Is It Safe to Use a Gas Grill Under a Covered Patio or Screen Enclosure?

Many homeowners want to enjoy outdoor cooking year-round, especially in Florida. But if you have a screened enclosure, aluminum patio cover, or a fully wrapped patio, you might be wondering: is it safe to use a gas grill under a covered patio? We have answered this in earlier blog of ours but we wanted to provide insight into other covered spaces.

Generally, it is safe—but only with proper ventilation and safety measures in place. At Lafferty Aluminum and Screening, we install a variety of outdoor aluminum enclosures, and we often get questions about how grilling fits into the picture. Here’s what you need to know to grill without fear!

Understand the Type of Patio or Enclosure You Have

The safety of grilling under a covered space depends largely on how enclosed the area is.

Screen Enclosures or Pool Enclosures

These structures are typically well-ventilated, with open airflow on all sides. Using a gas grill in a screened enclosure is generally safe as long as you:

• Position the grill away from walls and screen panels to prevent heat or smoke damage.
• Keep a clear area above the grill—avoid placing it under low eaves or aluminum framing.
• Ensure airflow by keeping screens unobstructed so smoke can disperse.

Aluminum Patio Covers

Patio covers made of aluminum are durable and heat-resistant, but caution is still necessary:

• Make sure the grill is not directly under the roof line—ideally, place it at the edge of the cover.
• Allow smoke to escape by avoiding areas with restricted airflow.
• Watch for grease flare-ups, which can create sudden bursts of heat that may rise into the roof framing.

Patio Wraps (More Enclosed Areas)

Patio wraps offer the most protection from weather but can trap heat and smoke if not properly ventilated. In most cases, grilling under a fully wrapped patio is not recommended unless mechanical ventilation is installed or if there is enough room in this space.

If you're planning to grill regularly, we recommend discussing ventilation options with your contractor during the design phase or placing the grill outside the patio wrap. Not every patio wrap is built with outdoor cooking. Instead, outdoor comfort is always in mind when building. Please explain your ideas to one of our team members and we can build something with enough space for your grill under cover.

Safety Tips for Grilling Under Covered Areas

To safely use a gas grill under any type of patio cover or screen enclosure, follow these basic guidelines:

• Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions for your grill.
• Never leave the grill unattended while in use.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
• Keep the grill at least 3 feet away from any walls, posts, or screening.
• Install a grill mat underneath to protect the surface from grease and sparks.
• Clean your grill regularly to prevent grease fires.
• Ensure there is adequate ventilation to avoid buildup of carbon monoxide or smoke.

Can You Grill Inside a Pool Screen Enclosure?

Yes, but again—ventilation is the key. Pool screen enclosures generally allow plenty of airflow, but you’ll want to keep the grill away from walls and be mindful of smoke rising toward the structure. Aluminum is highly durable, but screen mesh can discolor or wear over time with constant exposure to heat or smoke.

Building or Updating Your Enclosure?

If you’re considering adding a screen enclosure, aluminum patio cover, or patio wrap to your home, and want to make sure it’s suitable for grilling, we can help. At Lafferty Aluminum and Screening, we design and install outdoor enclosures that combine durability with functionality—including layouts that support safe outdoor cooking setups.

We’ll help you plan your outdoor living space with the airflow and clearance needed for safe gas grill use—so you can enjoy all the benefits of a covered patio without compromising safety.

Contact Lafferty Aluminum and Screening

From screened-in pool enclosures to custom patio wraps, our team can guide you through your options to create an outdoor space that’s safe, stylish, and suited to your lifestyle.

Call us today at 321-652-1078 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation!

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