Care & Maintenance

Thank you for purchasing an American Fyre Designs exterior fire product! Your fireplace is designed for durability and requires minimal maintenance. Please review the following guidelines to ensure proper use and upkeep.

PLACEMENT

These fireplaces are free-standing exterior units and should only be used in well-ventilated areas. It is the buyer’s responsibility to ensure placement complies with local codes.

USAGE GUIDELINES

Do not use the fireplace in sub-freezing temperatures, as rapid temperature changes can cause damage. Excessive heat and high flames may also result in cracks to the exterior structure. In areas with freeze-thaw cycles, cover the fireplace to prevent water from accumulating inside, as freezing and thawing can cause damage.

FUEL SOURCE

These fireplaces are designed exclusively for gas as the fuel source. Using wood as fuel will void the warranty.

PLUMBING

All fireplaces are pre-plumbed for gas (hook-up and gas logs are not included). When setting up your unit, you will need to specify the location of the gas turn-on key (right or left side) and the gas source line (outback or underneath).

Cleaning

Since your fireplace is constructed from GFRC (glass fiber reinforced concrete), a durable concrete material with color cast throughout, it can be cleaned like any other concrete surface:

For Routine Cleaning:

Hose off the unit to remove dust and debris.

For Stubborn Stains or Before Re-Sealing:

Use a concrete cleaner like CLR, which is available at Home Depot, and a nylon scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue. Be sure to follow the instructions on the cleaner’s packaging.

Re-Sealing

Your fireplace comes pre-sealed from the factory with multiple coats of a penetrating, non-glossy concrete sealer. To maintain its appearance, re-sealing with a similar product is recommended every six months. Note that no sealer can fully protect against pollution or acid rain, which may cause staining.

For best results, follow these steps during cooler morning or evening temperatures:

  • Clean the entire fireplace with CLR as described above.
  • Allow the fireplace to dry completely.
  • Apply a masonry sealer evenly to the entire surface using a sponge or similar applicator.

Screen Maintenance

If your fireplace includes a screen, note that while it has been powder-coated for durability, it is still made of iron. To prevent rust:

Store the screen indoors during prolonged periods of moisture or inclement weather.

If rust spots appear, treat them with an exterior rust-proof flat-black paint to restore the finish.