Outdoor Kiva Fireplace grate

Question

New house to me here in the mountains of CO. I have an outdoor Kiva that does not have a grate at the bottom. Thinking that may be helpful for airflow etc. But remember the shape of the Kiva is in itself very efficient. Any thoughts on adding a grate? And I keep getting some black soot on the outside of the fireplace.(see pic). Not sure if there is a good way to prevent that (I did use some poplar and pine scrap wood to start the oak wood) and how to clean that soot off of there?

Answer 1

The usual reason for smoke stains outside is failure to get the chimney hot enough to draw smoke. I'd also note the pictured fire is built right out to the screen, which would aggravate the issue if the chimney is not pulling strongly. If the chimney is relatively short (since it's outside) the draw will be less than a taller chimney, normally.

A stiff brush and water, or soapy water if just water won't move it is normal removal technique. I suppose you might be able to pressure-wash it if you are into powertools and can keep the pressure down to the point that it cleans the soot without tearing up the stucco, but a brush should do it and costs a lot less.

Lighting a big wad of newspaper up in the chimney is a typical technique to pre-warm the chimney somewhat. Some folks overdo that and start chimney fires, so take a reasonable approach to it. Keeping the fire well back inside until the chimney is throughly heated should also help, but total prevention of smoke stains at the arch is unlikely, short of not using it at all.

A grate does not appear to be normal or traditional. I suppose you could use one, or not, as you please. It will probably cause the wood to burn somewhat faster.