on the roof and remove as soon as possible to prevent structural damage.
Maintain locks and hinges
Invest in decent locks and make sure that they are oiled at least once a year to ensure mobility and to combat rusting. If your BBQ hut is closer to the coast, hinges may require more frequent treatment.
Check for moisture
Moisture can cause damp which, in turn, can cause mould, so it is imperative to identify and treat any build-up as soon as possible.
By regularly inspecting any wooden boards for discoloration or dampness to the touch, you can eliminate the problem and keep your BBQ hut comfortable and hygienic. Consider investing in a dehumidifier, as these can help keep humidity levels down, especially during wetter periods. Airing out the hut and regular use of the fire will help keep dampness at bay.
Electricals and plumbing
To ensure you get the best out of your barbeque hut and maintain safety and cleanliness, you must ensure any electrical or plumbing components are inspected on a regular basis. Electricals should be kept up to code, and be sure not to overload any circuits.
Safety first
Familiarise yourself with the layout so you know which surfaces will come into contact with flames. Make sure not to leave anything flammable in a position where it could get too hot and cause a hazard.
Make sure to take care of children and anyone else in the vicinity of the grill whilst cooking. Be aware of any sharp edges attached to the grill, and keep cooking utensils such as knives, prongs and skewers out of reach.
Ensure fire safety equipment is up to standard and that all visitors and guests understand how to use them properly in the event of an emergency. It can be a good idea to install CO2 monitors and smoke alarms and conduct regular tests to ensure efficiency.
Keep fuel and fire-starting equipment somewhere safe, and clean the grill regularly to avoid potentially flammable build-ups of fat and grease.
It’s also recommended to maintain a well-stocked and up to date first-aid kit and keep it readily available. Any tools should be kept in good working condition and any damaged, worn-out or otherwise defective items should be replaced to ensure effectiveness and safety.
Enjoy your BBQ hut!
Following our handy guide will make sure you get the best out of your barbeque hut throughout the seasons and over the years. If you would like more personalised advice, the team at Logspan can provide you with the most up to date information on our range of barbeque huts and log cabins as well as offer guidance on maintenance. Visit us today to find out more.