Grilling brats, burgers and more on an outdoor deck is common. However, it’s important to remember to be safe when doing so! It’s always necessary to use caution when cooking, especially when it’s being done on outdoor decks. Below are some practical ways to stay safe when using a charcoal grill to heat up your favorite foods on your deck this summer:
Before You Start the Grill: Make sure the grill is a safe distance away from deck railings and at least two feet from outside walls of your home.
When Starting Your Charcoal Grill: Using a chimney starter on a low grate is a safe technique to light a charcoal grill. It’s important to be outside and next to the grill during this time to keep an eye on it. Once the charcoal is ready to pour, all you have to do is lift up the chimney and pour it onto the bottom grate. This helps minimize the risk of hot charcoal falling onto the deck.
When You’re Finished Grilling: Make sure to shut the top and bottom vents of your charcoal grill once you’re done grilling. This eliminates air flow to the charcoal briquettes, which should safely and effectively extinguish the charcoal. Cleaning the grate with a grill brush right after grilling is helpful, too.
After your grill has cooled down, check the ash pan and spray it with some water. This keeps your deck safe by removing the chance of any hot ashes getting blown onto your deck. A grill mat is another great product that will protect your deck from the heat of a grill.
Whether your deck is made of wood or a composite decking material, it’s important to keep these safety precautions in mind. UglyDeck.com wants to make sure that homeowners can safely enjoy their decks for years to come. If you do have damage to your deck from overzealous grilling, UglyDeck.com can provide a free quote on deck repairs or a full deck replacement.
