Being able to heat your patio space during the colder months can allow you to enjoy some much needed outdoor time, especially during our latest lockdown. But can a patio heater be used under a roof safely? That really depends on the type of heater and the dimensions of your patio. In this article, we’ll explore whether or not it’s safe to heat your covered patio area.
What Patio Heaters Are Safe to Use Under a Roof?
It is safe as long as you are using the right type of heater and that the heater is given enough clearance. Natural gas and propane mushroom heaters use infrared heat technology to distribute heat. Since they push heat downward, they will be safer to use under a roof than using a heater that has an open flame. These types of heaters are often tall, so you’ll need to be aware of the clearance space that is required. For most brands, they can be used as long as there is a minimum of 2 feet of clearance space between the unit and the roof. To put this into perspective, if you have a heater that is 7 feet tall, you will need the roof to be at least 9 feet high.
Freestanding and portable heaters are also okay to use. These are typically powered by propane gas and need less than 3 feet of clearance room. If you need something a little more powerful than the standard portable one, you might want to consider installing a fixed box industrial electric infrared heater. Just remember to check the manufacturer’s recommendations first, as some brands require only half a foot of clearance space, while others need a full 2 feet to be considered safe.
Which Ones Are Not Safe?
Wood burning outdoor heaters are often the most affordable however, they give off plenty of smoke. This can cause stains and even damage if the flying embers reach the roof surface. The heat also rises up which can cause the shingles to become very hot, eventually resulting in warped or cracked shingles.
Are you considering installing a patio roof this year or have one that needs new materials? Contact us at Roofmaster today. We’d be happy to repair or install a beautiful patio roof so that you can enjoy spending more time outdoors any time of the year.
