Barbecue Grill | University Painters

exterior painting, home painters, paints Outdoor grilling is one of the best things about warm weather. Before you slap on the steaks, make sure the grill is ready to go. Here are five easy steps to make outdoor cooking a breeze.

1. Keep the grill at least 10 feet away from your house. Whether you use charcoal or gas, maintain a safe distance from any portion of your home that is flammable. Also avoid overhangs, awnings, pergolas, or other patio covering. Don’t grill inside a garage or under a carport, even if it’s raining. If you have vinyl siding, placing the grill too close to the house can permanently damage your siding and lead to costly repairs. If your home is painted, it can cause blistering and chipped paint.

2. Keep the grill clean. The grill should be cleaned after every use for health and safety reasons. The most important reason to keep the grill clean is to prevent grease fires or flare ups. Stuck on food attracts insects, which isn’t sanitary. Keep pets away from a grill, whether it’s on or off. Dogs especially may be attracted by dripping grease or morsels of food that drop around the grill.

3. Check for gas leaks. Maintain hoses to keep them from cracking and leaking gas. Be sure to check around the top of the propane container as well as the hose. Mix up a solution of dish soap and water and spread it on the fittings and hoses, then turn on the gas. If you see bubbles, fix the problem before you start using the grill.

4. Keep the area around the grill clear of overhanging branches, flower baskets or planters, and decorations. Anything hanging over or around a grill is a fire hazard.

5. Keep a fire extinguisher and spray bottle of water handy. It never hurts to plan. Use the spray bottle to put out any small flare ups. Make sure you know how to use the fire extinguisher BEFORE there’s a fire. It won’t help if you have to stop and read the directions while your house goes up in flames.

University Painters provide quality services to keep the interior and exterior of your home looking its best. Call us today for a free estimate or to learn more about our services. Have a safe and happy summer!

exterior painter,, home painters Do you love outdoor projects but don’t have a whole afternoon to devote to it? Consider one or two simple projects that require very little time but can change an unused corner of your yard into something special.

Vertical Gardens

If you don’t have the space, or the time, to invest in a large garden, you can still create a simple place to grow herbs or flowers that’s quick and easy. Repurpose indoor organizers such as canvas clothing or shoe organizers into unique planters for outdoor use. Hang them in an area that gets plenty of sun. Use inexpensive clay pots to create a multilevel planter. Turn some pots upside down to create tiers and top them with potted plants.

Banish Pesky Mosquitoes

If you have a favorite relaxation spot in your yard, but are plagued by mosquitoes, there are quick, eco-friendly ways to drive them out of your space. Citronella candles, either store bought or homemade ones, keep these pests away, provide lighting, and create a calming glow.

Not only will eating garlic keep insects at a distance, but so will a simple garlic spray that you can mix up at home. Your yard may smell like a garlic festival for the first 24 hours, but after that, you won’t smell it but mosquitoes will and they’ll steer clear.

Faux Pergola

You don’t have to be an expert carpenter to create a fun little pergola-style canopy. A drop cloth and four poles are all you need. Paint the poles a color that complements your home’s exterior. If you’re handy with a needle and thread, you could add a few yards of tulle fabric to each corner to create a curtain effect.

Mini Fire Pit

With a few simple tools and an unused grill you can create a place to roast marshmallows in the evening, for little or no money. Remove the legs from an unused circular grill, dig a hole the same size and shape as the grill, line the hole with stones, and voila, your own fire pit.

These quick and easy projects can improve your yard’s appearance and your enjoyment. University Painters is a great resource for your backyard transformation plans. Contact us today at 800-390-4848 for a free appointment or visit our website at universitypainters.com.

Commercial and Residential Painters

Grill Safety

Quick Changes To Your Outdoor Spaces

Vertical Gardens

Banish Pesky Mosquitoes

Faux Pergola

Mini Fire Pit