Why is there pitting in Supercast™?
As a result of the casting procedure, air becomes entrapped within the Supercast™ mix and on the surface of the molding material. Supercast™ uses a high cement to water mix ratio; this creates a very thick, dense composition making it difficult for trapped air to escape. Thorough processes are incorporated into the casting process in order to minimize the number of pits visible on a finished Supercast™ piece. Plasticizer additives are used in the Supercast™ composition in order to create a more fluid mixture without increasing the percentage of water, as water decreases the strength of the composition. Agitation of the piece is also performed during the process to allow trapped air to escape. While the composition and casting process is designed to allow air bubbles to escape, surface tension on the surfaces of the piece prevent a small percentage of smaller air pockets from releasing. The pitting is an inherent component of casting Supercast™. The presence of pitting does not compromise the durability or strength of the piece but adds to the distinctive look.
Why is my sliding tank door not sliding smoothly?
Similar to other moving parts used outside, we recommend lubricating the slides at least once a year and as needed. Lubricating the slides will help them operate smoothly and extend their life. Any spray lubricant, such as WD-40, can be used to spray into the bearings of the drawer. After lubricating both slides, slide the drawer back and forth a few times to spread the lubrication. WARNING! Do not spray lubricant while burner is operating. Disconnect and remove the propane tank from the base before spraying lubrication. View the sliding tank door bulletin for assistance.
What type of fuels can I use?
You can choose from either LP (liquid propane) or NG (natural gas.) The Crystal Fire® Plus Burner unit comes set-up for LP, unless otherwise noted, and can be converted to NG with a NG conversion kit that comes with the unit.
What makes a concrete top unique?
Your top is handcrafted from Portland cement concrete and reinforced with glass fibers to provide exceptional strength and durability compared to traditional concrete. Supercast™ is typically 1/3 of the thickness of traditional concrete with 3 times the strength. Each piece offers its own uniqueness; you may notice color variations in your fire table top or outdoor kitchen countertop. This is intentionally done during the molding process in order to create a unique natural appearance which mimics natural stone. One factor that may slightly affect coloration is thickness. On fire pit table tops, the burner cover may appear slightly different than the rest of the top due to the difference in thickness. Due to the physical properties of concrete, small hairline cracks may appear in the surface over time. This is normal and does not affect structural integrity of the top. If cracking is severe or deep, repair or replacement may be required. A minimum of two coats of solvent-based acrylic sealer are applied during the manufacturing process. Because of varying porosity in concrete sealer, it may be absorbed differently throughout the top. Due to this you may notice varying luster.
What is the recommended seasonal maintenance for fire pit tables?
The following information describes installation, general care and maintenance for OGC fire pits when putting away for winter and setting up in the spring. Your fire pit is built to last and by caring for it correctly, you will enjoy it for years. Spring Checklist • Remove protective cover • Remove burner cover • Remove glass gems from burner. The burner can be cleaned by removing all of the glass gems and wiping down the edges and surface of the burner. A wet cloth/paper towel can be used to clean off any dirt. The glass gems can also be cleaned with a wet cloth/paper towel. These can be cleaned as needed depending on the amount of dirt and debris that land in the burner. Clean burner using damp cloth checking burner for any clogged port holes. Port holes can be unclogged using a toothpick or something similar. Put glass gems into burner. • Remove Crystal Fire® Burner from fire pit top. Untighten the metal flex hose to orifice connection. • Unscrew orifice from burner to check and see if there is any debris/frozen water/etc in the neck of the burner. Use a pliers or finger to remove any excess debris. An air hose may be needed to clean out this burner neck as a last resort. All blockages should be removed before next step. • Screw in orifice and tighten with metal flex hose using two wrenches. • Check other gas connections to make sure they are tight. If tightening is needed, make sure to use two wrenches. • Check the sparker connections from the burner to the sparker box. Make sure they are plugged in and the AAA battery works. Check electrode in burner for blue spark, should be spaced at 3/16” apart. • Make sure gas valve on base is in off position and hook up LP tank, open up valve on LP tank or turn on NG gas valve. • Push in sparker button and slowly open gas valve. • Check flame for any irregularities or any smell of gas. If gas is smelled shut off immediately and check gas connections. • Clean off fire pit top and base with damp cloth. If top is stainless, stainless steel cleaner is recommended. If top is supercast, resealing with concrete sealer may be needed. • Tighten screws on glass guard clips and set on fire pit top. Clean glass guard with windex and paper towel. Winter Checklist • Remove any debris (leaves, dirt) from the burner • Close gas valve on fire pit base or shut off gas for NG. • Shut off and remove LP tank from base • Remove glass guard and store • Cover Crystal Fire® Burner with OGC burner cover • Wipe down fire pit top and burner • Removing glass gems from burner to clean – optional – can be done in winter or spring • Cover fire pit table with OGC protective cover
What happens to my fire pit when it rains?
Crystal Fire Plus burners and burner inserts feature raised, extruded ports and a slightly pitched design. This unique burner design causes water to drain to the perimeter, away from the burner. The water then drains to the bottom of the fire pit enclosure.
How do I maintain the Supercast™ finish?
Keep the top clean do not allow dust, dirt, water to stand on the top. Your top is very similar to your kitchen counter except for outdoor use. Use a mild mixture of dish detergent and warm water. • Do not put the cover on when the table is wet. • Cover the unit to protect from buildup of water, snow, dust, dirt, and debris. • Ensure the top is dry prior to covering for an extended period.
Is the fire pit or fireplace approved for use in screened porches, gazebos, and lanais?
The unit itself is not UL approved for this application, but there should not be any problem provided the following guidelines are followed: A minimum of three walls are screened. Screens must be permanently open. They cannot have windows that can close. The screened walls must provide a minimum open area of 30%. All appliance ceiling and wall clearances must be met. Minimum porch area 96 square feet.
Is media included with the Crystal Fire® Plus Burner or Fire Pit Table?
Yes, we include Clear Tempered Fire Glass Gems with each Crystal Fire® Plus Burner (some exceptions apply.) The glass used is a heat-tempered, tumbled glass gem.
If I purchase a Crystal Fire® Plus Burner for my own project, what else do I need?
It will depend on your project. More than likely, you will need to purchase a control panel, key valve, timer, or Direct Spark Ignition system; this will allow for easier access to operate your burner from the outside. You may also need to specify the fuel source (LP or NG) used if it is a large or custom burner. We recommend working with your local OGC dealer to determine what is needed for your project. Contact us for specific details.
How many BTU’s per hour does my fire pit produce?
The BTU rating for each burner varies by size and fuel type. For the exact BTU rating consult your Crystal Fire® Burner Manual.
How long will a 20 lb. LP tank last in my fire pit table?
There are two factors that ultimately dictate how long your LP tank will last. The first factor is the ambient conditions when you are operating your burner. The humidity and temperature will have an influence on how long the LP tank will last. As the ambient temperature drops, it becomes more difficult for the LP tank to keep up with the demand for fuel going to the burner. This is because the process that converts liquid propane to usable propane vapor slows down as temperature decreases. Similarly, as ambient humidity drops that same process slows down because the tank is less able to insulate itself with condensation as it converts liquid propane to propane vapor. Flame height setting is the other factor that affects how long an LP tank will last. When the control valve is set to “High” the burner will use more fuel than when the same burner is set to operate on “Low”. See chart that outlines the estimated burn time of a 20 lb. tank when considering flame setting.
How do I install a Crystal Fire® Plus Burner?
See attached manual and video for installation instructions on our Crystal Fire® Plus Burner.
What do I need to know about Composite Decking Care, Maintenance, and Repair?
View the attached file for more information on caring for your OGC product that utilizes composite decking. Topics covered include: touch-ups, replacing slats, protecting your table, and our best tips for making your table last.