Should I keep my gas fire pit covered when it's not in use?
Yes — cover your gas fire pit whenever it's idle. A fitted, breathable cover keeps rain, snow, leaves, pollen, and pooling water out of the burner and ignition, which is the single best thing you can do to prevent rust and hard-to-light problems in WNC's damp climate. Just wait until the pit is fully cool, and choose a cover that breathes so it doesn't trap condensation.
What a cover actually prevents
An uncovered pit collects everything our climate throws at it: rain and snowmelt that pool in the burner pan, pollen and oak leaves that pack into the burner ports, and the damp that rusts metal from the inside out. It also invites the same nuisance we fight indoors — spiders and insects nesting in the orifices over a warm off-season, which is exactly what makes a pit sputter or refuse to light next time. A cover shuts all of that out.
Pick the right cover, use it right
Not every cover helps. You want a fitted, weatherproof cover with some breathability or vents, so it sheds rain but doesn't trap condensation against the metal the way a sealed tarp does. Always let the pit cool completely before covering — a hot burner can scorch or melt the fabric. And even with a cover on, keep the burner-pan drain holes clear so any moisture that does get in has somewhere to go.
Especially at cabins and second homes
If your pit lives at a cabin that sits empty for weeks, or on an exposed ridge patio, covering it matters even more — long idle stretches are when rust and nesting really take hold. Cover it between visits, clear debris each time you're up, and you'll spend far less on burner and igniter service down the road. Questions about your setup? Call (828) 545-0525 or visit our Asheville showroom.
Related questions
- Why is my outdoor gas fire pit rusting so fast in WNC?
- How do I protect a fire pit or outdoor fireplace from rust in a humid climate?
- What fire pit materials hold up best in WNC humidity — stainless steel, copper, or painted steel?
- Can I use my gas fire pit year-round, even in WNC winters?
- How do I keep mice, birds, and other critters out of a cabin fireplace during the off-season?
- Do I need a permit to install a gas fireplace or gas insert in Western North Carolina?
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